Spray gun help - Painting frame with Hammerite

[C1ph3r]

Hey guys. Here is my scenario

I am painting my frame with Hammerite Rust Cap. I have been brushing it on but thought why not get a cheap spray gun and see how that goes.

I have never used a spray gun before and this stuff is really thick. It says to not thin it.

I am going to get a cheap gun from HF as I am not going to spend a ton of cash on this. It's really just an experiment. I was looking at this gun from HF because I thought since it's smaller it would be easier to navigate around the frame. It also fits within the abilities of my compressor. https://t.harborfreight.com/hvlp-det...gun-46719.html

The can says, "conventional spray: use .007-.008 tip size, pot pressure 15-20 psi and atomizing pressure 25-35 psi".

What the heck does that mean. Again, I have never done this so I have no idea where to start. Thanks guys.

[Foot Stomper]

Keep brushing.

Coatings that say don't thin means you can't spray them. Especially when you you don't understand psi and tip sizes. No disrespect but experimental coating applications are not what anyone should be trying because it's only going to fail or cost you far more money than expected or both.

[C1ph3r]

Originally Posted by Foot Stomper

Keep brushing.

Coatings that say don't thin means you can't spray them. Especially when you you don't understand psi and tip sizes. No disrespect but experimental coating applications are not what anyone should be trying because it's only going to fail or cost you far more money than expected or both.

I do take it as disrespect when you are willing to drive in the fact I am new to this but yet not willing to give any advice other than dont do it. Maybe you were born with all that knowledge and never had to ask a question but I wasnt. I'm sorry but not doing something simply because of a lack of knowledge isnt the way I work.

How is anyone supposed to learn anything new that way. If you are aware of what those settings were referring to you, what would have been the harm in just saying? Not like I am coming after anyone's job with new found painting knowledge. But no worries I have since figured that part out.

If the coating couldn't be sprayed, why would the manufacture give spray gun settings to do that exact thing? I am genuinely curious.

And what harm could come from it? How is spraying it on vs brushing it on going to cause costly damage?

[greasemonkey]

I've never used Hammerite but I think it is similar to Rustoleum hammered finish? If so, it is probably very thick. You will need a gun with a big tip to spray it, and that little detail gun has a tiny tip. I sprayed hammered Rustoleum with a big primer gun with a 1.8 mm tip and I still had to thin it, though it was long enough ago I don't remember what I used. I do remember that on a frame, I had the best results with a paintbrush. Instead of brushing, I "stabbed" the metal with the brush (buy some cheap brushes, you will destroy them this way.) This method eliminates brush strokes and gets a heavier texture going.
Hope this helps, John

[C1ph3r]

Originally Posted by greasemonkey

I've never used Hammerite but I think it is similar to Rustoleum hammered finish? If so, it is probably very thick. You will need a gun with a big tip to spray it, and that little detail gun has a tiny tip. I sprayed hammered Rustoleum with a big primer gun with a 1.8 mm tip and I still had to thin it, though it was long enough ago I don't remember what I used. I do remember that on a frame, I had the best results with a paintbrush. Instead of brushing, I "stabbed" the metal with the brush (buy some cheap brushes, you will destroy them this way.) This method eliminates brush strokes and gets a heavier texture going.
Hope this helps, John

Thanks. Yeah I think it's similar to Rustoleum but what I have doesn't have a hammered finish. I've got probably around half of the frame done via brush. I ended up with a bigger gun from the recommendation of someone I trust. Has a 1.8 tip. It's really just for kicks and to learn something new. I'll make my first attempt tomorrow. And oh yeah, I already have a box of crap brushes. Used this on the front suspension parts already.

[greasemonkey]

Oops, I didn't know Hammerite made a smooth finish paint. I only knew of their hammered finish paint. I don't see why you can't spray it with your 1.8 tip. A quick search shows people use xylene to thin it so maybe you can give that a shot. I shot Rusto enamel with a 1.8 but I did thin it out to spray easier.

[C1ph3r]

Originally Posted by greasemonkey

Oops, I didn't know Hammerite made a smooth finish paint. I only knew of their hammered finish paint. I don't see why you can't spray it with your 1.8 tip. A quick search shows people use xylene to thin it so maybe you can give that a shot. I shot Rusto enamel with a 1.8 but I did thin it out to spray easier.

cool thanks. yeah it seems the smooth one is maybe a little less common? not sure. i have to order it from amazon. no one close to me carries it.

thanks again.

[C1ph3r]

My project turned out great. Ended up with a 1.8mm tip, did some test sprays to set up the gun and I was off to the races. The frame looks fantastic. Learned a lot with this project. Thanks for the help guys.

[Foot Stomper]

Originally Posted by C1ph3r

My project turned out great. Ended up with a 1.8mm tip, did some test sprays to set up the gun and I was off to the races. The frame looks fantastic. Learned a lot with this project. Thanks for the help guys.

Good stuff Cipher!
Did you use an N95 mask so you didn't breath paint fumes into your lungs? Eye protection? Gloves?
Get any over spray on other things in your shop?
How'd you clean your paint gun? How'd you dispose of the solvents?
How much more paint did you use that you wouldn't have had to if you brushed?
How much more time did it take?

Glad you learned a bunch experimenting "on the cheap". No disrespect!

Good luck with your project!

[Indian113]

I would Love to see Pic's of your Frame! I am starting to tear my 64 down and looking at ways to treat the frame. Thanks Ray

[C1ph3r]

Originally Posted by Foot Stomper

Good stuff Cipher!
Did you use an N95 mask so you didn't breath paint fumes into your lungs? Eye protection? Gloves?
Get any over spray on other things in your shop?
How'd you clean your paint gun? How'd you dispose of the solvents?
How much more paint did you use that you wouldn't have had to if you brushed?
How much more time did it take?

Glad you learned a bunch experimenting "on the cheap". No disrespect!

Good luck with your project!

Let's see - no. used a cartridge particulate filter in my respirator. Yes and yes
Heck yeah. There's a nice layer of dust on everything.
Lacquer thinner the "green" kind. Save the trees and stuff. and a brush. Haven't yet. chemical recycling day is later this month.
A lot more
Less time.
Oh and it was fun. I leaned something. Why are you being a jack ass? No disrepect.

[C1ph3r]

Originally Posted by Indian113

I would Love to see Pic's of your Frame! I am starting to tear my 64 down and looking at ways to treat the frame. Thanks Ray

Yeah I'll get some and put them in my build thread.

[Foot Stomper]

Originally Posted by C1ph3r

Why are you being a jack ass? No disrepect.

I beg your pardon? I think you are the one that got your panties in a twist...
Good luck with your project!