Im thinking about buying a paint gun. Im guessing HVLP is what I want. As far as brand, tip size, etc. I dont know what to look for. I would want to be able to spray primer, base and clear with it. I looked at Sharp, DeVilbiss, Iwata, Sata, Binks. I know Iwata and Sata make good guns. I dont want to spend $700 on a gun though. What should i look for? If it matters. The paint is PPG DBU atomic orange.

 

Assuming you know how to paint, the better the gun the better the paint job. You don't have to buy the most expensive gun to do it, but it should be something quality. I have two Sata guns. One for primer and one for base and clear (1.7mm tip and 1.3mm tip respectively). You definitely don't want to spray primer and base and clear out of the same gun. You can, but I wouldn't recommend it. If you have to, buy a super cheap gun for primer. Some of your higher end painters will have multiple guns for multiple materials. I got a smoking deal on my guns, but if you shop around you should be able to find a good Sata gun in the $400 range. Search my username for my 91 build thread to see my paint job.

 

I will check out your thread. For a primer gun. Will it matter if its a gravity or siphon feed? I have an old Binks 7 laying around, but its a siphon gun.

 

Nah, for primer it doesn't really matter. You're going to block it down anyways, so the quality of the spray isn't as important.

 

Iwata makes an extremely efficient, high quality gun. That will be my next one. I'd buy a used SATA if you're not willing to fork out serious cash, though.

 

So in your opinion Iwata is a better gun?

Fast 377, I looked for your build thread but couldnt find it.

 

I have a one Sata for base and one for clear and the the cheapest ATD gravity for primer and it works great. Look at DeVilbiss Finishline series for a good gun at a reasonable price.

 

Devillbiss makes a great product (not cheap) listen to the advice of never use the same gun for the two applications. I use two different tips, one for the base then another tip for clear. Depends on what you are spraying, the reason for me is I like to burry things under the clear, such as SS stripes or ghost flames. There is nothing worse then seeing a custom paint job and then being able to feel the art work under it.
You can actually bury (fix) a small run when you get really good, hope it goes well for you, good luck.

 

Honestly, paint guns are personal preference on a large margin. I don't think you can go wrong on any of the big 3 (Devilbiss, SATA, IWATA).

I choose Iwata because the air consumption rate is excellent, they spray good (obviously), and it's really just a nice gun in your hands. The price, however... is where things are different. I'll be picking one of the Nova's soon and IIRC it's $670? Somewhere around there.

Certainly, some of it comes down to the quality of the gun... but find someone who REALLY knows their gun well, and you'll get an A+ paintjob every time. Find something you like and stick with it.


& yes... use your crap gun for primer, and your good one for base/clear.

 

I use a C.A. Technologies HVLP "CPR". It's made in America, half the cost of a new Sata, and in my humble opinion sprays better than my bosses Sata. In his opinion, it sprays just as well lmao.

Edit, the C.A. Technologies comes with a 1.3 tip, a 1.5 tip, and a 1.7 tip. I use the 1.3 for base and 1.5 for clear. I use a knock off sears hvlp for sandable primer, and an old husky from home depot for epoxy primers. I also keep my guns exceptionally well maintained, and if need be could spray a decent base/clear with my husky if absolutely had to.

 

Is there a place online to shop for Sata? Not that im set on buying a Sata, but im having a hard time finding them. I know Eastwood used to carry Sata, but apparently they dont anymore. I have seen Sata on a few sites but it says to call. Are they not available for online purchase? Just wondering.

Also, some guns ask you to choose a tip size when ordering. Would I need more than one size for base and clear?

 

They are available, but they arent allowed to post prices because sata doesnt allow it. As for differing tip sizes, you want a set that has either a 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, or a 1.3, 1.5, 1.7 tip set, as 1.3 works great for base, and 1.4/1.5 is good for clear. You really should check out C.A. Technologies though, as they have great prices.

This is the gun I bought.
http://www.jnequipment.com/show_deta...ravity_Fee_Cup