Spray paint or buy a gun?

874runnersr5 · 03-19-2009, 04:25 PM

Alright, so this weekend ima tackle painting my door back to black. Long story short, my friend in his 4runner slid into mine, smoked my old door. Got a new one, but it was red. Now since summer is rolling around, i rather my truck all one color haha. So im gonna paint it now, but i have no idea what to do.
Here are my choices

1- Buy paint in aerosol can, try to get just maybe a basic black, and get some clear coat to.
2- Go to this autopart shop and get them to mix paint for me and they also can put it in a aerosol can.
3- buy this cheap spray gun for 40$ and go to the same automotive store and buy paint from them to. And spray away using my little aircompressor.

Also, whats the best way to color match it?, im not looking for a perfect repair, just something that no one will notice unless they try hard to look.
Does anyone have any sites that have good walkthrus?
Does this site seem good to follow?
http://www.ehow.com/how_2062197_spra...-like-pro.html

then again its only a door so i can see me screwing it up that bad

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vic.kulla · 03-19-2009, 04:40 PM

really depends on your budget and how you drive. I personally like a good job that will last, but if you are going to be denting and scraping, then i would just hit up the spray can

874runnersr5 · 03-19-2009, 04:40 PM

also, what does this "cfm" mean
i have a feeling if i get the 50$ one, my air compressor wont be able to power it.
but the 20$ one, uses 2.5 compared to 8.5 to 12.0 CFM air consumption.

874runnersr5 · 03-19-2009, 04:42 PM

well, i dont do any real hardcore 4x4in, nothing that would damange my body right.
But, i really want to get a paint gun, so i can learn and then redo my entire truck this summer with my uncle.

I think il gopick up the airgun after school tomorrow, and get the paint next weekend.

vic.kulla · 03-19-2009, 04:42 PM

CFM = cubic feet per minute
off the top of my head, i think it refers to the paint used, but i probably am wrong.

vic.kulla · 03-19-2009, 04:44 PM

i would get the more expensive one, usually means better quality. I dont have one myself so i would not know how likely it is to clog with the paint

874runnersr5 · 03-19-2009, 05:12 PM

hmm, i wonder if it has a big difference?
seeing hows its just a door and want to get it black again, maybe i can squeeze by with the 20$ one

874runnersr5 · 03-19-2009, 05:30 PM

well i found out my air compressor runs at 2.7cfm at 90psi and 5 cfm at 50psi
the cheapest gun will run, but its just called "mini-spray gun"
there is one for 60$ and is HVLP PAINT GUN
• Operation pressure: 30 to 43 PSI
• Avg. air consumption: 4 CFM @ 90 PSI
• Anodized aluminum gun body
• Stainless steel needle & 1.4 mm nozzle
• 600 cc gravity feed nylon cup
• Includes pressure gauge

jjrgr21 · 03-19-2009, 06:56 PM

i used a $15 gun from harbor freight, and it worked great. go to your local auto paint supply (wherever macco) gets theres, and you can get industrial trailer paint in select colors for about $35 a gallon, and works great. it needs a little reducer to get a good spray, and use a little extra hardener. i did on my 1st gen and it turned out great, alot better than rattlecan.

bigt · 03-19-2009, 07:12 PM

i got a huuuge 3 gun 75 peice set from costco for like 75 bucks.. has few diff gun sizes... i havent used it yet.. i also have a one from power fist princess auto that i havent used... the cfm is the required air they use from your compressor.. they need apretty big one as they need a constant supply unless you just paint in small busrts!

874runnersr5 · 03-19-2009, 08:29 PM

yeah, i was thinking just small bursts,

can anyone explain how the mixing of the paint works?

874runnersr5 · 03-19-2009, 08:36 PM

well, with the whole aircompressor issue i think the "HVLP" is the way to go
High volume, low pressure. Its interesting, but i just need to find out how to clean the gun after im done using it, and how to lay the clear coat.

