HVLP Paint gun with small compressor

[jynx]

I am waiting for my Shrockworks bumper to be delivered and I am trying to decide how to paint it. I ordered it bare steel and I have sourced the paint code from Toyota to match the cladding and flares on my 98 4Runner and now I am trying to decide how to make the painting itself happen.

I have done some reading and I have found I can get a small HVLP gun with a 1.3 or 1.4 mm tip for about what it would cost to have the paint put in rattle cans, so now I am trying to figure out if my little 1hp craftsman compressor could handle the job of putting a base/clear on the bumper with a LP gun. I have read that some folks have done laquer on railings and such with a pancake style, so I am trying to decide if since the surfaces are small and I wouldn't need to stay on the air for a long period at a time, could it work?

I know a bigger compressor would be better and all, but I don't really want to spend $300-$400 on a 110 comp when I can get a good 220 comp for a little more. I don't have a place for a big comp, so I am trying to see if I can make what I have work.

I have had some great offers to help (thanks Jason) but I am thinking of trying my hand at it and it would minimize the transporting of the 120# beast.

So any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Matt

 

[vtgbeemer]

What size tank does your compressor have and what cfm at 40# is it rated?

 

[jynx]

What size tank does your compressor have and what cfm at 40# is it rated?

Small, 3 gallons and about 4.0 cfm. I thought about picking up a auxiliary tank to add some volume, but don't want to overwork the little comp. trying to keep it full.

 

[vtgbeemer]

I am afraid that as soon as you started shooting , your compressor would fall behind and you would not be able to maintain a uniform patern.

 

[jynx]

Yeah, I was kind of afraid of that.... I guess I will order a pint and prep everything and then try and find a buddy to let me shoot the color on it.

Thanks,