Mick uses this SATA Jet 100 BF HVLP low overspray primer and filler gun exclusively for primer.
For high-build primer such as polyester primer, Mick uses a nozzle size of 2.1. He typically uses larger nozzles or tips for this part of the job, as they work best for thicker materials.
Spray Guns
There are numerous spray guns on the market. Even if you are only going to spray one car in your life, a quality spray gun is essential. A good online source to look at the many options is AutoBodyToolmart.com. A quarterly printed catalog called Auto Source Today is also a good source that is available from most auto body stores. However, we recommend making friends with your local auto body paint store and purchasing locally. The local shop is more likely to help you when you have questions or problems, and you will have one if not the other.
High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP)
It used to be that most common guns had the paint cup on the bottom and worked via siphon; however, those old guns were extremely wasteful and are now illegal. Consequently, new high volume low pressure (HVLP) guns were developed to help reduce the amount of wasted paint and resultant pollutants. The HVLP gravity fed guns have 30-percent better transfer efficiency than the old siphon guns. They are more efficient because many use a disposable cup complete with a filter that slips inside the paint cup. Sure, there’s waste but it is a far more cost-effective system.
Color Gun
For color and clear coat, Mick prefers the SATA 3000 B HVLP (top left). Note the pressure gauge in the airline and the easily removable clear paint cup that accepts disposable paint cups for easy, quick cleaning.
You can see here (left) how the paint cup breaks down into its component parts consisting of the cup (with blue tint), the liner next to it, and the filter below.
For most color applications, Mick uses a nozzle size of 1.4. The stainless paint needle and nozzle make it suitable for water-borne paints, for which a 1.25 nozzle is used.
Detail Gun
Automobiles are tricky things to paint. Even though the outside is big and kind of flat, there are all sorts of nooks and crannies that are inaccessible with a conventional gun. Therefore, a professional will have a smaller detail gun that he can use for doorjambs, tight corners such as those in a pickup bed, and other tight areas. Prices vary with quality.
Gun Cleaning Brushes
Andrew Mach has this 15-piece brush cleaning kit that is essential for keeping your spray guns clean. Other kits are available in a range of costs.
Schutz Gun
If you’re planning on addressing the underside of your project, you’re going to need a Schutz gun, such as this lightweight one from U-Pol, to apply the material.
Hammers and Dollies
If metal bashing is anticipated then you are going to need some specific hammers and dollies. Of course, some of these tools can be found used at swap meets, at garage sales, and on the Internet. Here are some of the metal shaping tools in Mick’s drawers. Eastwood offers a similar seven-piece hammer and dolly set that includes three hammers, a toe block, a heel block, a general-purpose block, and a light dinging-spoon for less than $100.
Other Tools
You’re going to need an orbital sander, also known as a dual-action (DA) sander, as they rotate and orbit. The larger the pad size and the wider the orbit or offset, the larger the surface area you’ll be able to work at any one time. However, one size does not fit all jobs; you’re going to have to pick a size that works best for you. Mick’s preference is for the air-powered DAs, preferably with vacuum, as they are more reliable and cost effective. They reduce dust if a collection bag is attached; though, you’ll need perforated backing pads and sanding discs, otherwise the vacuum is irrelevant. Note that you will need a compressor of at least 5 hp with at least 4 to 5 cfm at 90 psi to run one tool at a time.
Vise-Grip (Locking Pliers)
You will need an assortment of locking pliers. These come in various sizes and you probably won’t know what you need until you get the paint stripped. The larger versions for bodywork are known as locking C-clamps.
Sanders and Buffers
Mick prefers an air-powered dual-action (DA) sander. They produce a swirl-free finish. This particular model is from Snap-On and does not have a vacuum attachment.
Mick’s Paint uses this Makita 9227 7-inch, variable speed (from 0 to 3,000 rpm) electric polisher. It has a preset speed setting dial (from 600 to 3,000 rpm) for maximum control. Most buffing is done in the 600 to 1,500 rpm range.
For detail polishing, Mick’s Paint uses either the battery-operated, well-used Snap-On CTPP761 (left) or the air-powered Dynabrade (right). Both companies make a wide range of auto and body shop tools.
A die grinder is another handy tool that will help you clean those difficult-to-get-to places such as drip rails. They’re best if they are air powered but electric and even cordless ones are available from manufacturers