Paint restoration

[Rokafella]

I'm currently doing a restoration and I'm considering trying to paint it myself or having a friend that is a retired painter spray it.

I'm looking into hvlp turbine sprayers over compressor based systems because I do not have access to 220v power.
I'm looking at the fuji mini mite 4. It is a 4 turbine unit capable of 9psi at the gun.

I would be using it to apply an epoxy primer, base coat, and clear

I'm curious if anyone has experience using these for automotive paint? Or if anyone in the Chicago area wants to come paint my car..

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[collegekid]

Between the choices you listed, I would rather go with your friend. I'm not well versed on those turbine units but I will now look into them as I am interested.

Most cost effective way is to prep the car and take it to him to get sprayed.

Read up on what grits of sandpaper you need to take the paint down to either the primer or bare metal. There are other guides out there for that. Buy the stuff you need, and start sanding it down to where you want it. Then if you want to attempt the bodywork go for it but if you have no experience doing it, you're either gonna have to spend time to practice it and do it or just pay your friend and have him do that too.

What some others have done is prep the car and take it to Maaco or whatever other cheapo paint shop to get it sprayed (they also slip the painter some extra money)

[nick_d_240sx]

I have been interested in HVLP Turbine sprayers for painting my car as well. I think with proper preparation and proper dilution of the paints that you can get a good paint job out of one. Preparation being the most important but also expect to do a lot of sanding between coats. I'd do a lot of practice before attempting to spray the whole car. Go for IT!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8lbRZBLodE

[jedi03]

+1 on practice...I personally practiced on a few car parts, had to wipe it down w/lacquer thinner several times lol...biggest things to look at: prep/clean/clean/clean then do all layers nice and even, keep your spray tip clean and clean it out when switching from primer/color/clear...I have never tried to sand between layers, but I don't mind the texture between, I have seen cars and helped my dad with cars that were sanded either wet or dry and they look amazing...but my car looks pretty good too, even was told by local, large, paint shop that it was as good as the top painters own work (his words, and I used spray can) so practice and be patient also take your time! GL!

[cherryhatch]

Make sure you spray it in a super clean environment too!! If you follow all these tips perfectly and then kick up a bunch of dust while you spray, it will come out with dirt nibs all over the thing. Making all your hard work pointless... Unless you want to learn paint correction as well ^_^ Good luck

[3NDLESS]

What you could do is just combine two 120v to a 240v. I've done that to run my compressor except I had to up my breaker. If you want the best feasible solution - get your homie to do it for you since he is a retired painter. There's a lot of prep work involved with painting, not just the actual object at hand but the painting space too.

[frsh2fourty]

Make sure you spray it in a super clean environment too!! If you follow all these tips perfectly and then kick up a bunch of dust while you spray, it will come out with dirt nibs all over the thing. Making all your hard work pointless... Unless you want to learn paint correction as well ^_^ Good luck

If you paint in your garage wet the ENTIRE floor down before spraying.

Also use some kind of compressed air to blow out all the crevices on the car to clear any moisture or debris that may have stuck in there after washing.

[jedi03]

+1 on clean area...when we did resto work, went over whole garage top to bottom with air...was fun as the ceiling was 30ft high lol

[mechanicalmoron]

You'd be better off with some high quality rattle can paint.

You can shoot paint with a 110v compressor and a high pressure gun. If you're into cars you need air tools anyway, if you're not that into cars you have no business painting a car.

[Standard]

Another option if you don't have access to 220 is a high quality lvlp spray gun with a sufficient 110 compressor. These guns work very well and allow atomization for longer periods of time at a considerably lower cfm rated air source compared to traditional hvlp guns. I recently purchased the Iwata lph400, believe I found it for about $400 shipped on eBay brand new/authentic with the aluminum cup and accessories. It's a bit of an investment to get started with everything you'll need, especially the little stuff. The consumables, sand paper etc. really start to nickel and dime you, but if you're serious about painting your own cars you'll save money in the long run.
One word of caution, unless you have a ton of free time, refrain from telling anyone about your new found hobby of painting cars and the equipment you own. People will come out of the woodwork asking you to do side jobs! Hahah
It's like "Oh you need your entire red sedan painted a dark metallic blue? No problem, should have a few hours tomorrow!" Hahah People don't understand the amount of time and effort that goes into body work and painting, stick to your own projects unless you're starting a business.
/rant, good luck op!

[240msh]

Another option if you don't have access to 220 is a high quality lvlp spray gun with a sufficient 110 compressor. These guns work very well and allow atomization for longer periods of time at a considerably lower cfm rated air source compared to traditional hvlp guns. I recently purchased the Iwata lph400, believe I found it for about $400 shipped on eBay brand new/authentic with the aluminum cup and accessories. It's a bit of an investment to get started with everything you'll need, especially the little stuff. The consumables, sand paper etc. really start to nickel and dime you, but if you're serious about painting your own cars you'll save money in the long run.
One word of caution, unless you have a ton of free time, refrain from telling anyone about your new found hobby of painting cars and the equipment you own. People will come out of the woodwork asking you to do side jobs! Hahah
It's like "Oh you need your entire red sedan painted a dark metallic blue? No problem, should have a few hours tomorrow!" Hahah People don't understand the amount of time and effort that goes into body work and painting, stick to your own projects unless you're starting a business.
/rant, good luck op!

couldn't of said it better