A shot in the dark here, but what the heck.

I'm in information overload. I've painted two vehicles before and used a hf $15 gun. Both jobs came out good to pretty good, but were single stage.

Now I'm laying down a high build primer, basecoat, and clear coat so I'll need at minimum an additional gun that has a 1.8 tip for the primer. The hf gun only has 1.4 tip. But I'm Also wondering if I should upgrade to one of the setups with multiple guns/tips.

I can't afford to drop $200 on a gun, but is one of the $70-90 kits a major upgrade over the hf gun?

Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

In my experience if you upgrade from the HF gun to a lets say $100 gun you won't see a big difference. If you upgrade to a $150 - $200 gun you will. Look at the TeknaProLite that Carlisle/ITW has. I think they're about $350 & the two guys I know who use them absolutely love them. Those guys are painting a loooooooooooot of square feet at a time.

That was what I was thinking. I can't justify the cost for a high quality gun. I'll likely not need it again for many years, if ever.

I know guys that paint cars on the side with the $9 HF gun. They say it's all in the wet sanding.

I guess that is the route I'll have to go. That's what I've done in the past anyways.

Just thought if the quality was a major step up in a $75 gun I'd spring for it.

You used to be order the other cap and needles from hf. So you might want to call.

I did find the $40 gun set they have to be worth it.
https://m.harborfreight.com/air-tools/paint/professional-automotive-hvlp-spray-gun-kit-94572.html

Their disposable paint cups are worth it as well. But if you are going to be shooting at a lot of wierd angles, these are worth it.

http://www.eastwood.com/dekups-24-oz-trial-kit.html

But....... It is all about how MUCH clean air you can send through the gun. Not enough air and the paint won't atomize correctly and that is how you get orange peel.

This is probably the best cliff's noted on painting.
https://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/perfect-paint-job

will.mcg said:

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I know guys that paint cars on the side with the $9 HF gun. They say it's all in the wet sanding.

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I paint as a hobbyist. Prep is key first. If you are painting a nice ride, a better gun helps atomize the materials better. Higher solid stuff requires different heads and tips. I have a older Sata jet. Sometimes I don't have to buff. Sometimes I do. Maybe some trash and stuff. Search some you tube vids to help you get some ideas.

Yeah I don't have a moisture trap on my air out line or on my gun coming in. I'm sure that would help a lot

Carny89 said:

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will.mcg said:

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I know guys that paint cars on the side with the $9 HF gun. They say it's all in the wet sanding.

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I paint as a hobbyist. Prep is key first. If you are painting a nice ride, a better gun helps atomize the materials better. Higher solid stuff requires different heads and tips. I have a older Sata jet. Sometimes I don't have to buff. Sometimes I do. Maybe some trash and stuff. Search some you tube vids to help you get some ideas.

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So do you feel like one of the $80 guns would be an improvement over the hf special?

I typically use the $12.00 guns for primer only. Check the head size and fluid tip. Just make sure the $80 unit isn't a overpriced $12.00. Check on Craigslist. Might find a older sharpe or better quality gun used at a decent price if this is a nice project you are working on.

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They say it's all in the wet sanding.

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Having spent the better part of my free time this year getting up to speed on paint correction, but with the caveat of not knowing much about the initial painting process, I will chime in to say this is probably accurate. Factory vehicles come with orange peel -- even slight (mine did). A good wet sanding job will correct that.