Had to choose between a cheap paint gun and a name brand one last month

I needed a new spray gun for a repaint job on an old Chevy truck in my shop. The Harbor Freight one was $60 and the Devillbiss was $350. I went with the cheap one to save money, but it sputtered like crazy on the clear coat. I ended up sanding down three runs and a dry spot, which cost me an extra 4 hours. That $60 gun turned into a $200 lesson when you add up my time. Anyone else get burned by going budget on paint tools?

3 comments

3 Comments

david70319d ago

I read somewhere that cheap spray guns just don't have the air passages machined right, so the pressure drops before it even hits the tip. That matches what you saw with the sputtering on the clear. A buddy of mine who restores old cars told me the same thing, said the price difference is all about how consistent the air flow is. He swears by the mid range HVLP stuff now and says he hasn't had a run since he switched. Sounds like you found the hard way what a lot of us have to learn with paint gear.

wader7120d ago

$60 gun turned into a $200 lesson" - yep, been there. That cheap gun just can't atomize clear properly, you need consistent pressure at the tip. Next time grab a mid-range HVLP for around $150, you'll get good finishes without breaking the bank.

ericcraig20d ago

Used to be the guy who swore by cheap guns. Figured it was all the same once you got the hang of it. Had a buddy who painted cars for a living and he tried to tell me the same thing. Just chalked it up to him being fancy with his tools. Then I finally wore out my third cheap gun in two years and grabbed a mid range HVLP on his recommendation. Night and day difference. That first coat of clear laid down flat as glass without a single orange peel. Made me feel like an idiot for fighting with those bargain bin sprayers for so long. You were right on the money with this one.