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CarPaintNoob_IsThisCompressorOK?

714 views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  JohnGD 
#1 ·
Hi, I'm a noob but you guys have saved me soooo much money..! :x

I've never painted a car before, I've only clear-coated a bit with cheap cans. I watched YouTube videos on the subject, and to my surprise my work turned out okay.

Encouraged, I'm now eager to try out actually painting a car with a gun and compressor. I have only watched 20 or so vids on the topic but I want to do the hands-on.

I want to just TRY IT OUT at first, and locally I have found a used compressor I can pick up for $50.

Is this model compressor basically okay for the purposes of painting a car?

It is an Alton AT-01205-11, which is 3 horsepower and 11 gallons of air volume.

If you have any experience, can you tell me which gun I might first try using..? I suspect I don't need whiz-bang gear, and I'm on a budget.

I'm going to include a photo of the compressor.
 

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#3 ·
On Ebay for paint-guns I'm seeing a lot of references to HVLP, High Volume Low Pressure:

What are the advantages of HVLP, if any..?

The prices I'm seeing for NEW guns on Ebay are encouraging --there are many models around the $60 range, complete with sturdy box, and foam cut-out inserts, sorta like when the sniper gets in place, then snaps open his briefcase and there's this awesome rifle, still in parts, heh-heh..

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...ar+paint+gun.TRS0&_nkw=car+paint+gun&_sacat=0

Are there brands you favor..?

Should I be considering only gravity-feed models?
 
#8 ·
Keep checking around for answers. $200-300+ paint guns with the correct compressor are nice,but heck your just starting.
If the compressor is not strong enough ( HP-PSI-enough reservoir of air [that be tank size] ) then the best paint gun in the world won't be worth spit (
a little paint gun humor there).
Harbor Freight has low cost paint guns, compressors, air hoses etc. with product grantees as well. If you don't have one locally, check on line and compare the costs (including shipping) aginst what ever you see locally. Also the air gun manufactures will describe their products capability's and requirements on their web pages. Use that information to help you pick out a paint gun locally at least you'll know about where you are.
Any how don't give up. Everybody has to start some where
 
#9 ·
That compressor has only 5 CFM at 40PSI. So keep looking.

Start by checking the spray guns at Harbor Freight for starters and read the reviews. Even 6 CFM at 90PSI is marginal for many of the HVLP guns, so you'll have to look for a suitable combination at the same time.

You can google up everything you need to know about HVLP. And you can search for local automotive paint suppliers and maybe visit the showroom.

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/paint-body/ccrp-0511-paint-spray-gun/
http://www.binks.com/resources/tip-...ia-should-be-known-when-selecting-a-spray-gun
http://www.spraygunworld.com/Information2/AAA/AAA vs hvlp vs rp.html
 
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