I just got a sweet compressor for Christmas and I am wanting to learn how to paint cars. I have a few old hot rods I am working on and would love to do the paint work my self.

For starters, what is a good paint gun to start with?
once I start, are there any good pointers any of you painters can give me?

I am really into learning this so feed back of any degree is greatly appreciated!!!

 

Well, for my starting point(all i know for now) is to use the best paint, PPG! There are alot of places that use it and i HIGHLY reccoment it.

LLoverCrazyJay

 

My cousin has always used DeVilbiss paint guns at work. Beware of the cheapo $49 wal-mart special though. I think he said his was 200 or 300 bucks. When painting its vital that you can maintain an accurate air pressure. This is what makes metal-flake paints look cloudy, and also other problems. It would be good to do a test run on something to make sure your compressor is up to the task. Another good point is to keep the area as dust-free as possible. Even a small piece of dust makes a fresh paint job look like chit.

 

My Dad paints cars so Ill get some tips from him for you. I have helped him some, I know using a paint gun that feeds from the top is better, He uses a German gun that is great!!! Proper prep is the key, wetting down the walls where you paint is good to keep dust down, um plastic on the floor with water under it and squegged out. Proper heat is a biggy. Ill get back after I talk to him!!

 

I use Binks and Devilbis. Remember this, your finished product is going to be only as good as the preparation. New paint enhancees ALL flaws.

 

My suggestion would be to go to a local community college and see if they offer a course. I took a 6 month course at a local communtiy college and still I barely feel confident enough to work on other peoples cars. I don't do it everyday, I think that's the difference. As someone else said "it's all in the prep" VERY IMPORTANT!!! also you'll need a very clean area in which to paint the vehicle. You'd be surprised how clean it actually needs to be. Dust and cob-webs are always finding thier way into my paint jobs. Good luck, you'll need it if you don't plan on getting instruction from someone who knows what thier doing.

 

PREP is 85% of a paint job I would practice with a solid color. Don't shoot metallics they are the hardest.
1)Good Materials
2)Good Gun
3)Excellent Prep Work
4)Clean the living ***** out of the place where your spraying
5)plenty of heat but not to much
6)Read the directions on the paint and clear, If your reducer is fast drying you don't want the room steaming hot
7)Put plenty of clear on the car, because when your ready to wet sand, the worst thing when your doing that is to sand to much clear off then rub through the paint(that really pisses me off)

 

Thanks a million for this information. This will be very helpful.