Sorta OT: Paint gun selection, Tip size Options

[jeffdon]

I am progressing towards the point of laying down some color on my 914. Going back to its original L96D.

I have shot color in the trunks, and engine bay using a smaller HVLP detail gun with a 1mm tip, and much to my surprise, I had NO metallic runs. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

Have decided to give painting the whole car a shot. My question is this: Should I stick with the smaller gun and 1mm tip for shooting it? I know i can do a good job with it, but its going to take a lot longer due to its smaller spray pattern width, and small paint cup. I have a larger gun that I have used for primer, its got a 1.4 mm tip. Will the larger tip size have a big effect on the way the metallic goes down?

[rsrguy3]

With regard to using a touch up gun, the down side, especially with the metallic paint, is the increased opportunity for tiger striping, not to mention loss of your wet edge when you go to re-fill the gun,or even walk around the car(coelation is the key). If you have plenty of clams, you should go to your paint supplier and ask him which Iwata gun you should get. If your shooting base clear, only get it for the app. of clear, as this will reduce the subsequent work load on cut and polish. If you go that route just buy a Harbor freight h.p. 15$ gun. When new, they work really well, oddly enough. In the past we shot laquer, and others that allowed you to "rub-out" imperfections, you can not do this with a single stage metalic, This is why I prefer a base-clear, I find it more forgiving, it allows you to get the color just right before you lock it all down with the clear. The other bennie is you get to keep on top of the clear between coats, buy nibbing dust, lint and sanding out runs etc. Good luck it ain't easy but it's totally worth it.