I know a lot of people here have the small (2-2 1/2 hp ) compressors so will post this in here . I recently bought a supercheap's homebranded low pressure spray gun , designed for use with 2 hp compressors according to the box (was about $25 or $29 from memory , cheap as) . It's light , feels thin and cheap but works well . I have a 2 1/2 hp GMC compressor with a 40 litre tank and it just keeps up with my "normal" gun cutting in every minute or so . When using the low pressure one the compressor cuts in every 2 or 3 minutes so it's definitely using less . The paint pot istelf is pressurised when the air's connected so instead of using the venturi effect to draw the paint up to the nozzle it's pushed there by air pressure and then requires less air to spray it . Not sure how good it is for top coat yet as I've only been using it for primer/spray putty but it puts more on in a shorter time than my normal gun I'll let you know how it performs for the top coat when I get to it .

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The earlier "beaver" type spray painting units were like that too - they tended to "pulse" the paint on and you may find the same as the pressure goes down.

A lot of people get a second cheap compressor and t-joint them together - all the pressure you want then.

Mike

I'll see how it goes , I don't spray often enough to warrant a second compressor (plus the single one I have is in the road most of the time ....) and it's normally only touch ups and repairs . I'm painting a Mazda E2000 at the moment though which has me wishing it was a mini instead

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Hey Ian I bought one of the GMC compressors too. Are you able to spraypaint fences with a gun? Painting it with a roller is giving me the irrates.

Depends on your local council and what your neighbours are like , a lot of councils have banned spraying on outside of houses due to the neighbours getting overspray but the reno shows do it . Not sure about what paint to use though as most fence paints are very thick .

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I think the reno shows use airless sprayers which have less overspray. I have one of those beaver LP sprayers I don't need anymore now I have a BIG compressor. Anyone like to make an offer

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

I have used my brothers LP spray gun like your supercrap for primer on the roll cage and engine bay, and a flat finish top coat in the engine bay only. I don't see that you would have any problems with a top coat if you thin it properly and apply several coats as per normal etc.

Just don't accidentally leave the pressure regulator too high or you can "reverse" the shape of the indent in the pot. It was easy enough to pop back in the right shape with the rubber mallet, but do it to many times and the aluminium will fatigue and crack open.

cheers
michael

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the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page
66 Mini Minor sponsored by http://www.lifeonthehedge.com.au/ The Dog Harness Specialists
It was a pleasure ausmini. I'll miss all you misfits and reprobates

LOL, good for 30psi.
Pity most top coats use at least 50-60 or above!

Ian, have you got a suction type gun or a gravity feed, the later might be better for lower spec compressors?

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what?

My normal gun is a suction gun , not a HVLP gravity one so it's not the best for a smaller compressor but get's the job done . I'll be testing the new one further o0n the Mazda to see what it can do but it's impressive so far .

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