Paint guns
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Monticello Mn. in central
Paint guns
Welp, I've been thinking about getting a new paint gun or two. Have been doing a lot of research ,but there seems to be a lot of options out there and it gets a little overwhelming. I will be retiring soon so I hope to have time to paint a few things. We have a '49 F-3 that is a ground up resto and a 50 F-1 that we might just clear coat. I also have a few tractors to paint. I have some experience in painting. So that said what would you guys recommend for paint guns? What price range and quality I should be looking at. I'm kinda looking at De Vilbiss starting line kit or if they aren't the best maybe finish line gun. I need something for primer and base coats.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 6
From: Beaumont Texas
before any color sanding
I've used a sharp #75 since the early 80s and always had great results...... until recently I tried to spray some Sherwin Williams basecoat clearcoat . The guy at the store told me the gun I was using would not spray the new paint as well as a new HVLP gun. I was skeptical thinking it was just sales talk. A while back while at harbor freight I had a coupon for their HVLP purple spray gun for $4.00 . I took a chance and bought it. Now , I'm pretty set in my ways but the new gun works way better at atomizing the thicker paint. I went back and bought their top of the line gun for $ 69.00 , so now I have one for primer and color ,and the better one for clearcoat. I have since retired all my old spray guns.... never thought that would ever happen. I did research on all the new guns and by what I read, the Devilbiss was the best , although I don't own one. The HF guns work very well for the part timer like me.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 703
Likes: 4
From: NJ
Many years ago I bought an HVLP set from Eastwood. It had a big gun and a touch up gun. I started painting my '63 Fairlane with the big gun and it clogged a few seconds into the job. So I tossed it in a bucket of thinner and grabbed my $19.99 standard gun that I bought at H.O.W years earlier and finished the job. It too operated on low pressure and did a fine job. These were siphon guns and while they are very functional, I would rather use the one with the paint on the top (I forget what they call it, but that's OK because my memory ain't what it used to be).
Later!
Mr. Ed
Later!
Mr. Ed
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,513
Likes: 394
From: W. Central FL.
Not claiming to be a painter at all. In the last six years, I've painted three trucks with what I would claim are decent driver quality ten foot paint jobs. Prior to that, I painted several Ford N series and later tractors. For each job, I've used a HVLP gun from Eastwood and or HF. These are, IMO, throwaway guns but I've had better luck with laying down paint and or primer than I ever had with a decent Binks siphon type gun of older vintage. The newer paints are a breeze to apply compare to the old enamel or lacquer.
Edit: I've never played with base clear.
Edit: I've never played with base clear.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 791
Likes: 11
From: Louisville
I had a MAC Tools biz for several years and a number of guys bought the Finish Line guns and seemed to be happy with them. But the guys I considered to be the best painters (judging by the quality of their work) all bought and used Sata guns for their finish work.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
I have used a Devilbiss Millenium GTI for years and last year I bought a Devilbiss Tekna Pro lite. I use the 3M PPS gravity feed disposable cups/adapters and I am very pleased with how these guns operate. These are pro guns and have a pro price but if you want a tool that you never have to say that you are sorry you bought, this is the one. The better the gun the better the atomization of the paint...the better the atomization the better the flow and the smoother the finish. Good luck...
More Turbo
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 544
Likes: 8
From: BC, Canada
I use similar cups and they are great. I use DeKups by Devilbiss. The cups come from 9 oz to 24 oz. With these cups, you can use the gun upside down if needed. Cleanup is very easy, you can seal the cup and reuse later. They are a good idea to add to any gravity feed gun.
my $0.02
...Terry
my $0.02
...Terry
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 369
Likes: 1
I tried my hand at painting this summer on a custom golf cart we built. Did a metallic green. Used a purple Harbor Freight HVLP gun. I was getting advice from a friend who has a body shop and I bought the paint from him. I look on the bench, and there among other guns was the same gun I was using. He said they are hard to beat for the price, and they use them for some things. The cart turned out fine, except for the beginners runs etc. Not bad anyhow.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 692
Likes: 8
From: Roanoke, VA
I have been using automotive paints and painting vehicles and parts for over 35 years but I would never claim to be a painter. My best (and most expensive) gun is a 25 y/o DeVilbiss conventional syphon gun that has given very nice results on quite a few projects. As others have mentioned, I also used a coupon for an HVLP Harbor Freight throwaway gun that I picked up for small parts and primer. I have used this cheap gun for primers and for catalyzed enamels with integrated clear with surprising results. I probably wouldn't attempt to spray an entire vehicle with it, but I have been impressed with it on small parts.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,669
Likes: 365
From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
I to have a GTI MILLENNIUM for the nice jobs, a Harbor Freight HVLP full size and touch up. Use them for primer and small jobs. Also have some old Sharpe siphon feed guns but they don't see much use any more.
Welder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 50
From: northwest MT
I have like 8 paint guns....not sure why. LOL
Different guns seem to work better depending on what I'm spraying..
I do have a Starting Line gun that I like for base clear. Painted dozens of cars with it.
Have tried 1 HF purple gun....thought it was a POS after using better guns. JMO
Different guns seem to work better depending on what I'm spraying..
I do have a Starting Line gun that I like for base clear. Painted dozens of cars with it.
Have tried 1 HF purple gun....thought it was a POS after using better guns. JMO
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Monticello Mn. in central
Well I think I will try the purple HF gun to prime the engine I am finishing up on .Then when we do some serious painting I will probably get a DeVilbliss finish line. Thank"s for all the advice. Dale
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix Arizona
I use a Sharpe Titanium T1 HVLP as my go to gun, works great, and have had it for a long time, I use the cheapo's for primer etc.the cheap guns are only good for as long as they work, then throw in the garbage, when I upgrade my gun I will go with either a Sata or an Iwata. But I do a lot of painting, the cheap guns are great for occasional jobs. Just my opinion.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: the island of Kauai
I am in the market for my first paint gun so this is all good info for me. I do have one question that may change the way a lot of these guns work. My air compressor only pushes 5 scfm at 40 psi. just a 20 gallon husky. Some guns like the Devil bliss say they need much more. DO ANY OF YOU HAVE A FAVORITE GUN FOR LOW SCFM SPRAYING?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 4,387
Likes: 39
From: placer county usa?
I am in the market for my first paint gun so this is all good info for me. I do have one question that may change the way a lot of these guns work. My air compressor only pushes 5 scfm at 40 psi. just a 20 gallon husky. Some guns like the Devil bliss say they need much more. DO ANY OF YOU HAVE A FAVORITE GUN FOR LOW SCFM SPRAYING?