Gun for spraying stains? - created 10-22-2007

mowry, andrew - 10/22/2007.11:55:59

Does anyone have recommendations for a small gun for spraying alcohol-based stains? I have a cheap touchup gun from Harbor Freight, but it doesn't atomize as well as I would like. I also have a cheap airbrush, but it doesn't hold enough fluid for me, and the spray pattern is too small. I'd like something that can produce a fairly wide pattern, and ideally hold at least a cup of fluid. I's use it for sunbursting as well as toning entire instruments. Are there touchup guns that atomize as well as airbrushes?

Daniels, Barry - 10/22/2007.12:54:51
MIMForum Staff

Some of the HVLP conversions guns are really good at atomization. I use a Walcom STM Italian made gun that is nice.

Swanson, Mark - 10/22/2007.13:46:30
MIMForum Staff, Michigan

When your gun won't atomize too well, you will get a better result by using a thin mix, and build the color up slower. Likewise, if you use a strong color tint then it's a lot easier to notice the lack of atomization.

Schaeffer, Clay - 10/23/2007.18:15:24

Hi Andrew,

mowry, andrew - 10/23/2007.22:22:51

Thanks for the suggestions, folks. I'm going to do a bit more research. I've also gotten suggestions to try the Binks model 115 touchup gun (I currently own a Taiwanese knockoff of this one), and an Iwata Eclipse airbrush.

King, David - 10/24/2007.00:32:38
often headless

I know several guys using Sata minijets for bursts only.

mowry, andrew - 10/24/2007.11:27:46

David, are those conventional (I assuming), or conversion HVLP?

King, David - 10/24/2007.12:47:10
often headless

I think all the sata line are conversion hvlp. I know they all qualify under my local regs as better than 65% delivery.

brown, john - 11/14/2007.22:11:12

Check out the Iwata Lph-80. It has a variety of tip sizes and uses a lot less air than the Mini Jets.

The Iwata Kustom Th is also very cool.

My recent visit to Sema was very revealing. The only airbrush/spray gun company interested in talking to someone who builds kustom kulture themed guitars was Iwata. Sata, DeVilbiss, etc... Couldn't find the time to talk to me. The Iwata people spent time recomending tools for my application, plus I know from my other 3 airbrushes that they're parts support can't be beat.