LVLP gun vs Rattle Can

[guy2600]

I have some motorcycle fiberglass bodywork that I need to paint. Know next to nothing about painting though I am mechanically inclined with patience. It's race bodywork so it doesn't need to be perfect, but hoping for decent. I would more than likely clear coat it. If both options were done with the same prep work, is there a reasonable difference in outcome between rattle can and a LVLP approach? I would source all supplies from a local automotive paint supply store. The compressor I would buy would be a 20 gallon 6.5cfm@40psi. A more powerful compressor is not an option, unfortunately. I would get a sprayit SP-33000 LVLP gun (seems to have decent reviews). Thoughts? Not sure if investing in a compressor and gun would produce better results.

 

[Mandres]

The results aren't different enough to justify the cost of all the equipment if you don't have a compressor. For race bodywork a spray can will work fine. You can get catalyzed clear coat in a rattle can nowadays too.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Spraymax 2k clear coat in rattle cans works fantastic. Coverage isn't as much as you would hope, but price isn't terrible. $21 a can or so.

 

[rust in the eye]

I've seen nice results with rattle cans on smaller items like motorcycle bits. A friend did a fade job on his motorcycle with rattle cans that got lots of compliments and raised eyebrows when he told them it was done with rattle cans.

 

[zendriver]

YouTube there are plenty of videos of people getting great results with spray cans.

 

[Nessism]

I'm a big fan of automotive grade paint and a spray gun over rattle can. It's sort of like the difference between sandblasting to clean parts, vs. using a wire wheel. Unfortunately, automotive paint is quite expensive these days. And even the smaller quantities are typically more paint than most people need for one project.

 

[lilredex]

A couple of my rattle can projects.

 

[MileHighRover]

This was a rattle can job using cans from the local auto supply store and 2k clear. I was very happy with the results. For your smaller project, that's the route I'd go.

 

[P0234]

Fancy paint jobs on race bikes are a magnet for wrecks. Plus you can get great results with a spray can. The hardest thing is keeping dust/dirt from messing up the paint, otherwise they can lay down really flat paint with a little practice.

 

[guy2600]

Rattle can it is! Thank you for the replies.