good source for tractor paint?

[mark777]

Yes....Automotive production spray booth's at independent and dealers shops is done exactly the way you've stated.

Tractor and implement restorations are consderably different...as they're mostly dissasembled, hanging parts - or waist deep in sheet metal proped up on saw horses and sterile plywood...most often no masking paper is envolved. Alot like shooting motorcycle frames, tanks, fenders and other parts. So, for the many that paint once in a while or a beginner with his first project we are talking the same principals but different painting environments.

Sully 2....I'm listening too.

 

[Sully2]

... So, for the many that paint once in a while or a beginner with his first project we are talking the same principals but different painting environments.

Sully 2....I'm listening too.

Thats me!...lol I never had the opportunity to learn..but that doesnt mean I CANT.. And even though I dont plan on making it a career or even do ANY tractor "restoration"...doesnt mean I dont want to know how..and do a good job on the small jobs I might do!

Same with welding....never had a chance to do anything other than "stick rods"..lol I signed up for my welding class the 6th of Feb...and I'll get that under my belt....Im already "practicing" with the small Hobart I bought prior to Xmas.


Maybe after 2 welding classes I'll see if they have anything at the vocational school on "auto" painting..etc???

 

[Gizmo36]

Nice looking 2440 , I see it was runing at the time the picture was took.

 

[Partsman2]

Yes....Automotive production spray booth's at independent and dealers shops is done exactly the way you've stated.

Tractor and implement restorations are consderably different...as they're mostly dissasembled, hanging parts - or waist deep in sheet metal proped up on saw horses and sterile plywood...most often no masking paper is envolved. Alot like shooting motorcycle frames, tanks, fenders and other parts. So, for the many that paint once in a while or a beginner with his first project we are talking the same principals but different painting environments.

I totally understand what you are saying. I spray around on the old farm equipment once in awhile. The last projects were an old Bush Hog brand bush hog (early 70's vintage) and a Woods RM306 finish mower. In both cases I sand blasted them to bare metal and primed them with self etching primer. Then I top coated right over that with acrylic enamel (Dupont Centari) with hardener.

I never was able to get enough spraying time to get good enough at it to spray anything nice. Painters I would do demos with would try to hand me the gun and get me to shoot a car. I always said "No thanks, the only thing they let me spray are old rusted farm implements."

I have to confess that I don't personally own a HVLP gun. It's an old Devilbis JGA502 siphon feed. It works OK for enamel single stage paints but I wouldn't ever attempt anything fancy with it. The nice thing is it's pretty much bullet proof and is always ready to go to work regardless of how many years it's been since I used it.

 

[mark777]

Andrewj,

I fear we're so far off the beaten path with your dozer paint questions I need to apologize. If it were my equipment I wouldn't use anything less than Dupont's Centari (or PPG's Deltron) Acrylic enamel(s). As good as these lines are..they are not highly impact resistant. Seems like they should go 3-4 years before repairing or complete refinishing is necessary, because Hey, who waxes their crawlers?

It's been my experience that it boils down to three determining factors when people repaint their tractors (vehicles too):
If you're going to keep the equipment (like forever) then spare no expense...within reason of course. Polyurethane is the best suited chemical currently out there.
If you use it and perform a refinish maintenance, as in keeping it presentable at job sites (and not frighten potential customers away) then the above mentioned acrylic enamels do very well at a reasonable price.
If you're 'dolling' it up to sell, (nothing wrong with that) then any economy paint will probably suffice....for about a year.

I think Farmwithjunk may have said it best in a single paragraph:

.........

With the over-all cost of doing a GOOD paint job, plus time required taken into consideration as well, another $50 or $75 isn't a dealbreaker. I'm not saying TSC sells BAD paint, just there are BETTER choices that don't cost all that much more. If you've never used a "premium" brand automotive paint, you owe it to yourself to give it a try at least once. There IS a difference. (Usually more durable, better UV protection, stays "color-fast" longer, sprays better, and makes for a "tougher" finish.) .....

 

[mark777]

.....I have to confess that I don't personally own a HVLP gun. It's an old Devilbis JGA502 siphon feed. It works OK for enamel single stage paints but I wouldn't ever attempt anything fancy with it. The nice thing is it's pretty much bullet proof and is always ready to go to work regardless of how many years it's been since I used it.

Now that surprises me!
I also have a JGA (in my box)...it really is difficult to let go of the old ways isn't it?
And although you don't own one (HVLP) it's apparent that you've used them....so, I still consider your input as 'Talk and Walk the Walk' .

