Wanting to get into painting

[bigbadchev84]

I am wanting to start dabbling in painting things, then work up to cars/trucks.
I will be buying an air compressor this month and dont know what I should be looking at. I am wanting to spend up to $400 for one. I do alot of side jobs as well (roofing/framing/etc.) so if I could find a portable one it would be even better.
So what kind of compressor do you guys use to paint with? Also what is a good start up gun? I would also like to spray high build primer.

 

[76zimmer]

I would not buy an oiless compressor again.....http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262091

As far as needs, I would get into the 10cfm @ 90psi range, for running air tools that you will need for body work. And the bigger the tank the better for constant use.
As far as guns go, Ryoken should chime in on this. I'm still using an old Devilbiss gun.

 

[sledheadak]

devilbiss,sharp,sata etc are all good guns.be sure to get a good water/oil seperator and filter set up.

 

[rufusbooth]

Cant recommend this site enough. Good videos and good forums.

http://www.paintucation.com/

As far as air goes, Look at the CFM requirements of the guns that you want to use and go a bit bigger with High flow fittings (not the standard air tool fittings). You would be surprised how much air an HVLP gun requires.

Clean dry air is key as well. Don't skimp on the filters and dryers.

Cheers,

Rufus

 

[clstolten]

the paintucation site is really good. Kevin Tetz operates the site and is the same dude that is on the Trucks tv show or used to be. I havn't had cable in years. He will personaly answer questions posted on his forum. I am not an expert, but for a trail truck a single stage paint sprayed thru a home depot hvlp gun looks pretty good. Dont spend too much time or money if you are going to bounce off trees and rocks.