Spray paint hardware - what to use for a small amount of work?

Discussion in 'Color is everything!' started by Yardley, Dec 13, 2004.

  1. Yardley

    Yardley Club Jackass

    I've used Pre-Val cans in the past with very good results, but this winter I will be painting all the seat plastic on the back and sides of the bucket seats, the kick panels, the dashboard and the metal trim around the rear window and over the side windows.

    Not a lot, but enough to make me wonder if there is an alternative method?

    Will an air brush work? I have been looking and only see a 1 1/2" max spray pattern with those. Would I have issues covering the large areas of the dash and seat backs with a small spray area like that?

    I think buying a real spray gun would be overkill with this. Or maybe not?

    Can someone help?

    I have no problem buying a dozen Pre-Val canisters, but just wanted some input.
     
  2. nailheadina67

    nailheadina67 Official Nailheader

    I used my big spray gun for those, being careful to apply light coats. For the dash I just used boom cans. Those "touch up" spray guns are a PITA in my opinion, and the aibrush is too small for large parts. I say use the big spray gun.......and it helps if it has the cup on top. :bglasses:
     
  3. gstewart

    gstewart Well-Known Member

    yard:
    i picked up a cheap spray unit that uses compressed air in a can (like a rattle can without the rattle) to spray the paint.
    the system comes with a glass jar that screws into a plastic assembly which then mounts to the top of the air can .
    i used this unit to spray my seat backs, plastic trim, door panels, etc. with sem dye (paint) . worked fine...
     
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2004
  4. nailheadina67

    nailheadina67 Official Nailheader

    Zem dye paint.........never heard of it......where'd you get that? :Do No:
     
  5. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    Isnt the brand "Sem" ? Ive seen that at the local auto body supply house.
     
  6. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    Jeff,
    I like the touch-up size spray guns....The gravity-feed ones (with the cup on top) allow you to mix up only as much paint as is necessary, and there is no waste....you'll use all the paint in the cup. Not like the siphon-feed guns that always leave an ounce or so of paint leftover....that always bugged me....
    They can be adjusted to give a wide spray pattern...4 inches wide is no problem. So they're great for small areas. For a part like your seat backs, It would be fine.
    I picked up one of these at Carlisle for $25 bucks... Some vendors were asking fifty bucks or more for the same thing, so shop around. Harbour freight, I'm sure, carries something similar....BTW, they now have a store in Allentown.
    Only drawback, is they may have more overspray than the generic spraycan..
    Biggest advantage is you can use auto-body grade paints. I buy most of my materials from Mallons on 611 in Warrington....they've always given me great service!
     

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