One of my favorite guns is the (tiny) SATA Mini-Jet. I use it whenever a customer wants scallops, ghost flames, fades or graphics...I have to keep popping the top and ask myself why is there still so much paint in there? I've always been impressed with the finite adjustments...like adjusting spot, about the size of a dime, to full fan about 7". Pricey little bugger though!

Too bad TBN doesn't have a Painters Forum....Then we could really brag and lie to each other .

 

[scott_vt]

Mornin Mark777,
I apologize for dragging this thread up to the top of the list again but I just wanted to mention that I went back and read all your posts, and you really did add a bunch of interesting information on here! I posted early on the begining of the thread and havent gone back to it since then. Thanks for giving us amatures a peak on how the pros do it !

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Mornin Mark777,
I apologize for dragging this thread up to the top of the list again but I just wanted to mention that I went back and read all your posts, and you really did add a bunch of interesting information on here! I posted early on the begining of the thread and havent gone back to it since then. Thanks for giving us amatures a peak on how the pros do it !

It's a good thing when we can learn from the experience of others. That might keep us from learning from our own MISTAKES. I like to listen to an experts opinion AFTER I've gained a little "hands on experience" of my own too.

This was/is a very informative thread. All along, it took the high road, explaining BETTER ways, instead of trashing the "shadetree painter" techniques of some of us amatures.

 

[scott_vt]

This was/is a very informative thread. All along, it took the high road, explaining BETTER ways, instead of trashing the "shadetree painter" techniques of some of us amatures.

Mornin Bill,
Yep, your absolutely right ! I really hate to see a great thread turn into an argument.... it just takes away from the super resource we have here !

 

[mark777]

Well gentleman just a few things I'd like to add....mostly because I've learned from you too!

After so many years I realize I'm not so professional that I don't learn from others successes and failures....There is little difference (if any) between a professional and a beginner when an individual follows preparation guidelines, chemical reductions, mixing and application. Given the same time, equipment and materials I seriously doubt that anyone would see a difference in the end project regardless if it's your 1st or 1000th.

For me, there is a catch 22. A journeyman painter WILL know what to do when things go wrong....but if things do go wrong then that same journeyman has broken his own rules, taken a short cut and most probably sabotaged his own work. Hey...it happens, when you get in a hurry (at my age it doesn't happen anymore ) you work faster but not smarter.

If anyone is interested?? The speed and rush mentality stems from journeyman working in commission dealers and shops...and can be VERY lucrative indeed. Using round figures...I worked for 50% of all labor because I was a combination man (collision + painter)....so, If the estimate for labor was 10 hours @ $45 per hour, I'm PAID $225 for that job. If I do the job in 4 hours...I'm still paid the same amount ($225.) Sounds wonderful and it was...but if there were problems and the job took twenty hours....same money and now not so good.

Most can learn so much from a $10. Peterson publishing "How To" magazine and reading the back of a paint can. This will solve the mystery of what goes on in any body shop plus save you many hundreds of dollars.

Ahhhh...once again I apologize for such a lengthy post. Mark

 

[mjarrels]

Paint spray guns... Just watched my BIL here in the Phillippines spray paint his 18 HP fishing boat engine using an old time "insect/bug type pump sprayer with a small screw on container". I snickered at first but he actually did a great job using this $2.00 contraption. Never would have believed it if not for actually seeing him hand pump and spray. He can also rebuild this 18 HP B&S with his eyes closed and a couple basic hand tools.

mark

 

[Sully2]

If anyone wants to TRY an HVLP gun....

HF has these things going for $14.99.. Now we arent talking Bink or Devilbiss here now...but to TRY something out... They work fine

Just a thought if someone is wanting to try an HVLP type gun...

 

[mark777]

Sully2,

Is that possible?

I mean I currently have this love-hate thing going on with HF. Guess everyone knows that they sell some real crap...but they also sell some darn good stuff at a bargain. I have looked at the exact gun you have posted and it's not an HVLP. I also have the flyers they send you monthly and they have a gun that looks identical and IS the HVLP model for (sale price) $49.95 thru 1/15/07...but just under the ad it says paint cup $16.99...and sure enough, the gun and regulator were boxed and sold separately from the 20 ounce cup....

I've been down there twice in the last four months, looked at the sale priced paint guns, left without any purchase because of their definition of the items and accessories.

I do not dispute your post at all, just my local HF and it's inaccuracies.

Mark

 

[Sully2]

Sully2,

Is that possible?