Trustyrusty · 03-19-2009, 11:52 PM

Buy three black rattle cans, and two cans of clear, a cheap rattle can job done right will look better then ANY hack job with a 15$ paint gun and little knowledge of painting.

StangBanger · 03-20-2009, 12:03 AM

Check out HarborFreighttools.com first.. they've got cheap stuff but you'd be surprised how good their stuff is.. I mean its not SNAP ON but its good stuff..

874runnersr5 · 03-20-2009, 05:36 AM

yeah, i think harborfreight is the same here as princessauto

jjrgr21 · 03-20-2009, 07:49 AM

the hplv gun will decrease your overspray, getting the same coverage w/less paint.

with mixing, you have your paint, reducer, and hardener. different paints require different mixtures. if the paint supply says "already reduced" add like 1 part more. and i had a little more hardener the keep the scratches down.

this was done with a HF $15 gun, and the industrial trailer/tractor paint.

874runnersr5 · 03-20-2009, 07:58 AM

Ohh, alright.
So, when i buy my paint i should just ask them what the paint specs are?
Anyone know a general idea how much paint should cost, with clear coat, reduced and hardener?

im only doing my door so i doubt il need to to much

Outsane · 03-20-2009, 11:57 AM

On the cheap to paint my 4runner I was told $150

874runnersr5 · 03-20-2009, 03:37 PM

woo,i got the gun

its pretty nice, for 60$. im just trying to find out what everything does...

wheatus · 03-24-2009, 10:16 AM

when using a paint gun the air compressor is the most important part. it is hard to get consistent performance when the pressure is all over the place. your little compressor will never be able to keep up doing the whole truck and it might struggle with the door which shouldn't cause too much trouble being a solid color. the biggest problem for you is going to be when you spray the clear. it needs to be layed down all at once so no bursts. the variable pressure is going to make it hard to keep from getting runs. also check the needle size of the gun, it should be 1.3 up to 2. anything smaller will take for ever and anything on the bigger side will throw out a lot of material and be harder control. the 1.4 needle is a good all around needle size. as for paint PPG, DuPont, Sikkens are some of the most reputible with the best products but just about anything will work. be sure to stay within the same paint system as mixing and matching can cause problems. there is also water based paint that is very good. as for mixing get a container from where you get your paint that has ratios printed on it. follow the recommendations of the manufacturer and match the reducer to the temp you are going to spray in. add additional reducer depending on your gun and spraying environment but the more reduced the more coats it will take and more likely to run. dont over reduce the clear or it will run all over the place. i wouldn't recommend adding additional hardener as it can result in failure of the clear coat. as for cleaning the gun use paint thinner and tear the gun completely apart, if clear is left in it it can hardened and ruin the gun. you will also need to clean the gun after spraying the base coat before spraying the clear. if you use water based paint all you need to use for clean up is water. there should be a pressure regulator on your gun (at the back) and a knob that controls the fan pattern (near the trigger). when you spray you want the widest fan pattern and go for a 75% overlap. the clear should look wet and smooth but dont over do it or it will run. this is also where having the correct reducer and hardener ratio is important as it can cause dry spray that will give your finished product a grainy look/texture.

874runnersr5 · 03-24-2009, 03:00 PM

ah wow thats alot of info, thanks man

wheatus · 03-24-2009, 05:22 PM

check out a thread titled $150 paint job for tips on preping for paint. any questions just ask.

