Does a cheap gun Guaranteee a poor paint job?

[Wile E Coyote]

Devilbliss' basic Startingline guns would surely give great results, but how 'bout a Home Depot Husky hvlp gun? I would be using a Dupont AE single stage and proper prep. This is meant as a decent wheeling rig's paint job, so....?

Certain folks have surprisingly great things to say about Harbor Frieght HVLP guns, how about Husky's version?
Anyone?

 

[drk1313]

Cheap gun

I've found that if your compressor matches the cfm (sometimes noted as scfm) rating of the gun you can lay down a nice, servicible job. The expensive guns atomize the paint better, giving a smoother finish - this is really what you pay for. Dirt, dust and humidity are usually bigger problems than the gun itself. Also, a color sand and buff really helps if you want to take it that far.

Practice and follow the setting recommendations for the gun closely and you should be OK. Also be careful and wear some breathing protection - the new paints are nasty.

Good luck

 

[Mace]

I have one of the HF guns.. And am very happy with it.

It is like everything. the people in the know say there is not any way around it. You need to get the best equipment. The people that don't know any better can get a very servicable job with the cheap stuff..

 

[Trollhole]

I have one of the HF guns.. And am very happy with it.

It is like everything. the people in the know say there is not any way around it. You need to get the best equipment. The people that don't know any better can get a very servicable job with the cheap stuff..

Quote of the day.

 

[Wile E Coyote]

Well said, Mace. I too, feel the same way. I find more and more ways to avoid buying the 'insider's best' and still getting the job done. I'm not afraid of a little color sanding, and again, this is not my 72 Dart project we're talkin about. ( If I HAD a 72 Dart for a project )
I did, however ditch the Duplicolor rattle cans and step up to REAL auto paint, I can totally justify that.

 

[camcruiser13]

buy something in your budget, i bought a cheapo and am pleased,

i dont paint all but once evry 3rd year so no need for an expensive one for me

 

[thecrazygreek]

I have used the Harbor freight guns, and have good results. You need to know the gun, and make sure you have clean gear before you begin any project.

I also have a devilbiss, and it works alot better at "atomizing paint"

Botom line is, if you go back and color sand and buff, your results will be very respectable.

So ditto what everyone here has said...

 

[eassycool]

guys sorry for the ignorance ; can you give me a lesson on color sand and buff? How its done and steps to achieve the final result? Thanks!

 

[thecrazygreek]

try this link from diy

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ab_auto_restoration/article/0,2021,DIY_13680_2863204,00.html

 

[webelk6]

Devilbliss' basic Startingline guns would surely give great results, but how 'bout a Home Depot Husky hvlp gun? I would be using a Dupont AE single stage and proper prep. This is meant as a decent wheeling rig's paint job, so....?

Certain folks have surprisingly great things to say about Harbor Frieght HVLP guns, how about Husky's version?
Anyone?

90% of the time the paint job is within the applicator, not the equipment. Having said that, it is nicer working with "new" schtuff vs. old crap.

 

[Rhinoliner]

I've used several of the HF guns in the past and they are OK. A while back, I went on a bunch of recommendations from the following website and bought a couple of the Astro HVLP guns, one for primer and one for paint. They were about $75.00 apiece.

Huge improvement over the HF guns in atomization and quality for just a few bucks more. I think they are a knockoff of a top of the line SATA gun. I think the site where I bought them is called spraygunworld.com.

autobody101.com

 

[REZARF]

90% of the time the paint job is within the applicator, not the equipment. Having said that, it is nicer working with "new" schtuff vs. old crap.

This is the best point to make when spraying a car. I would take an experienced dude who has shot 100's or 1000's of cars with a sub par gun vs. a rookie with all the right equipment.

I personally bought one of the HF guns and my auto body instructor commented on how nice it was for the money, he was really shocked... but he also uses a bagillion dollar gun too.

Just my .02

Rezarf <><

 

[REZARF]

and proper prep. This is meant as a decent wheeling rig's paint job, so....?

This is about 90% of the job... and the work.

Rezarf <><

 

[llih]

Shop around, sometimes you can find a really nice knock off Sata for cheap on Ebay or on sale at local paint dealers. I got a nice clone for about $100.00 at the local place.

 

[cruiser88]

its all in the wrist well maybe a little arm movement. lol

 

[vkfzj80]

cheap guns do work well but sometimes you have to try a couple to find a good one, biggest thing they lack is quality control so that means the parts may not fit perfectly. I looked at a couple of HB once that they had on the shelf and there was noticeble difference in trigger action and in the cap/needle assembly.

give it a try and if it doesn't work for you take back or exchange it for a different unit.

 

[ColoCruiserJeff]

Of all of the vehicles I've painted, I've used everthing from a Devilbiss Suction fed to a Sata digital. From a $30.00 gun at Harbor Freight to a $500.00 shop gun, they' all lay paint! Sure you'll find variances with the 100's of guns out there. You may want to try a 30-90$ gun at Harbor Freight/Sears and get a feel for painting on used auto parts.

You can get a hood from a junk yard for 10$ and dented or not, it'll be great to practice on!

You'll find that the quality and consistancy of your air is one of the most vital ingredients for a beautiful paint. Layin paint is all a matter of time. Take your time, with your gun setup properly and you'll have a great shine. You need quality air moving through the booth and super-clean air runnin thru the gun and you'll be pleased with the finish.

Best of luck to ya!