Automotive Paint without a gun or compressor

[The Renaissance Man]

Let's face it, even the best rattle can paint comes no where close to actual automotive paint in terms of durability and color options. But without some equipment for spraying it, we're left with few choices.

Not too long ago I had a project painting the ARMY roundel insignias on a Vietnam era Huey Helicopter. Being located on the tarmac away from any hangers required that I would have to paint without the luxury of an air compressor.

I had color codes for exact colors and needed to use automotive paint for duability so off the shelf rattle cans where not an option. While discussing my situation at one of the local automotive paint supply stores I discovered the solution. a Preval Sprayer. Here's one at Home Depot.

It was not a large surface area so the little sprayer worked ok. But a bicycle would be even more manageable.

Being automotive paint the drying time was quick enough that masking over the fresh paint the following day was no problem.
I layed up a light tack coat first and followed with several more coats for a smooth even finish.

After painting clean up was easy in the glass bottle.

So my final thoughts were that even though it's not a great substitute for a real paint gun and compressed air, it's manageble for getting the job done!

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Thanks for this bud! This is an awesome alternative.



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[Klunkruiser]

That option looks pretty neat.

Was just looking at econo HVLP spray guns a couple of days ago. About forty bucks or so.

I really want to spray Imron or something similarly durable on my next keeper bike. And have been going over a couple of ideas for a small temporary/convertible booth setup with a high powered filtered exhaust fan.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Just make sure to have the best resporator that you can afford. Our lungs are far more important than any paint job!

 

[Duchess]

I used those for Major Taylor. Worked great for the basecoat, but the holes in the nozzle were way too big for the clearcoat, causing terrible orange peel. After careful wet sanding accompanied by much swearing like an adult version of the Seven Dwarves' work song to avoid damaging the pinstriping and decals, I ended up having a shop redo the clear for cheap enough that I wish I had them do the clear in the first place.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

I can see that. It doesn't atomize very fine. You can tell in the picture above when you click on it.
I used a single stage enamel on the Huey. It flowed out out pretty smooth.

 

[Duchess]

I would definitely use them again for anything but clearcoat (though my new house has an air compressor, so I don't need to).

 

[MazdaFlyer]

I use one of these with my rattle cans, wonder if it will fit the adapter vessel.

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[MattiThundrrr]

That is a seriously cool job. Jealousy.

 

[Brian macumber]

How does this work looks like a spray can on top of a bottle

 

[RustySprockets]

Thought it was fair to point out that there is another alternative--the Jacquard YouCAN. This gadget has a slightly steeper start-up cost than the Preval, but it doesn't require the repeated purchase of proprietary canisters; the Jacquard can be re-charged with a tire pump. You all have bicycle pumps, don't you?

As an added bonus, replacement spray caps are available in various patterns because this product is targeted at the art community.

https://vimeo.com/jacquardproducts/youcan

 

[Duchess]

Thought it was fair to point out that there is another alternative--the Jacquard YouCAN. This gadget has a slightly steeper start-up cost than the Preval, but it doesn't require the repeated purchase of proprietary canisters; the Jacquard can be re-charged with a tire pump. You all have bicycle pumps, don't you?

As an added bonus, replacement spray caps are available in various patterns because this product is targeted at the art community.

https://vimeo.com/jacquardproducts/youcan

Never heard of these and I was looking for something more along these lines!

 

[JaxRhapsody]

I believe duplicolor or PPG has automotive paint in a spraycan, too.