Club 80-90 Forums

I'm about to replace some panels on my van and I'm tired of the results using rattle spray cans. I don't want to go down the roller route, no offence to anyone, it's just not for me. I'm also not after a full respray but being able to get a reasonable result with a diy spray gun would be useful. I've seen a couple of electric ones and don't want to get a compressor for occasional use. Can anyone recommend a diy spray gun?

You could try an apollo spraymate. Can't beat a compressor and hvlp gun though. The spraymate doesn't have a lot of adjustment on it.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Airless guns are OK but you won't get really good results as compared with a proper gun and compressor.

And much depends on the type of paint you are thinking of using. Rattle cans are a cellulose type paint which, if used in an airless gun will give ok results if you don't mind flatting and polishing the paint afterward as it will be happy with that but really, for a durable, long term job, you'd be better off with a 2 pack product however that itself needs correct use and protective gear, and a decent spray gun and compressor. If you use a good quality Devilbliss type gravity fed hvlp (high volume low pressure) gun then you could respray your van with just a small hundred odd quid compressor, fitted with a moisture trap. It will keep up with you if, say, you do one side of the van at a time.

And can always flog the spray kit on ebay afterward...

My advice for what it is worth:
I used to repair and spray vehicles as a spare time hobby - and although having used Acrylic, synthetic and two pack products always preferred Cellulose which I was able to apply to a wipe over deep gloss finish without a lacquer coat. However I have found cellulose more and more difficult to get my hands on even in spray cans. In recent years I have been using proprietary synthetic enamel in my Professional gravity fed gun and for smaller areas such as say bike projects or - don't laugh - mobility scooters I have the paint loaded into spray cans by our local paint factors.
I would suggest Googling local "vehicle finishing factors" and go see them if you can. Eyeball to eyeball - advice from an experienced Specialist should get you onto the right product. I do find it difficult to match panels with can spray if using metallic.

CS

Thanks for the input, the more I look the more I want to go down the spray gun route. Always liked the idea of using these and I could easily use one for other projects that I have on the go.

I've seen this one:

Electric spray gun

I'd still like to keep it simple and not get a compressor but maybe i should? All input welcome.

I have used the Apollo spray kit for spraying furniture including large panels, 2 k lacquer and paint with perfect results. You must invest in proper breathing equipment if you are going to use 2 k paint .

Ant-t wrote:Thanks for the input, the more I look the more I want to go down the spray gun route. I'd still like to keep it simple and not get a compressor but maybe i should? All input welcome.

A small, wheeled compressor is always handy to have around. For instance, doing your tyre pressures, cleaning, drilling, etc. Better to have a good quality gun though, and avoid suction fed guns, particlatly those made in China. Poor tolerances on the gun's needle and air cap won't make for a smooth spray delivery, and suction guns will always splutter over your job at the wrong moment and perhaps make a recoat necessary So, a decent hvlp gun, in-line moisture filter and a 100 odd quid compressor is, in my opinion, the way to go.

I think, can't be 100% sure, but nitro-cellulose paint, due to its high voc content, isn't easily available anymore. Acrylics are OK for air dry use and polish well but as I say, 2-packs are by far easier and less faff, PROVIDING you use the correct kit, or, buy non-isocyanate 2 pack instead though I've never tried that so can't say if it's as good.

Best do some research on airless versus a gun and compressor, costs of the various paint types and the end sale value if you don't want to keep the kit afterward.

Thanks for the input, I need to do more reading up, I'm looking to keep the kit and as above having a compressor would be handy and would give me better gun options by the sound of it.

You will need a big set up for spray gun and air fed breathing equipment for 2 K paints.

Thanks for the heads up, 2k paint looks like nasty stuff

Yeah it is, thats one of the main reasons I sprayed mine with Rustoleum.

boatbuilder wrote:Yeah it is, thats one of the main reasons I sprayed mine with Rustoleum.

Sounds like a good option, out of interest, what do you thin it with?

Just found it, looks like it's thinned with white spirit.

Yes normal white spirits. It sprays amazingly well and levels out like glass.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

I have found over the last 3 years that rustoleum seams to chip very easily . Anyone else ?