Using a spray gun

[JimClark]

Alright just bought a small spray gun. Always used my airbrush up until now and want to get some tips on how to use and adjust and clean this puppy.
Typical Chinese product very sparse on instructions

[CornelP]

Pretty much the same cleaning procedure as for an airbrush, some models also have a tiny filter in the fitting between pistol and can. The adjustment on the needle gives you paint quantity, the one on top should be pressure (the big ones have it lower under the handle).
For these chinese ones, a word of advice: never clean your gaskets with paint thinner... they just cannot take it...

[egneg]

Here is a guide that I used when I first started and found it most helpful.

http://www.airbrush.com/how-to-guide.aspx?content=how-to/howtoDetail&id=146

http://www.airbrush.com/how-to-guide.aspx?content=how-to/howtoDetail&id=147

It is a 2 part "How To".

[sailr]

The most critical ingredient of using a gun or airbrush for that matter is THOROUGH cleaning after each use. Most people don't go far enough. I disassemble the gun completely and clean everything meticulously. It's a real pain in the arse and the reason a lot of people end up using rattle cans!

[tharmer]

I'm told that Sherwin-Williams auto paint has a rattle can where you break a chamber in it and release the hardner. When you spray it is almost car paint. Can lasts for a few days after catalyzed I think.
-t

[JimClark]

So how do you clean the gaskets?
Jim

Pretty much the same cleaning procedure as for an airbrush, some models also have a tiny filter in the fitting between pistol and can. The adjustment on the needle gives you paint quantity, the one on top should be pressure (the big ones have it lower under the handle).
For these chinese ones, a word of advice: never clean your gaskets with paint thinner... they just cannot take it...

[CornelP]

Normally just technical alcohol... Last time I used isopropyl alcohol and was a bit afraid, but it's ok. If you can find the equivalent size gasket in a hardware store or a car parts store, go ahead and change them, they will last longer. One more thing: after cleaning the gun, reassemble it! This way you will not look for parts all over the shop (don't ask...) :)

[JimClark]

technical alcohol I assume the gaskets are just o rings?

[Cat-Boi]

not me!!, I just flush the gun with thinners each color during the paint job, and use a seperate gun for clear only. then after the job is done, I take em apart and clean em, takes about 10 minutes.

[CornelP]

Yup, just plain o-rings, about three of them.

[Jeff Wohlt]

Yep-- just thinner and spray it out then pull it apart and clean the needle, etc. easy and that is all we ever did to the highest priced guns at the auto body shop.

The key is doing it after shooting...not 20-30 minutes later. I love my small touch up gun then I have a HVLP gun that can use liners in the upper res. HVLP guns are best and easiest. You do not need some great $400 Binks to get a great job done.

I also mix and strain all paints going in when I use a gun. The difference is much easier to lay a coat of paint on because of the spray pattern.

Some of the new water colors are working great in the best of paint booths around the country.