874runnersr5 · 03-24-2009, 07:34 PM

is it that hard thoe?

the only thing that worries me now is the air compressor, and all that other stuff.

wheatus · 03-24-2009, 07:54 PM

it isn't hard but like any other skill it takes a lot of practice to master. on top of that there are many things that can cause problems. the good thing is that you will get to practice on the inside of the door first but before you get to that are you going to repair anything on the door? if so you need to do your repairs first. the easiest thing to do is take all of the guts out of the door so you dont have as much to mask. get some red scuff pads and scuff it all really well, anything shiny is bad. at this point you will be ready to clean it up and mask it for paint. while it is not necessary to mask, it makes prepping the outside of the door much easier. you will need some wax and grease remover to wipe before you spray and you can also use a mixture of alcohol and water to keep static down and to get any remaining dust. if the outside of the door is in good shape you can sand with 400-600 grit sand paper or you could just use the scratch pads. on exterior panels it is essential to get all of the edges and grooves really well as this is where most paint jobs start to peel. as for paint i would first try local body shops and try to beg some scraps. auto paint is haz mat so they might be glad to give some away. i would use the same manufacturer for base coat and clear coat. if you take your time you can get good results. the only thing that would concern me is the size of your compressor but you will have a better idea when you spray the inside of the door.

bigt · 03-24-2009, 08:03 PM

im gonna use my gun once i weld in floors rockers fenders in my suzuki...
i have a bit bigger comp i think tis 3.5 or so horse with a 15 gallon tank... its a long one on wheels ..

what prepssure do you set at?? 100 like power tools?

03-19-2009, 04:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
874runnersr5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Canaduh Posts: 2,786	also, what does this "cfm" mean i have a feeling if i get the 50$ one, my air compressor wont be able to power it. but the 20$ one, uses 2.5 compared to 8.5 to 12.0 CFM air consumption. __________________ 87' 4runner Sr5 : 22re : 5spd : 32x11.5 BGF Km2 : Cragar 15x8 soft 8s : TG Rock Defense Front Bumper : Sirius radio : Optima Red Top : Pioneer system : Engnbldr tchain kit : Downey 3" leafs : Diff breather : Tube doors : Bikini Top Calgary Toyota Association I <3 my Toyota

03-19-2009, 04:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
874runnersr5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Canaduh Posts: 2,786	well, i dont do any real hardcore 4x4in, nothing that would damange my body right. But, i really want to get a paint gun, so i can learn and then redo my entire truck this summer with my uncle. I think il gopick up the airgun after school tomorrow, and get the paint next weekend. __________________ 87' 4runner Sr5 : 22re : 5spd : 32x11.5 BGF Km2 : Cragar 15x8 soft 8s : TG Rock Defense Front Bumper : Sirius radio : Optima Red Top : Pioneer system : Engnbldr tchain kit : Downey 3" leafs : Diff breather : Tube doors : Bikini Top Calgary Toyota Association I <3 my Toyota

03-19-2009, 05:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
874runnersr5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Canaduh Posts: 2,786	hmm, i wonder if it has a big difference? seeing hows its just a door and want to get it black again, maybe i can squeeze by with the 20$ one __________________ 87' 4runner Sr5 : 22re : 5spd : 32x11.5 BGF Km2 : Cragar 15x8 soft 8s : TG Rock Defense Front Bumper : Sirius radio : Optima Red Top : Pioneer system : Engnbldr tchain kit : Downey 3" leafs : Diff breather : Tube doors : Bikini Top Calgary Toyota Association I <3 my Toyota

03-19-2009, 05:30 PM	#8 (permalink)
874runnersr5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Canaduh Posts: 2,786	well i found out my air compressor runs at 2.7cfm at 90psi and 5 cfm at 50psi the cheapest gun will run, but its just called "mini-spray gun" there is one for 60$ and is HVLP PAINT GUN • Operation pressure: 30 to 43 PSI • Avg. air consumption: 4 CFM @ 90 PSI • Anodized aluminum gun body • Stainless steel needle & 1.4 mm nozzle • 600 cc gravity feed nylon cup • Includes pressure gauge __________________ 87' 4runner Sr5 : 22re : 5spd : 32x11.5 BGF Km2 : Cragar 15x8 soft 8s : TG Rock Defense Front Bumper : Sirius radio : Optima Red Top : Pioneer system : Engnbldr tchain kit : Downey 3" leafs : Diff breather : Tube doors : Bikini Top Calgary Toyota Association I <3 my Toyota

