Hi Steve,
I used to own a furniture manufacturing business where we use an HVLP sparayer. My experience was that this type of sprayer did not work well with automotive paints.
Automotive paints are very fast dry. The high volume, low pressure sprayers tend to dry out the paint before it reaches the surface, so the finish is ruined. If you thin down the paint to compensate for this, it destroys the leveling properties of the paint.
Of course, YMMV. If I were spraying automotive finishes, I would use a high pressure sprayer. I suppose someone with enough expertise can get any system to work.
Louis Schulman Hot Tampa, Florida
-----Original Message----- From: Steve Maas <stevem@nonlintec.com> Sent: Jun 21, 2004 12:46 AM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Paint recommendations
Recently I was given an HVLP sprayer. Previously, I've painted frames by spray can, with good success, but now I'd like to take advantage of the greater versatility that this sprayer offers. Problem is, I'm not sure what kind of paint to use or where to get it.
I have the following requirements:
1. Not too difficult to apply successfully.
2. Reasonably rugged and chip resistant.
3. Good color selection would be nice, but I'm willing to mix colors, if necessary.
4. Readily available.
I stopped by a local industrial paint store a couple weeks ago, and they recommended a fast-drying industrial enamel that they stock. Unfortunately, it was available only in gallons and in primary colors, so it wasn't terribly practical. People have also recommended Imron and epoxy paints, but these sound difficult to use and probably should wait until I have a little more opportunity to experiment.
I'd also be happy to hear of any tips or suggestions you can offer.
My plan is to experiment with a test frame, a late-80s Giordano I rescued from the trash. Then, if all goes well, I'll do my early-50s Olmo. I don't intend to try anything fancy, just simple, solid colors.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have.
Steve Maas
Long Beach, California