Can Airless HVLP be used to Paint a car?

dennisO · 02-03-2023, 11:53 AM

I've been reading online that some airless HVLP manufacturers are claiming that a complete car can be painted using an airless HVLP gun and it look good, as the newer guns have improved the atomization of the paint. I also read that automotive paints need more reducer to spray through these guns, so you'll need to put more coats on.

Is this just marketing propaganda or can an airless HVLP gun be used to paint a car and have it looking good? Does anyone have direct experience and recommend an airless gun?

Why am I asking? Well, I'm finally starting on the restoration of my '70 Targa and need to 1) Get a good quality automotive paint gun/system, and 2) Learn how to paint.

My plan is to start the learning process by using the new system to paint the suspension, tin,.. and other pieces for the car.

Thoughts welcome.

ChrisHamilton · 02-03-2023, 04:49 PM

Go here and ask your questions.

Southern Polyurethanes Forum

You'll get solid concrete answers. Friendly people too.

Short answer is there are drawbacks. The good ones that work are expensive $2K or more. They don't spray high solids clear well. The warm air that it produces affects how the clear lays out. Same with urethane primers. The warm air accelerates things and it doesn't lay down well at all. They are OK for epoxy primer and basecoat. For the cost of a good one, you would be well on your way to outfitting your shop with a good air compressor and proper spray gun. I've been working in the Industry for 30 years and I've never seen a shop that uses one.

dennisO · 02-05-2023, 03:53 PM

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the link to the website - a lot of good info over there.

I did more web searching and the issues you mentioned above were consistent with what I read. Good to hear the same info again to reinforce it. I guess I'll start lookig for a compressor + gun for my garage.

Thank you!

Dennis

FA-18C · 02-07-2023, 09:20 PM

After reading the first post I googled it

Eastwood has a 5 stage system that says it addresses some of the issues. Decent video, if you are still considering.

dennisO · 02-08-2023, 03:33 PM

I did see the Eastwood system that looked pretty good. I also looked at the website Chris H recommended. Lots of good info on that website. I want a system that I can paint with a single stage paint versus base and clear. Most of the folks on that website recommended to invest in a good compressor and guns). There were a few folks that had success with the turbine hvlp systems as well. For a beginner the path is not clear to me....

FA-18C · 02-08-2023, 03:43 PM

I painted my quarter bumpers on my 70E in my garage with a basic craftsman compressor and a mid range Binks gun. I am certain my prep was novice at best, did 4-5 coats of primer and sanded in between, then cleaned and tack ragged, and sprayed 6 finish coats by the directions. Let them dry for 10 days. Waited another 30 before I wet sanded with 2500 and 3000, then cut and polished. They turned out OK. Not sure I would do the same for my whole car. Chris H knows his stuff, and the site is loaded with info that will overwhelm the home DIY'er.

Most agree the work is in the prep and finish. Especially with single stage. Along with compressor and guns, you need to keep the air cool, and dry. We paint $150-800K boats in our shop, impossible to have the auto clean room, and are spraying a LOT of paint in large areas. You can have some amazing outcomes, but it will never be to the standard a pro can do in a booth with all of the environment perfectly controlled.