03-19-2009, 06:56 PM	#9 (permalink)
jjrgr21 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,520	i used a $15 gun from harbor freight, and it worked great. go to your local auto paint supply (wherever macco) gets theres, and you can get industrial trailer paint in select colors for about $35 a gallon, and works great. it needs a little reducer to get a good spray, and use a little extra hardener. i did on my 1st gen and it turned out great, alot better than rattlecan. __________________ 2003 4WD TRD Tacoma 1986 4Runner

03-19-2009, 04:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
vic.kulla Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Surrey, BC Posts: 14	really depends on your budget and how you drive. I personally like a good job that will last, but if you are going to be denting and scraping, then i would just hit up the spray can

03-19-2009, 04:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
vic.kulla Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Surrey, BC Posts: 14	CFM = cubic feet per minute off the top of my head, i think it refers to the paint used, but i probably am wrong.

03-19-2009, 04:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
vic.kulla Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Surrey, BC Posts: 14	i would get the more expensive one, usually means better quality. I dont have one myself so i would not know how likely it is to clog with the paint

03-19-2009, 07:12 PM	#10 (permalink)
bigt Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: chippawa niagara falls ontario Posts: 3,200	i got a huuuge 3 gun 75 peice set from costco for like 75 bucks.. has few diff gun sizes... i havent used it yet.. i also have a one from power fist princess auto that i havent used... the cfm is the required air they use from your compressor.. they need apretty big one as they need a constant supply unless you just paint in small busrts! __________________ 1991 HILUX SURF SSR-X turbo diesel right hand drive toyota imported in 2005 from japan, 130,000 km 31 bfg a/t auto current build 1987 LWB suzuki samurai. turning 2 into one.. yota axles welded front to back, yota springs , ifs steering box,, this bad boy will not only eat jeeps but toyotas aswell \m/

03-19-2009, 08:29 PM	#11 (permalink)
874runnersr5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Canaduh Posts: 2,786	yeah, i was thinking just small bursts, can anyone explain how the mixing of the paint works? __________________ 87' 4runner Sr5 : 22re : 5spd : 32x11.5 BGF Km2 : Cragar 15x8 soft 8s : TG Rock Defense Front Bumper : Sirius radio : Optima Red Top : Pioneer system : Engnbldr tchain kit : Downey 3" leafs : Diff breather : Tube doors : Bikini Top Calgary Toyota Association I <3 my Toyota

03-19-2009, 08:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
874runnersr5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Canaduh Posts: 2,786	well, with the whole aircompressor issue i think the "HVLP" is the way to go High volume, low pressure. Its interesting, but i just need to find out how to clean the gun after im done using it, and how to lay the clear coat. __________________ 87' 4runner Sr5 : 22re : 5spd : 32x11.5 BGF Km2 : Cragar 15x8 soft 8s : TG Rock Defense Front Bumper : Sirius radio : Optima Red Top : Pioneer system : Engnbldr tchain kit : Downey 3" leafs : Diff breather : Tube doors : Bikini Top Calgary Toyota Association I <3 my Toyota

03-19-2009, 11:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
Trustyrusty Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: (Rednecks Inbreed In) Kansas Posts: 1,349	Buy three black rattle cans, and two cans of clear, a cheap rattle can job done right will look better then ANY hack job with a 15$ paint gun and little knowledge of painting. __________________ 1995.5 Tacoma 4X4 3.4-Jardine Catback, 20% Tint, Cold Air Intake, Skid Plates etc... 1987 Toyota 4Runner 1986 Toyota 4X4-SOLD

