I'm thinking about buying a automotive touch-up gun. You know, the paint gun with the little can. Not the big one that you use to paint cars.

Well, Does anyone have a guide on how to use these? I've never used one before.

What kind of paint do you use in these?

Thanks in Advance

P.S. I know someone is going to tell me something about not attempting to paint my own car. Well, I'm not going to be painting my car, or even a car for that matter.

 

Is it one of thoes little "preval" guns (think thats the name)it uses replaceable cartrages? or a regular "touch-up" gun. - anyway - my tips - practice running the gun PARALEL to the surface - I mean don't make a sweeping pass.
There should be a 2 stage trigger on the unit - first stage only blows air, pull harder for color. Practice starting your pass on the first stage only (start before the area you want color) then as you approch the area to be painted engage the second stage. Do the same as you finish (the other end) Move in slow but steady passes overlaping. REMEMBER - less paint and more coats is better.
Practice your speed on a cardboard box, or something like that - move so you cover, but dont get "hangers"
Good luck
rr

 

I know how to do the actually painting. I have painted before using spray bombs but I wanted to know more about the actually operation of the touch-up gun.

I'm going to get the kind that you actually have to mix the paint and put it in the little container. I've used an airbrush before but never a paintgun like this.

What air-pressure should I use?

What type of paint do you use?

Where can I get the paint? Not sure Home Depot would carry automotive paint.

How far do you have to thin the paint down? I know when using an airbrush you had to thin the paint because it would normally be to thick to spray evenly.

 

HHHMMM - long time since I've done any painting. If you want auto color - try NAPA, or an auto body supply jobber in Nawlins. They should have color codes, chips, etc - to match what you want.
Prolly will be able to give you advice on reducing rates for the paint - etc. Pick up - Tack rags, spray mask, reducer, filter cones, masking tape, primer, sand paper & masking paper.

Spray pattern would have to be adjusted - the gun you get should come with suggestions - 40PSI comes to mind, but that might be a little high - as I say - LONG time since I sprayed. The gun should have several adjustments for spray pattern.

Compressor should have regulator & gauge. Don't frorget an in line water filter - air compressors make water. bad for good paint job.

Wash surface with Silicone remover before spraying.

99% of a good spray job is in the prep. - color coating just finishes a well prepared surface.

Hope this helps - good luck.

rr