1989karr

Hey guys I have a quick question. I'm planning on painting some parts with that purple harbor freight hvlp gun.


I have a 20 gallon craftsman 1.5 hp compressor. I dont think the CFM ratings match that of the purple gun requires but I'm planning on painting one panel at a time; 1 door, 1 fender the next day etc...

Do you think this would work? I've heard of people using small compressors for some painting projects, so I'm guessing this would be ok seeing as itd only be one panel at a time? Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

58mark

iTrader: (3)

Have you already bought the gun?

1989karr

Not yet, im debating between this and the lvlp gun you had in your thread. It seems pretty good and the results are awesome but Id like the wider spray patter on the harbor freight if possible

me <=== beginner at painting

but if not I'l lgo the lvlp way

58mark

iTrader: (3)

I've used both, and I wouldn't go back to the purple gun for anything but primer

1989karr

really?? Awesome thats the kind of anwesrs I like...answers from experience

ps.. .your cars looking great!

58mark

iTrader: (3)

If the CFM's were equal or you have a huge compressor, I would still recommend the grizzly just because of the quality and craftsmanship. It also lays down a smoother pattern with less orange peel

But you factor in the lack of clouds of overspray and the efficient CFM, and it's a hands down winner

oh.. thanks!

1989karr

factoring all that stuff in, I think I'll go with the grizzly lvlp gun! thanks!

jb3829

iTrader: (1)

I just used the purple gun for spraying 2 part urethane primer (1.8mm tip) with a craftsman 33 gallon/6HPoverall/2HP running compressor.....I didn't have any problems with it but I'll use my devilbiss for the topcoats

1989karr

hmm, maybe i'll get the H arbor one for a primer gun. Do you think its work with my 1.5HP craftsman? Id prefer that 6 HP compressor but cant seem to find any around here in Hawaii...or they stopped making those?? The 33 gallon one they have is only a 1.5HP model.

58mark

iTrader: (3)

the purple gun seemed to be an air hog. I would only try it if you had a larger compressor.

As far as using it for primer, it's got a smaller tip. If you want a primer gun, summit sells a 1.8 tip LVLP (or is it 1.7?) that has the same CFM as the grizzly. probbaly the same gun with a larger tip

1989karr

Thanks 58! I'll look into those

Gumby

Have painted 2 cars with the purple gun, my Firebird and my station wagon, both times it came out nice. [about to paint the Bird again as Ive replaced parts]

That gun is light years ahead of the stuff they used in the 50-60s even the 70s and they did good paint jobs back then.

It all comes down the the painter, some can, some can't.

58mark

iTrader: (3)

What compressor do you have? The cfm rating of the purple gun is rather high, and should be avoided without proper air capacity

blackbmagic

Sprayed my engine bay with the purple gun. Good results are possible. Just make sure your prep work is perfect just like anything else, and keep the paint reduced properly and the pressure constant where it sprays correctly.

Gumby

Only reason you need a monster CMF high HP compressor as they all come with such small tanks.

All you need is air volume.

I can sand blast or paint all day as I have volume.

2 100s are old propane tanks I got for free.
washed out and vented, rated for 300psi.

jb3829

iTrader: (1)

my gun has a 1.8 tip

1989karr

what kind of compressor are you running?

Ive seen some nice results with the purple gun on the web...but im still leaning towards the lvlp gun. Problem is not many people down here do their own work so nobody can give any first hand experience