Using a touchup spray gun

[JimClark]

Ok I have had a touchup spray gun in my drawer for quite a while now. All the painting I have done has been done with rattle cans, Preval® Spray Gun (baby food jar with propellant) or my air brush. I have never used a full on spray gun and find it intimidating. I would like tips on using a spray gun.

Jim

[kfxguy]

I'm no pro but I've been painting a few things here and there using a touch up gun. I use about 45 psi and adjust from there. Try not to let any water in the lines so get a water filter and also drain your tank first. I suggest practicing on a couple things you don't care about first. I like wicked colors air brush paint for my base. It's water based. You mess it up, wash it off with hot water before its cured. I wait a couple days before I clear it to make sure all the water has evaporated out and dried completely. Then I use a clear that my local automotive paint store carries. Iirc it was Less than $40 for a quart and the reducer and hardener you'll need. Try 3 light coats of your base. If it covers well at that, your good. If not add another. Here's my top I painted with a touch up gun (gun quality does make a big difference too)


Before clear

[JimClark]

you use a regular gun or a HVLP?

[kfxguy]

you use a regular gun or a HVLP?

The first gun I was using was not an hvlp and it did ok. Then I picked up a hvlp touch up and it works muuuuuch better. Both were harbor freight. One was like 15 bucks (non hvlp) the other was like $40 but i always have 20% off coupons when I go in there lol.

[Agitator]

I bought one of these when I first went HVLP, and actually like them for boat work. I eventually got one of each nozzle size for primer/color/clear. Keep them clean and they work great. I know there are better more $$$ guns out there, but I like these for what I use them for. I still have my high dollar Sharpes conventional guns too though.

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/gravity-feed-hvlp-spray-gun-p-16764.aspx

Michael

[Shooter]

Hi Jim. Looks like these guys have you on the right track. I'm also at 45psi with a touch-up gun (0.6mm). Pressure is read WHILE the gun is flowing and trigger is pushed (it drops while flowing). Also, one real light thin coat to start seems to help adhesion. Prep is probably the biggest tip I can give. Make sure it's clean, lint free, and dry.

[JimClark]

My main concern is the figuring out the operation of the gun and the air and paint adjustment. It is a real pain painting a 1/10th scale vintage hydro with an airbrush

[kfxguy]

My main concern is the figuring out the operation of the gun and the air and paint adjustment. It is a real pain painting a 1/10th scale vintage hydro with an airbrush

That's easy. Get a piece of card board or white poster board. Spray while adjusting. You'll see less or more paint come out. The amount that comes out is controlled progressively with the trigger. You'll see how easy it is once you try it. It's easier to paint with a gun than a spray can and come out much smoother. The hardest part to me is prep work (extremely important!) and mixing the paint (not hard). If you ask yourself, you think this will show through....odds are it will. Any little imperfections will show.

[Beaux]

that green came out nice! i have been debating about a touch up gun .looks like its a go .

[kfxguy]

Best thing is to get the cheap one from harbor freight for your base and the better one for clear.

[Beaux]

got a set already, just did not want to get them dirty. After 4 or 5 rattleer cans at 5 to 7 bucks a pop per boat. You still wind up spending to much on paint.I think I can turn the gun down enough to do some air brush work