7 replies to this topic

[HUBBA.HUBBA]

I bought a decent paint gun for my compressor a couple of years ago and now looking to actually use it. I have always been a rattle can sprayer and have had excellent results, but I would like to go upwards. I don't have a clue about what paint to buy and what to mix it with (especially during lockdown). I know I'll be ok with the actual spraying and prep, its just how and where to get the paint and what's required to mix it. so if anyone can offer any advice it would be much appreciated.

[sovenmini]

All depends what you want to paint and the size of it, there is a lot of factors, are we talking small parts a whole car, the colour, metallic or not, 2k, solvent, water ect. Also the tip size on the gun you have and the size and cfm of your compressor.

It really all depend what you want out of it, there is not one product or spray gun that does it all. Different products for different finishes and different guns for products.

Let me know what your plans are and I’ll see what I can help with

[HUBBA.HUBBA]

All depends what you want to paint and the size of it, there is a lot of factors, are we talking small parts a whole car, the colour, metallic or not, 2k, solvent, water ect. Also the tip size on the gun you have and the size and cfm of your compressor.

It really all depend what you want out of it, there is not one product or spray gun that does it all. Different products for different finishes and different guns for products.

Let me know what your plans are and I’ll see what I can help with

The compressor is 50 ltr tank 3hp, nozzles are PGF14 and PGF18. Looking to spray roof, bonnet, sills. Flame red, gloss black.

Edited by HUBBA.HUBBA, 06 May 2020 - 10:56 AM.

[sovenmini]

The compressor will be fine to run anything you put on it witch is good, the spray gun on the other hand are (I’m not trying to be rude or insulting) extremely avg to low, I will add I have owned the PGF14 some time ago, as for the PGF18 witch is a 1.8mm tip witch is a monster in paint terms i would that’s more of a primer tip size as it will cover well and get it out nice and fast but not always what you want for paint, Unless your covering massive areas with paint the 1.8 is not great and there is not big areas on a mini, the 1.4 you have will be fine for what you need paint wise, your find that most body shops will use a 1.3 or 1.4 for most jobs but there is a massive difference in guns and what you pay is what you get, most high quality guns start at £300+ yes silly money unless it’s your job but the difference is really noticeable as it atomised the paint so much more, I have spent up to £100 on cheap guns trying to find stuff close but they get better but not anywhere close to a high quality gun and it does effect the finish alots.

In terms of paint my own personal opinion would be to use a 2k mix, Mipa is a good paint its not cheap but it doesn’t brake the bank at all it covers well and you really have to spend a lot more to get something better in my eye, there have flame red on there colour chart too as I have painted it, you will need the paint, a Mipa hardener there are different types 10, 25 etc etc this is all to do with drying time, 10 dries fast witch is good but also means more chance of dry spots etc the 25 or 20 can’t remember what it’s called is a slower drying hardener this will flow out better and can lead to a smoother finish but this all depends on who is painting it, you will have to wait longer between coats. All this really comes down what the user is comfortable doing and don’t forget weather / temp has a big impact, hot day 10 will dry really quickly 20/25 on a cold day your be waiting along time to dry so your better with a 10 on a cold day and 20/25 on a hot day. The mix for most 2k (not all) is 2:1 so for example 1 litre of paint and 500g of hardener is needed, witch gives you a total of 1.5 litres in total, plus your needed thinners and can add anything from 2%-20% this is a personal thing again and depends on the painting style, I personally use 10% as a rule.

Never try and cover it in the first coat it won’t happen aim for 2 or 3 to cover and go from there.

Plus remember that colour matching is a bit of a art form in itself, old paint next to new and fading, red is also really bad for fading to do with uv light. So the mix you get could be right but your car has faded.

Also two last points, get plenty of thinners to clean your gun out, or there ruined and always / always wear a good quality mask with this stuff.

Hope this help

[HUBBA.HUBBA]

that's great info, thank you. What is 2k exactly? people mention it all the time but I haven't a clue

[sovenmini]

2k is just a term used to describe the tyoe of paint, so you have to mix the paint with a hardener (also called activator sometimes) this is a chemical reaction when mixed together will make the products dry / harden, so without hardener it will do nothing and won’t dry, as example a spray can is a 1k so when sprayed (normally solvent based) will air dry, this is not as strong or as hard as a chemical reaction so a good thinner will wipe it off.

Some people also refer to 2k as a direct gloss, as you do not use lacquer in this process of painting.

[sonscar]

2k is mostly very toxic and there are many things to consider before using it.I have painted several cars badly in my life and have paid as much as £20 for a gun.The equipment has never been my stumbling block,rather lack of patience.Bodywork is very labour intensive.A painter acquaintance once caught my doing bodywork and his comment:you are using guidecoat when you should still be using a hammer and dolly!He was right.Good luck.Steve..

[spin]

A link to Mipa paints, all products are listed :

 

Mipa 2K-HS-Acrylic-Enamels OC  will leave a very good gloss finish

https://www.mipa-pai...ar-refinishing/

 

A couple of spray painting resources:

The Gunman:

https://www.youtube....enson/playlists

 

Custom Spray Mods:

https://www.youtube....sable_polymer=1