03-20-2009, 12:03 AM	#14 (permalink)
StangBanger Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: PM me if ur in MIAMI Posts: 332	Check out HarborFreighttools.com first.. they've got cheap stuff but you'd be surprised how good their stuff is.. I mean its not SNAP ON but its good stuff.. __________________ 1989 4RUNNER 3.0 AddictedOffroad front winch bumper SB 8,000lb Lifesaver Parked for now..Intake decided to take a big gulp of the good ole h2o

03-20-2009, 05:36 AM	#15 (permalink)
874runnersr5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Canaduh Posts: 2,786	yeah, i think harborfreight is the same here as princessauto __________________ 87' 4runner Sr5 : 22re : 5spd : 32x11.5 BGF Km2 : Cragar 15x8 soft 8s : TG Rock Defense Front Bumper : Sirius radio : Optima Red Top : Pioneer system : Engnbldr tchain kit : Downey 3" leafs : Diff breather : Tube doors : Bikini Top Calgary Toyota Association I <3 my Toyota

03-20-2009, 07:49 AM	#16 (permalink)
jjrgr21 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,520	the hplv gun will decrease your overspray, getting the same coverage w/less paint. with mixing, you have your paint, reducer, and hardener. different paints require different mixtures. if the paint supply says "already reduced" add like 1 part more. and i had a little more hardener the keep the scratches down. this was done with a HF $15 gun, and the industrial trailer/tractor paint. __________________ 2003 4WD TRD Tacoma 1986 4Runner

03-20-2009, 07:58 AM	#17 (permalink)
874runnersr5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Canaduh Posts: 2,786	Ohh, alright. So, when i buy my paint i should just ask them what the paint specs are? Anyone know a general idea how much paint should cost, with clear coat, reduced and hardener? im only doing my door so i doubt il need to to much __________________ 87' 4runner Sr5 : 22re : 5spd : 32x11.5 BGF Km2 : Cragar 15x8 soft 8s : TG Rock Defense Front Bumper : Sirius radio : Optima Red Top : Pioneer system : Engnbldr tchain kit : Downey 3" leafs : Diff breather : Tube doors : Bikini Top Calgary Toyota Association I <3 my Toyota

03-20-2009, 11:57 AM	#18 (permalink)
Outsane Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 604	On the cheap to paint my 4runner I was told $150 __________________ 1984 4runner - Photography

03-20-2009, 03:37 PM	#19 (permalink)
874runnersr5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Canaduh Posts: 2,786	woo,i got the gun its pretty nice, for 60$. im just trying to find out what everything does... __________________ 87' 4runner Sr5 : 22re : 5spd : 32x11.5 BGF Km2 : Cragar 15x8 soft 8s : TG Rock Defense Front Bumper : Sirius radio : Optima Red Top : Pioneer system : Engnbldr tchain kit : Downey 3" leafs : Diff breather : Tube doors : Bikini Top Calgary Toyota Association I <3 my Toyota

03-24-2009, 10:16 AM	#20 (permalink)
wheatus Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: indiana Posts: 274	when using a paint gun the air compressor is the most important part. it is hard to get consistent performance when the pressure is all over the place. your little compressor will never be able to keep up doing the whole truck and it might struggle with the door which shouldn't cause too much trouble being a solid color. the biggest problem for you is going to be when you spray the clear. it needs to be layed down all at once so no bursts. the variable pressure is going to make it hard to keep from getting runs. also check the needle size of the gun, it should be 1.3 up to 2. anything smaller will take for ever and anything on the bigger side will throw out a lot of material and be harder control. the 1.4 needle is a good all around needle size. as for paint PPG, DuPont, Sikkens are some of the most reputible with the best products but just about anything will work. be sure to stay within the same paint system as mixing and matching can cause problems. there is also water based paint that is very good. as for mixing get a container from where you get your paint that has ratios printed on it. follow the recommendations of the manufacturer and match the reducer to the temp you are going to spray in. add additional reducer depending on your gun and spraying environment but the more reduced the more coats it will take and more likely to run. dont over reduce the clear or it will run all over the place. i wouldn't recommend adding additional hardener as it can result in failure of the clear coat. as for cleaning the gun use paint thinner and tear the gun completely apart, if clear is left in it it can hardened and ruin the gun. you will also need to clean the gun after spraying the base coat before spraying the clear. if you use water based paint all you need to use for clean up is water. there should be a pressure regulator on your gun (at the back) and a knob that controls the fan pattern (near the trigger). when you spray you want the widest fan pattern and go for a 75% overlap. the clear should look wet and smooth but dont over do it or it will run. this is also where having the correct reducer and hardener ratio is important as it can cause dry spray that will give your finished product a grainy look/texture.

