Rattle Can or Spray Gun?

[Tiggie]

I am pretty crap at spray painting I have to admit and was wondering if it would make sense to get a spray gun for my compressor? Never used one before so unsure if its similar or not. Does it give better results? I'm assuming it would.

Any advice would be appreciated

[dynax]

Depends on what you want to spray, if you intend to do large panels then a gun with a litre pot might be worth it, smaller items a touch up gun might be a better option, also needle size plays an important part of what you intend to spray, for medium sized jobs like a tank or something a 250ml gravity fed gun with a 1.2-1.4 nozzle would be a good starting point

[Tiggie]

Would be for tank, mudguards, etc bike wise. Maybe other little odds and ends.

Now as i'm a Yorkshireman I need to work out which will be cheapest out of the two

[Guest Swagman]

Best thing is to give it a go see how you get on, certainly would be a better finish with the gun if you can work it out.

[dynax]

cost wise rattle cans would be cheaper for short runs, when you factor in the cost of protective equipment as you would at least need to use a 2k lacquer for the tank to guard against petrol spillages, you could use a clear 2k rattle can but would still need a good respirator, paints are cheaper when bought in bulk, but shelf life is a problem if not used for any length of time, tbh unless you intend to do it as full on business rattle cans will almost certainly be cheaper for one off or small production runs, and rattle cans can be custom made to any colour now which does save the hassle of mixing it yourself, then there is the fact of very little clean up with cans as opposed to a gun, which will need a certain amout of clean up after every use

Edited May 22, 2020 by dynax

[Tiggie]

[mention]dynax[/mention]

That makes a lot of sense. Realistically I should stick to cans as I'm not doing a lot. I think part of me just likes getting new toys

[dynax]

@dynax

That makes a lot of sense. Realistically I should stick to cans as I'm not doing a lot. I think part of me just likes getting new toys

 

Get a paraffin gun, works like a spray gun and great for chains as the pressure gets rid of all the crud

[Stu]

I don't suppose it matters!

Both will be shit

[Tiggie]

[Stu]

OK serious now!

A spray gun can be better if you learn how to use it!

Spraying is a skill that I haven't got so you're not alone although I have had some good jobs out of rattle cans

[Six30]

you'll have somewhere to hang your jackets once you've painted what ever your going to paint

[Six30]

rattle cans for what you want , id recommend a paint shop that colour matches and makes the cans for you, bit dearer than halfords

£15 ish, but spray better

[Tiggie]

I need to learn patience and to go slower I think. I have got a bad tendency to go too fast. Every boss I've had has always told me to slow down and take my time including my wife!

[Guest Swagman]

rattle cans for what you want , id recommend a paint shop that colour matches and makes the cans for you, bit dearer than halfords

£15 ish, but spray better

 

Do they have the hardener or clear coat that you have to pierce and mix .?

[dynax]

If you really want to give it a go, try one of these it is a compromise on size but will be adequate enough to cover a tank and suitable for use with most types of paint and lacquer, make sure you get a water trap for the compressor especially if using solvent based paints

https://www.spraygunsdirect.co.uk/index.php/sprayguns-parts/mini-midi-sprayguns/volet-touch-up-gun-professional-series.html

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

If you're buying a spray gun buy a good one and get one specifically designed for spraying panels rather than whole body jobs. With a decent quality gun you can get good results.

But for bike work you might be better of with a good quality airbrush, and I do mean a good one. Cheap airbrushes are useless. I used to spray model aircraft about six to nine foot wingspan so easily bigger area than motorcycle parts.

You can run them off canned air or a compressor. I have a neat little mini compressor for the airbrush. Easier to get a good result with an airbrush than a spray gun.

[Tiggie]

Cheers everyone.

I'm not starting anything soon but was thinking back on my previous spraying attempts and how I need it to look a lot better

Given me plenty to work with though so thanks again

[Six30]

rattle cans for what you want , id recommend a paint shop that colour matches and makes the cans for you, bit dearer than halfords

£15 ish, but spray better

 

Do they have the hardener or clear coat that you have to pierce and mix .?

 

no , rattle and spray then lacquer , just refurbed wheels on this , just a tin of wheel silver and then lacquered em

 

[Guest Richzx6r]

From my experience the finish really comes down to preparation before painting and flatting whilst painting and not trying to cover it in one hit, when I do any painting I just use rattle cans and build it up in around 7 or 8 passes with a very fine flatting between coats.

But make sure the last pass has properly cured and that it's in as much dust free environment as possible

[Tiggie]

[mention]Richzx6r[/mention]

Its been a while since Ive done any but I think I rush to get it all on too quickly, as you said I need to build it up rather than getting it done in 2 passes

[Guest Richzx6r]

@Richzx6r

Its been a while since Ive done any but I think I rush to get it all on too quickly, as you said I need to build it up rather than getting it done in 2 passes

 

Yeah if you rush it you just finish up with it running as I found out with my ford escort

[cyberwolf]

if you going to get a spray gun get good one don't waste your time and money on cheap ebay crap! and it going to sound stupid but you need filter/regulator,