I have a cheap and nasty air compressor (you know the type) that I would like to get decent quality spray results from. I thought about trying to hook up an airbrush to it as it’s probably got enough grunt for that but I don’t want to be there all day for a basic spray that covers the whole board. But I don’t need to get the job done in five seconds flat either. Any advice for specs, brands etc for a spray gun that’s somewhere in between an airbrush and production gun that won’t be underpowered by a cheap, shitty air compressor?
Siphon fed, top load cup gun. Iwata preferred. You should be able to get one down there at a reasonable price. Japan's not far away. Don't settle for anything less.. The compressor will more than likely be your problem. You need a large tank. You don't want the compressor to run out of air in the middle of a pass.
Cheers!
HVLP?
One way you can improve the function of a small air compressor is to add an air tank, building a greater reservoir of compressed air for you to draw on when you are using an air tool that outstrips the capacity of the compressor. The cfm and psi should be listed for a gun. You can match it to the output of your compressor.
You can buy a top load HVLP spray gun that will work with your 5-10 gallon compressor. The best set up is a automotive quality cup gun with a 5 hp / 20 gal compressor....but that will cost you. But you can also use a big HVLP system.
I have one of each:
Pancake compressor with a topload hvlp detail sprayer
FUJI HVLP sprayer cup gun with triple turbine system
5hp 20 gallon compressor with automotive cup gun.
I used the FUJI to spray the hull of the SEAL SLAYER 2000, and it sprayed LP like glass. I used the FUJI to spray all the cabinets in my kitchen. I used to FUJI to spray my buddy tractor. I used the FUJI to spray 400 ft of cedar fence around my pad. I use the FUJI to spray little surfboard with color too.
Did I mention that I really like The FUJI HVLP
I thought a HVLP gun would require too much grunt for a cheap and nasty air compressor? Probably shows how much I know about spray guns. Will check it out along with the Fuji very sucky motor.
Howzit dean,Since it's a gravity feed sprayer it most likely uses less CFM's than a syphon sprayer. I have always had at least a 5CFM compressor because I used them for more than spraying. My new compressor is a Senco that puts out just under 5 CFM's but it runs a framing nail gun andthat is all I need but if I use it to spray I will need a oil separator but want to see if my small Senco oil less will work with a sprayer. It's strong enough to run brad and staple nailers but not sure about a spray gun.Aloha,Kokua
Kokua, Howzit? Resinhead has it right. Fuji is a real popular choice for finishers. I’m in the woodworking biz and most finishers have converted to : High Volume, Low Pressure guns. Most have one even if they still use pressure pots. The question is not if it has enough drive (for nail guns) that is in the pressure regulator. It’s the amount of STORED air that is a determining factor. An 8 or 5 CFM compressor isn’t big enough IF there is low air volume available, An older Binks gun takes a lot of air to push the finish. That’s why every auto body shop has GIANT tanks for air volume. That’s the beauty of HVLP. You can shoot at such a low pressure that your small Senco will work.
Professional Automotive HVLP Spray Gun Kit
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You get 2 guns...Have them set up for two different colors. I bought these at harbor Freight. Runs great off of my Porter Cable pancake compressor. Good quality, good results, only $50 for the set.
HVLP (high volume, low pressure) spray guns give you more consistent coverage with less overspray than conventional spray guns. They are better for the environment, and save money in material costs.
Comes with paint filter, two bristle brushes and one wool brush for cleaning, plus durable blow mold storage case; Operating pressure: 30-35 PSI (large gun), 25-30 PSI (small gun); Air consumption: 12 CFM @ 43 PSI (large gun), 9 CFM @ 43 PSI (detail gun); Air inlet: 1/4" - 19 NPS
Shipping weight: 4.6 lbs.
ITEM 94572-1VGA
$59.99
$49.99 
Email link to a friend
- 20 oz. gravity feed gun with 1.4mm tip for top coats, 1.8mm tip for primers
- 4.2 oz. detail gun with 1.0mm tip
- Lightweight aluminum construction with stainless steel needles and tips
- Heavy duty nylon gravity cups
Howzit tblank, I just gave away my old belt driven compressor that had a 30 gal tank because it just was to big to haul around to jobs and that is what I am doing these days. I am glad to hear my little Senco will work with my HVLP sprayer because it is so light in weight ( 7lbs). I may get back into doing gelcoat repair and I think it will work in That capacity also. Aloha,Kokua
Kokua, bummer on the 30 gal. compressor. It’s nice to have a back up especially one with volume. The senco will handle most but you just can’t out race it . Don’t over work it. You may have to do some adjusting in spraying gel coat, the aperture may not be big enough with the tips provided.Good luck. Today, we have small wind swell with a d##$$ contest at the point. Guess another cup a joe will have to do. Howzit there?
Howzit dean, No bummer, it was really rusty and my senco is a real work horse and I take good care of my tools and both Sencos look brand new and work like new. I used to do a lot of gel coat work in the boat business so I know what it takes to do the work. I have a few spray guns, some syphon and some gravity feeds and F.H. sells some nice ones so whenthe time comesI willbe ready to go. Aloha,Kokua
I spray gallons of primers and top coats a week. I use HVLP guns both at work at board projects. Gravity feed cup method works great. The trick is getting a quality gun like a Sata or Awata. Cheap guns won’t give you a nice even consistent fan, therefore giving you a crap finish. Recently I upgraded to a Sata Jet3000 and it is the best gun I’ve used in years all around, hands down.
Awata makes a really nice small airbrush gun too, but the sata is my fav.
Sinner, how much did you pay for these? Cup Capacity?
Thx, Resinhead. Very very helpful. Just ordered mine.
Si, No problemo