Any painting pro's here?

Post Tue May 23, 2017 3:28 pm

I'm restoring my 325i and I'm currently in the process of refurbishing every single part. I'm using a lot of etch primer and gloss black. I was wondering if any of you guys could suggest a good paint to use for a spray gun. I want to move away from cans forever, so I'm buying a gravity gun.

Really not sure what paint I should be getting though. I want something in 5 litres.

Any suggestions welcome.

Post Tue May 23, 2017 5:09 pm

not a pro but i use say...

FLG5 devilbiss gun - cheap and plenty good enough for hobby stuff

Primer - go epoxy as real 2k is dangerous stuff i use lechler, another guy on here recommended Jotun epoxy primer on a similar post.

Black stuff - i just use standard cellulose as the primer below is so good, other 1k synthetics are available online i have never used them so can't tell you much about them

Filtration - ideally you need a moisture separator and an oil mist one. I went SMC from RS, there not particular cheap but do the job well and will last lifetime. (check the flow rate)

an 5 litres will last forever unless your spraying a large area as you mix in thinners and in effect double your quantity

Mask - i'd get a cartridge one suitable for painting i went 3m fits well and durable

Post Tue May 23, 2017 6:03 pm

Hi Jimmy,

Thanks for that. Super helpful advice.

I was thinking of spending £30 on a gun. Glad you showed me that one. I'll also be upgrading my disposable 3m for a cartridge one. Found 1l of black from clostermann.. where do you get your primer and is it etching?

Also, as I think you'll know.. Whats best, gloss or satin? or matt for the matter.. And so you lacquer over satin if you use that paint?

Thanks again

Post Tue May 23, 2017 6:24 pm

If your only spraying chassis parts then a cheap gun will be fine, but to a certain degree you get what you pay! Its useful to get a semi descent brand because you can always get new parts like seals and needles.

Initially i would go down the trade spray shop near me and they were helpful if slightly more expensive than online - i usually just buy from whoevers cheapest - have used Metalflake in the past (free delivery if you spend enough) i bought my epoxy primer from express paints.

Jawel and autopaints brighton do bundle sets and seems similar to clostermanns - theres so much out there (again never bought from them )

Epoxy primer doesn't really need an etch and is waterproof if slightly more expensive but its very durable. I was using a 2 part Max meyer (7051) acid etch before i went to epoxy and it was alot better than that upol crap.

For finish i have semi gloss with no lacquer, most parts get waxoyled anyway so doesn't really matter much

i used this to get the basics -http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/spray-painting.htm

Post Tue May 23, 2017 6:40 pm

I'm now looking at two FLG5's. 1.4 and 1.8, I like the look of them, people saying good things.

Are you using a spray booth? As I'm worried epoxy primer might kill everything and everyone if I just do it outside/in the garage?

But cool great info again, I may hit a few of those places up and see what deals I can get.

Cheers for that link also!

Post Tue May 23, 2017 7:03 pm

thats alright !- the 1.4 and 1.8 refer to the tip size - big for primers - small for final finish. I went 1.4

No spray booth, but if you're rattle canning similar parts theres not that much difference.

I think any particulate paint isn't great for surrounding people, but to my knowledge i don't think epoxy is any worse.

Post Tue May 23, 2017 10:51 pm

Alright cool.

You've been most helpful jimmy!

Cheers