Gunsmithing Cerakote/DuraCoat guys, question?

[RBell24]

What airbrushes or HVLP guns are you using? What kind of air setup do you have going?
Does anybody have a recommendation on a good airbrush or HVLP to get? I've gone through 3 and I need something that's higher quality, but I don't really know what to get. Other than something that costing $400 compared to $100, I don't really have much knowledge about how to judge the quality of one. Most info online sucks because they're using them for painting flowers on paper or some bullshit.
Any info would be much appreciated.

 

[crumpett]

Re: Cerakote/DuraCoat guys, question?

I don't think it's so much the quality of the airbrush, but rather the need to clean it immediately after spraying. I have been using the same Paasche for at least 3 years.

 

[locked&loaded]

Re: Cerakote/DuraCoat guys, question?

Paasche VL with 1,2&3 tips. I've used these since 1990 and they are tough little brushes. As for the HVLP guns, I have a few different ones but the $20 mini gravity feed ones from Harbor Freight seem to spray the coatings fine. The ones with an air adjustment and a pattern adjustment are a must. Just keep them clean.

 

[phillik747]

Re: Cerakote/DuraCoat guys, question?

This is a good guide. Shows using Preval Sprayer for the one time type job.
http://www.shootingvoodoo.com/index.php/articles/duracoat_painting_made_easy/

 

[Big_Daddy]

Re: Cerakote/DuraCoat guys, question?

Are you doing all over one color? Camo with template(s)? Freehanding stuff? I only ask because depending on the detail of what you are doing you may need/want a different type/style. I am lazy and don't like to clean stuff so I like to get the Harbor Freight airbrush kits when they are on sale for $5 and I use them once or twice and chuck them. I have a decent Badger kit with a variable tip that I will use when I want to do some detail or freehand work but the Harbor Freight "throw aways" have done well by me for basic work. The Harbor Freight HVLP guns have worked out well for me too but I find that a fullsize HVLP is more than what's needed for doing firearm work. I like the little mini HVLP and like most stuff at Harbor Freight it's cheap enough that if it craps out on me I don't care. I just chuck it and buy two more next time they are one sale.

 

[DarinR]

Re: Cerakote/DuraCoat guys, question?

I have used the Harbor Freight HVLP touch up gun with a 1.0 mm tip, a SATA minijet HVLP touch up gun with a .8 mm tip and a Porter Cable HVLP touch up gun with a .8 mm tip. They all worked good with flat paints on finish. The Harbor Freight was a small portion of the price of the SATA and the Porter Cable wasn't too much more than the Harbor Freight. I MUCH prefer the .8 mm tip to the 1.0 mm tip for getting good atomization without too much volume.

I would recommend the Porter Cable .8mm tipped HVLP gun. It has sprayed KG Coatings 2400, Cerakote bake on but not any Duracoat yet.

Darin