Primer Gun Advice

F

Ferrino

Hi there. I'm completely new to both HVLP and catalyzed paints and am looking for some advice on spraying SPI epoxy primer, please. Looking for a cheap entry-level gun to play around with and see the "Vaper" range sold by Northern Tool comes recommended. They have 1.4, 1.8 & 2.3 tips. Which would you suggest for spraying unreduced epoxy? The 1.4 would tend to agree with the tech docs, but I see some people recommending the 2.3 if you want to lay down a heavy coat that can be blocked. I like the idea of using epoxy as the only primer coat and blocking with that.

If I was to go with the 2.3, what settings would you suggest on the gun?

If you're going to block the epoxy, is there a general protocol on how long to wait before blocking? e.g. how many coats would you lay down with a 2.3 tip?

One of the reasons I'd like to just use SPI epoxy is because I understand that it is relatively safer in a home setting compared to the 2K urethane primers. Regardless, most parts will be sprayed outdoors.

Many thanks!
 
I would hunt down a used Iwata LPH440.. I picked mine up many years ago, before that I would buy a throw away primer gun every year.. I have two tips. a 1.8 and another one that is bigger for poly primer..

I wouldn't spray epoxy with that big of a tip. Something that big is more saved for poly primer.
 
I had a 1.8 in my LPH440, but I was consistantly laying down too much paint. It was easier for me, as a beginner, to go with a 1.4 like the tech documents recommend. I plan on purchasing a large needle to spray poly primer out of, as the 1.8 has to go super slow even with reduced poly. I know that some on here let their epoxy induce over night, which will also thicken it up a bit and require the larger needle to spray nicely. From everything I've read, the longer induction also seems to be a great thing for the strength of the epoxy. Barry recommended 12 hour induction (IIRC) when using epoxy to coat exterior plastic trim to maximize UV resistance.

Hope some of this rambling helps!
 
Thanks! So which needle would be needed for an overnight induction - 1.8 or 2.3? To recap, I am planning to block this out, so I don't need to lay it flat straight from the gun. The more protection for my metal the better as it's a '76 car.
 
i use the 2.3 vaper. it will shoot heavy polyester or epoxy induced. you can turn a 2.3 down but you cant turn a 1.4 up . if you shoot epoxy at 3 turns it will go south .
 
shine;42233 said:
i use the 2.3 vaper. it will shoot heavy polyester or epoxy induced. you can turn a 2.3 down but you cant turn a 1.4 up . if you shoot epoxy at 3 turns it will go south .
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Thanks Shine. Not familiar with the "3 turns" lingo: what settings would you recommend for the 2.3 gun? I have never used a HVLP gun before...
 
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