Useing a Paint Gun - Edwin

[NKED TLS]

Edwin, Did a search a noticed you're the resident paint guy. MY question is how do you set up the paint the gun? Is there a web site you (or anybody) could suggest?

Here is my issue. I can't seem to get the paint and air mixture correct. I am really having an issue getting the paint to lay like 'glass'. The paint seems to flow out of the paint gun okay. ie: no sputters or coughs. but other then that I am not sure.

I am using Dupont paint - mixed 50.50.


Thanks

-DSH

ps. I know a picture is worth a thousand words, If needed i'll take some tommorow

[Edwin]

No need for pictures my friend.

As far as I know, each gun manefacturer has their own recommendations on gun set up...but if you as me, it all comes down to painters preference. Some painters move fast, while others slow and deliberate. I like my guns "fast" (heavy output) as I am what I call a "Bomber" when it comes to painting.

The way I set up my gun is to unscrew the fluid adjustment screw all the way out while depressing the trigger (gun not hooked to air) This screw works directly on the trigger limiting it's travel. When the trigger is all the way back, I turn in the screw 1 or 1 1/4 turns (back in) and that's it.

You mentioned a DuPont paint with a 50/50 mix ratio. Is it Chromabase? Sometimes a simple change of temperature range on your reducers is enough to get your paint down FLAT. DuPont has Low-Medium-High temp reducers for everything. Low=Fast, High=Slow drying. The longer a paint takes to dry, the more time it has to flow flat. Try using a slightly slower (higher) reducer. It will make a difference on how smooth your job is.

Chromabase is the only 50/50 mix ratio paint I sell. As the name implies it is a Base coat that needs to be cleared. The smoother the base the smoother the clear over it.

Another thing you could try is to slow down your pace when spraying a little. This will allow more material to reach the surface. Having enough material on the surface has a lot to do with getting the paint smooth. Not enough will cause "dry spray" which looks rough, kinda like primer. If you are a fast painter that doesn't want to slow down, you could "double stroke" your spray pattern. What that is simply is spaying 2 passes instead of one.

Painting technique has just as much to do with getting good results as gun adjustment or Reducer temperature does. Try using slower reducers, and slowing down a little. You should see an immediate improvement in your work. Hope this helped.

[Jeff]

Two other things could be causing you trouble, air pressure or an inadequate air supply. Ffirst make sure the compressor can supply enough cfm for your gun. The gun will have a manufacturer's minimum cfm rating. Next make sure you are using the proper pressure to spary the type of paint you are using. It real important that the recommended pressure is available AT THE GUN. Too small hoses or fittings or long runs of hose will reduce the pressure available at the gun and can cause problems.

Come to think of it, there's a third thing, contaminated air supply. I always use a filter on the air line at the gun as a bit of last chance insurance.

[horkn]

yes, always use a filter on the compressor. never know if water will get in your paint otherwise. also, i like to have my paint gun shoot a lot of paint too. a real hair trigger helps. nice thing is that bikes have all these small parts, so a great finish should be easy to do. cars on the other hand have huge panels, just waiting for a f#ckup...