Electric paint gun for priming a vehicle?

[mike758]

I am debating on buying an air compressor set up to do some automotive priming in my garage. Between the cost of a Husky 60 gallon air compressor, a harbor freight HVLP gun, water separators, and wiring, we are looking at $600-700 for the setup. Something I stumbled upon by accident were electric spray guns, specifically the Wagner turbine spray gun. They look legit, but I can't find much on them for priming. It's probably not the top choice for top coating, but I'm just using epoxy primer for what I'm doing. If it wouldn't work, I can't go wrong with a bigger air compressor, but would like to dodge the bullet if I can.

 

[ssdave]

I've used a dedicated turbine HVLP for years. Not the best for automotive, but really really good for wood finishes, particularly polyurethanes, stains, and clear coats. It works okay for metal, can even do finish with some rubbing out and polishing.

Here's a link to discussion of benefits of turbine vs compressor HVLP:

http://www.spraygunworld.com/Information2/Compressors/Whatisacompressor.html

 

[toolenthusiast]

There are roll-on automotive primers, if that floats your boat. They're not extremely popular but they are used by some bodyshops.

 

[jakemac]

I've used electric sprayers for painting wood, I wouldn't use one to paint a car. I've never had one that atomized the paint well enough to give a fine finish. I think that if you use one to prime body parts you'll end up having to do a lot of extra wet sanding to prep for a topcoat. Any savings would be lost in the extra labor to correct the finish.

 

[Hagatronics]

I recently under coated a car wirlth Hi-fill primer with an OK HVLP gun and a 21L (4 gal) compressor. It worked fine. I used a dessicant snake to keep the air dry. Got a little bit of dry spray on the roof before switching to a larger diameter nozzle but other than that it worked ok. Sanded perfectly. I wouldn't try a finish coat or running a body shop with the setup but I'm happy with the outcome. Sanding it down saves a multitude of sins...

I have a Wagner airless gun. Don't think it will have the guts to pump a hi-fill primer though.

 

[K13]

Lots of guys use HVLP turbine guns for painting cars but not the cheapy Wagner style house painting ones. You need to look at Fuji, TP Tools etc which will put you at the same price point as you are looking at now.

Here is an entire thread discussing them on the HAMB:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/hvlp-turbine-paint-systems.529675/

 

[kctyphoon]

I would suggest something like this.. I've used one a long time ago, and have to say it worked pretty well.. not on a car mind you, but with laytex. Saves a lot of space, very easy to use and clean. might be worth a shot. You just fill the hopper with paint.. might have to try it with and without thinning.. just a suggestion.. I believe you can swap the gun out for other models too..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/182151...7290-0%26rvr_id%3D1160241031350&ul_noapp=true

Here's a vid of a similar model.. keep in mind if you watch, the first few walls he's painting are textured. I really liked the old one I had, but got rid of it when I was done cause I was moving.. had to be about 10 years ago.. check it out.

 

[yhprum]

I used a wagner electric sprayer doing laquer once. There was diffeerent tips or spray nozzles, depending on the paint type . The paint went down pretty good until it got to the bottom of the container then it would start chattering and spitting out paint. They had an option larger tank that may have helped. I think it could be used for primer if set up correctly.

 

[67King]

Rent a cylinder with compressed air. It is dry, and there is plenty there to do a lot of priming. I EP'd my first car that way

 

[mike758]

I went out and ended up getting the Husky 60 gallon compressor. I actually got lucky because they had a scratched up model for $75

 

[guy48065]

I went out and ended up getting the Husky 60 gallon compressor. I actually got lucky because they had a scratched up model for $75

WHAAAAAT? They discounted $400 for scratches?