Gunsmithing Suggestions for Air Brush

keninsb

keninsb

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Minuteman
Jul 26, 2011
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Goleta, CA
#1
I want to start applying different paints/coatings like DuraCoat to various parts and was wondering if anyone has recommendations for equipment (air brush, compressor, etc.) I have a huge compressor but was wondering if a smaller bench top model would be better. Any input greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Ken
 
#2
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

There are some real artists on this forum. I'm not, but I do use a couple of air brushes.
A table top compressor adjustable, with a filter for removing water in the atmosphere is a good start. At Harbor freight there are real cheap air brushes that spray a good mist no matter how thick you make your mix.
there are some fancy ones there too, still only about 20 bucks, but unless you thin it down pretty well, it clogs these pretty badly. I had a lot of trouble with these, have a brand new one and haven't used it on the last three or four projects.
The cheapo sprayer is fine, and they (Harbor Freight) even has a box of extra bottles for a good enough price that I don't bother cleaning after using them, I just toss them. A well stocked Harbor Freight will have everything.
One thing they don't have. While they sell a baking soda container for spray blasting, they don't have the proper compressor to match. I thought that was ironic, and glad I checked the demand CFM of the sprayer against the CFM output of the compressors.
Good luck.
 
#3
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

I got a Iawata mini HVLP. It was pretty spendy, but I'm feeling it was worth every penny.I figured I was going to use it a bunch on nice guns, so why not just start with top shelf and not have to upgrade. I've done quite a bit of work with it and haven't a single problem with sputtering or spitting. I cannot say the same of all the pen style airbrushes I've had over the years.
This IS the only HVLP type I've ever owned, so it's just my experiences with it.
I run a lot of line off of a HF 29gal. compressor(40 or 50') not ideal, but a regulator and mini water trap on the gun make it work just peachy. I do have to run the regulator a bit high, but It stabilizes right at 20psi when the cerakote is going on.
Get lots of florescent lights......bright full spectrum ones. Missing a spot sucks really really bad.
 
#5
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

I have several Iwata and Sata guns for all sorts of jobs. The Sata Dekor, mini jet and the Iwata LPH 80 are the best for coverage of materials. The pen style airbrushes are for the more precision work as in artwork. Always cleanliness is next to Godlyness in the refinish world. KEEP all of your guns and what you are painting CLEAN. Follow the recommended PDS (product data sheets) for your reduction needs because the sprayguns will do their job andit is up to you to make it perfect! Good luck in your endevors and PM me if you have any questions. Tommy
 
#6
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

Wow, those Iwata guns are pricey! I guess you get what you pay for. I DO believe that buying a good tool will pay for itself. I have a LOT of tools that I bought for a one time job and they ended up paying for themselves and then some. I found THIS package on Amazon and they also sell the mii HVLP, so I could add that on later ($$$).
Any tips for cleaning?
Ken
 
#7
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

I just want to clarify (being the rookie that I am), the Iwata LPH-80 is for more spray coverage like spraying a barrel, stock or scope where the Iwata HP-CS is used for more precice painting like my nails:)?
Ken
 
#8
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

*I want to start applying different paints/coatings like DuraCoat to various parts and was wondering if anyone has recommendations for equipment (air brush, compressor, etc.) I have a huge compressor but was wondering if a smaller bench top model would be better.*

I'm not an artist nor do I play one on TV butt...

-Durablock sells a cheap internal-mix airbrush for around $40. I've used it on a couple of projects and it works okay.
-Compressors aren't an issue but you'll want the disposable inline water filters.
-You might not need a high dollar airbrush depending on what you want to do. Masking and Stencils can save you a ton of time and money if you're in a hurry.
- Lastly, From what i've seen on Youtube Duracoat isn't that thick, but some airbrushes can be real picky about how they want their paint mixed. If you decide to fork over the dough on a brush, get the different sized nozzles/needles with it all in one kit. It'll save you time coming and going.

Post pix!
 
#9
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

Thanks WhiteHorz. Funny you should mention the YouTube vids. I have watched a few by someone called "NutnFancy" and he Duracoats EVERYTHING. He has some interesting videos and make it look pretty easy.
Thanks again for the tips, much appreciated.
Ken
 
#10
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

I bought an Iwata in a kit that came with a miniture compressor. I used the airbrush to coat a pair or rifles and a pistol with no issues I was happy I got a good expensive tool. The mini-compressor I have yet to use but I plan to mess with it at some point likely to do smaller things on a bench.
 
#11
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

I have a couple of Paasche with different needles that work really well for about 65.00 a piece. I've shot a lot of Duracoat, Polane T+ and various epoxies with no real issues. I use a larger compressor but you don't need to. A small electric work fine.
The Harbor Freight models are certainly useable if that suits your budget better. Pretty sure thats what Lauer sells as theirs.
 
#12
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

I have a paasche also and have been pleased with the results from it. I bought it to paint reproduction fish mounts but with the range of needles and heads in the kit you should have no problems with duracoat.
 
#13
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

So are the Iwata and Paasche spray guns? Are they for covering larger areas where the air brush is for more intricate coverage?
Also, I have a 33gal 150hp compressor. Can I just install an in-line water filter and regulate the pressure down to use an Iwata/Paasche or paint brush?
Sorry for all the stupid questions.
Thanks again guys,
Ken
 
#15
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: akscott</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is what I use, and your big compressor is fine just use an air dryer and turn it down, most air brushes run in th 15-50psi range.

http://www.dickblick.com/products/paasche-model-vl-double-action-airbrush/ </div></div>

Thanks AKScott. By dryer you mean water filter right? Sorry, I am not up on all the termonology.
Thanks,
Ken
 
#16
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

So I guess my question is, is the Iwata spray gun here for spraying larger components?:
21U3MvtZlcL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


And the Paasche Air Brush here for more intricate work?:
25010-0300-3-3ww-l.jpg


Thanks,
Ken
 
#18
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush


*I have watched a few by someone called "NutnFancy" and he Duracoats EVERYTHING. He has some interesting videos and make it look pretty easy.*


Yeah, I've been a fan of Nutns vids for a while. I'm planning on doing something like this one but in a green and gold color.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5xEUHIra44&list=PL109E0F6A0350E4D0&index=20

The thing to understand is that Cerakote and Duracoat are not the same thing. Also some are bake-on and some are Air-dry. Make sure you check on that before you throw your money down.
 
#19
Re: Suggestions for Air Brush

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Whitehorze</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The thing to understand is that Cerakote and Duracoat are not the same thing. Also some are bake-on and some are Air-dry. Make sure you check on that before you throw your money down. </div></div>

Thanks WH. What is the difference between Cerakote and Druacoat? Is one better than the other or are the benefits/drawbacks to each?
Thanks again,
Ken
 
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