Painting

Greetings Forum Chums!
I have zero experience in this foray, and I am quite scarred of
trying......but setting up to prime and finish the Hi-Crop
tranny....just for practice mind you....I know....gotta paint the
whole tractor at one point....rather get some under my belt
first....the compressor is set up with a dryer....I have an old
paint gun of my Dad's......so.....any advise on
like...everything??

Primer type...epoxy??
Finish??
Brands??
Air pressure??
How big a spray pattern??
Paint gun....how far away??
Recommended books on the subject??
Temp in the barn??

As always guys.....thanks in advance for sharing your
expertise!

i reccomend buying all supplies from one maker.

IE.. if going with a single stage paint.. use their paint, their reducer and their primer, so you know it's all compatible.

I also reccomend finding some cardboard or scrap hood to learn to paint on.. how to adjust gun, what makes a run, ow to blow or paint out a run, and what a good coat looks like.

generally the cheaper alkyd and acrylic enamil paints are also easier and more forgiving to use for a first timer.

they will also dry without a hardner whereas some urethanes and epoxy paints need an activator.

nason single stage is one to try, and i'd even say the majic. It used to be problematic.. but seems to have gotten better. ( especially if you can find it on sale ). valspar used to be my favorite.

I like an epoxy based primer. I have had a few paint guns over the years, from my experience a Devilbiss that you will spend a couple hundred dollars is no better than the junk from harbor frieght. The interesting side note, the two gravity feed guns look identical, minus the devilbiss logo.. Next I like the disposable paint cups that go above the gun for what the name says, disposable... Paint, not sure yet, I am playing with it a little on my own 2n. In the shop we use Rustoleum for an implement quality. For automotive quality, we use Nason on the more affordable side and on the high side we run either house of colors or DuPont. When you buy your materials, just ask if everything is compatible and use the recommended items in the mix ratios prescribed by the manufacturer.

As far as technique, it will be different for everyone. I prefer a longer more continuous spray pattern, fewer short shots and as wet as I can be without runs. Really, just get some equipment and paint and do some samples, play a little. You will get the hang of it. Just make sure to ALWAYS clean your tools and cover what you don't want over spray on. Keep your pressure between 40-60psi depending on what the gun calls out for.


Jeff
Wichita, Kansas
www.premiertrikes.com

I forgot quantity.......how much paint to shoot the whole Tractor?

8n? 501 7xx or 9xx series?

It's the 8n Hi-Crop

Along with all the other good advice you've gotten I'd like to add this:

I'm a rank amateur as well so what I did was watch YouTubes on painting and how to adjust your gun -- I hung a big sheet of cardboard to get familiar with the spray patterns. I can't remember the video that I thought was easiest to understand, regarding the spray patterns.

Edit: This one worked for me:
SETTING UP YOUR SPRAY GUN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn1WNis5m8k

I also watched [b:5bb62240d6]this[/b:5bb62240d6] one three or four times just to try and understand the rhythmic movement of the gun and how to approach different curvatures and surfaces -- where to start and stop. If I hadn't watched this I would definitely have made errors. Spray painting is obviously second nature to this guy.

PAINTING SOME TRACTOR PARTS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR6cF_eL9mk

His voice doesn't sound like he has a mask on, which if true is totally unwise. :shock:

Been lurking for awhile but can jump in here,been painting cars,trucks for 40 years. First and foremost get a real good mask, I prefer out side air (mask and air pump) especially for epoxy primer which is the best to use. Gravity or suction guns I use both,suction for primer (seems faster when turned up), As others have said, stick with one system don't mix suppliers, personally I use tcp global for single and dual stage paints. Practice on scrap is also good advice for the beginner. There is lots of info on YouTube might try that

i'd plan on a gallon of each, that way you can get good coverage on the fenders both sides, and hood and underside. plus the cast soaks it up.

it's usualy jut as cheap to buy a gallon vs 3 qts anyway...

Thanks all....great stuff......what's the difference between single and dual paint......and when would you utilize one over the other?

single stage is just what it says,single,usually acrylic enamels.
dual stage is base coat then clear coat then usually buff to a high gloss, not for a tractor IMHO, got nicked at a car show once because the model A was to shiny, live and learn

Check!!

Ed, if you're not going to paint it before November 3rd, you are
welcome to practice with one of my paint guns on a 2N parts tractor!

I an looking forward to that and the drive my friend!!

Count the leftover as touch up

Guys.....thanks for the outstanding imput and insight....you guys are the best......I will let you know how I fair!!