03-24-2009, 03:00 PM	#21 (permalink)
874runnersr5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Canaduh Posts: 2,786	ah wow thats alot of info, thanks man __________________ 87' 4runner Sr5 : 22re : 5spd : 32x11.5 BGF Km2 : Cragar 15x8 soft 8s : TG Rock Defense Front Bumper : Sirius radio : Optima Red Top : Pioneer system : Engnbldr tchain kit : Downey 3" leafs : Diff breather : Tube doors : Bikini Top Calgary Toyota Association I <3 my Toyota

03-24-2009, 05:22 PM	#22 (permalink)
wheatus Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: indiana Posts: 274	check out a thread titled $150 paint job for tips on preping for paint. any questions just ask.

03-24-2009, 07:34 PM	#23 (permalink)
874runnersr5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Canaduh Posts: 2,786	is it that hard thoe? the only thing that worries me now is the air compressor, and all that other stuff. __________________ 87' 4runner Sr5 : 22re : 5spd : 32x11.5 BGF Km2 : Cragar 15x8 soft 8s : TG Rock Defense Front Bumper : Sirius radio : Optima Red Top : Pioneer system : Engnbldr tchain kit : Downey 3" leafs : Diff breather : Tube doors : Bikini Top Calgary Toyota Association I <3 my Toyota

03-24-2009, 07:54 PM	#24 (permalink)
wheatus Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: indiana Posts: 274	it isn't hard but like any other skill it takes a lot of practice to master. on top of that there are many things that can cause problems. the good thing is that you will get to practice on the inside of the door first but before you get to that are you going to repair anything on the door? if so you need to do your repairs first. the easiest thing to do is take all of the guts out of the door so you dont have as much to mask. get some red scuff pads and scuff it all really well, anything shiny is bad. at this point you will be ready to clean it up and mask it for paint. while it is not necessary to mask, it makes prepping the outside of the door much easier. you will need some wax and grease remover to wipe before you spray and you can also use a mixture of alcohol and water to keep static down and to get any remaining dust. if the outside of the door is in good shape you can sand with 400-600 grit sand paper or you could just use the scratch pads. on exterior panels it is essential to get all of the edges and grooves really well as this is where most paint jobs start to peel. as for paint i would first try local body shops and try to beg some scraps. auto paint is haz mat so they might be glad to give some away. i would use the same manufacturer for base coat and clear coat. if you take your time you can get good results. the only thing that would concern me is the size of your compressor but you will have a better idea when you spray the inside of the door.

03-24-2009, 08:03 PM	#25 (permalink)
bigt Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: chippawa niagara falls ontario Posts: 3,200	im gonna use my gun once i weld in floors rockers fenders in my suzuki... i have a bit bigger comp i think tis 3.5 or so horse with a 15 gallon tank... its a long one on wheels .. what prepssure do you set at?? 100 like power tools? __________________ 1991 HILUX SURF SSR-X turbo diesel right hand drive toyota imported in 2005 from japan, 130,000 km 31 bfg a/t auto current build 1987 LWB suzuki samurai. turning 2 into one.. yota axles welded front to back, yota springs , ifs steering box,, this bad boy will not only eat jeeps but toyotas aswell \m/

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