I mean I currently have this love-hate thing going on with HF. Guess everyone knows that they sell some real crap...but they also sell some darn good stuff at a bargain. I have looked at the exact gun you have posted and it's not an HVLP. I also have the flyers they send you monthly and they have a gun that looks identical and IS the HVLP model for (sale price) $49.95 thru 1/15/07...but just under the ad it says paint cup $16.99...and sure enough, the gun and regulator were boxed and sold separately from the 20 ounce cup....

I've been down there twice in the last four months, looked at the sale priced paint guns, left without any purchase because of their definition of the items and accessories.

I do not dispute your post at all, just my local HF and it's inaccuracies.

Mark

LOL..THAT PRICE is their web price. I got a flyer good for the month of Jan..that is selling them for " $9.95 each". A guy cant even buy replacement parts for that price!!

They have I think??..4 different models that look identical! I took 2 apart in the store even and cant see ANY difference except a "model number" on them..?? They have another model..that sells for $49.95...that again is identical EXCEPT it has a small air regulator screwed onto it at the inlet but the troublw is...its the same gun... ( $14.95) with their same small regulator..($4.95) but its screwed together?????

I bought mine ( same model) for $19.95. Had a friend hel me paint my discs when I was re-working them...and wanted to re-pay him...and went back the NEXT WEEK...and bought the same identical model..for $12.95. That place dont make a lick of sense to me!!!

As far as "quality" goes..well..its OK...but IM not using it to go into business or anything...lol

When you want something from HF and see it ON SALE...you HAVE TO HAVE the EXACT model number...the "other one" that looks liek it but has a different number....its the higher than the sky price...???

 

[Sully2]

ITEM 91009-1VGA $14.99

ITEM 47016-6VGA $14.99

ITEM 43430-2VGA $64.99

And you have to read the SPECS on them also. Some dont reuquire much air flow...some require a lot more.

 

[mark777]

Man, this is just so funny..... Those are the exact guns I was looking at!

The first time I showed interest in the HVLP model, mentioned the differences between this and the conventional models, even went into the manifold, vortex generator and valve body internal differences with the person assigned to that area (you know...the guy with the Key to the cabinets)...he said, and I'm not kidding: "All I Know is it Takes Less Air for this one to Squirt".......ahhh...OK....For unknown reasons I was not ready to discuss transfer efficiency.

Thanks for posting pictures and model numbers.

Mark

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Man, this is just so funny..... Those are the exact guns I was looking at!

The first time I showed interest in the HVLP model, mentioned the differences between this and the conventional models, even went into the manifold, vortex generator and valve body internal differences with the person assigned to that area (you know...the guy with the Key to the cabinets)...he said, and I'm not kidding: "All I Know is it Takes Less Air for this one to Squirt".......ahhh...OK....For unknown reasons I was not ready to discuss transfer efficiency.

Thanks for posting pictures and model numbers.

Mark

Some people are best suited to sell high dollar professional grade painting equipment, while others are born to sell at HF...........

 

[slowrev]

If anyone wants to TRY an HVLP gun....

HF has these things going for $14.99.. Now we arent talking Bink or Devilbiss here now...but to TRY something out... They work fine

Just a thought if someone is wanting to try an HVLP type gun...

I got a Devilbiss HVLP and touch up gun in a kit for $50 at Sams.

 

[Sully2]

Some people are best suited to sell high dollar professional grade painting equipment, while others are born to sell at HF...........

You laugh...but here's a true story!!

A few years back.. I had ruined a trimming push mower by using it to keep a short...but extremely steep bank cleaned...so I had to go shopping for a new one. It popped into my head that I needed a "2 stroke mower"...hence the "crankcase oil" wouldnt run away from the bearing! Smart aint I....

I go to the local place that sells Lawn Boys...and find the one I wanted and the "manager" had to get it ..new..still in the box...from th back room...and as he piddeled around I was reading the Lanwn Boy literature. I noticed they had brought out a "4 cycle" model...as they were always noted for 2 cycle mowers.

He brings mine to me and I comment on the new 4 cycle models and his answer was.. ( sit down now....) " I dont know how they did it??...They didnt make the engine any bigger and I dont know how they got those other two cycles in it!!!!!!!!..."

And this character was the STORE MANAGER!!!

 

[Sully2]

I got a Devilbiss HVLP and touch up gun in a kit for $50 at Sams.

I saw the same identical gun at Advanced Auto Parts...for $89.95..!!!

So much of this type of thing ...made outside the USA...is IDENTICAL...made by the same "offshore" company...and if the "name plate" on the item is a HD aluminum foil..adhesive nameplate...you can bank on it