I want to learn to paint Harley Gas Tanks and Fenders.. I do NOT have a clue about:
What Kit, Gun, Paint Types,
I sure could use some advice from anyone who is and has been painting with Air Brush Kits...
Help Please!

Thanks.

 

I don't know a single thing about air-brushing techniques. But Harbor Freight Tools does carry a line of fairly inexpensive air brushes, compressors, etc. You can dabble in it without a big initial investment.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog...lt?q=air+brush

 

Have you considered picking up a copy of "Air Brush" magazine? When I used to paint remote control car bodies, I used an "Iwata" airbrush but there are other brands. There are also "silent" type air compressors if you don't want to use a noisy air compressor with a long hose or a tank of air (or other gasses).

 

Well, I was just hoping to learn from experienced ppl who possibly are currently using an air brush to paint.. I saw some videos in youtube of same.. and they look great.. but no info on what KIT TO GET, INCLUDING what brush, compressor, paint supplier.. such as that... being a total newby at air brushing.. was just hoping to get the heads up from someone who is currently doing bike tanks with an air brush..
I could look at hundreds of mags, videos, but seeing all that product, I would have NO idea what to get...lol
Hell, may just have to get some local to paint my tank.

and
The following has 3 videos.. all done with spray cans..

In the end, he says it worked.. NO ACRYLIC ENAMEL PAINT.. gasoline melts off the paint.

 

You can always try an airbrush forum, such as:
http://www.theairbrushforum.com/
http://www.airbrushforum.org/forum.php

 

Well I have a Paasche, it is kind of the standard, although there are several other good brands. Mine is the H-SET, it is a basic single action gun

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/paasche.aspx

Air brushing is more about learning how to paint than anything else especially when you are talking about doing a tank.
Its about prep, sanding, general body work, what paint works with what primer, etc.
If I was going to learn it now I would seek out someone locally who did it and volunteer to do the grunt work in exchange of getting experience.
You can use any kind of paint in a air brush, it is just a real small gun. To practice your art work use latex or Rustolium, or lacquer works real good because it dries so fast, you are learning the technique more than anything else.
For automotive you use a base coat that does not need a hardener, then the clear with hardener hardens both the base and clear.
Like mentioned above the air brush forums are good, I used to hang out in the Yahoo one.
Make sure you get several size nosels, and several pots, so you don’t have to clean between changing colors.
Also the gravity feeds are preferred, but I have never used one so have no input there.
One last thought, you might get better results in the paint section.

 

Are you just wanting to paint one tank or learn to do it as a profession or hobby?

 

Well, right now I thought I want to get the things to do my tank.. and since I am going to try to do it right,I wanted to get setup so I can do other ppls tanks and fenders...
Maybe I could practice, learn, study.. get really good and maybe make some green backs from doing a good job for people.

I am artistic.
I love painting.. and such
I am a graphic artist..
so, what the heck
if I can get into it for a low enough investment.. then only time and studying and labor.. I may try to move on.. but first I have to get good, and do my own!!

Thanks everyone for the great startup leads.. will be keeping an eye out for more input.. will check the forums you guys posted.. and look at the kits.. call the kit owners, makers.. ask their advice
find out where to get the right paints to paint gas tanks, fenders and such.

Thanks all!!!:icon_ed die:

 

Air brushing is a lot like Photoshop, you work with layers and mats/templates.
If you are an artist /graphic artist, then you have the hard part behind you, that is something that can’t be taught you have to be able to have a vision of what you want to create. Everything else is easy.
I learned how to paint back in the sixties, by reading books and articles. It was when painting was pretty simple, with little choices. I learned a lot of bad habits, that I still can’t break.
Now with the modern paint systems it gets pretty complicated
That is why I recommend finding a good shop and volunteer to do grunt work for knowledge. Work on your off days, weekends. Most paint shops would be tickled to have a talented guy willing to learn and help.
Within a month you will be surprised how much you will learn.
Up front I would tell them that you want to paint your bike, and include that in the deal, use their paint booth supplies with them helping with advice.
On of the biggest advantages is having access to paint, most paint shops have extra paint left over from jobs just going to waste, up for grabs.
Also it would be very beneficial with friends in the business, giving you leads, contacts.
About picking up a gun, I would not be to concerned about buying the wrong gun, once you get started you will be using several at a time, switching from one to the next on the same job, simply because it is easer to change guns instead of changing colors, or tip sizes.
As far as painting your tank, finders, I would pick up an extra set from e-bay or flea markets, and paint them, this way you always have a set to work on while you ride.
Painting takes time, changing the design is fun as long as you are not rushed to get the fenders back on to ride.
This is something that I do; I have several sets that I have changed through the years, but always have my stock ones to run while I paint.
One last note, painting is not easy, but there is nothing more rewarding that having someone ask who did your paint, and you get to say, I did.
Oh yea do you have a compressor?

 

I just tried to watch the videos that you posted, first one the guy is not a painter, he is a salesman, who thinks he can paint. You never hold down the trigger all the time like that even with an air brush. This will cause runs, and thin/thick spots.
The flake adapter is neat but I always use a touch up gun and put some marbles in with the clear and flakes, and just roll them around as you are painting.
Last set of videos, never take advice from someone spaying his tanks with rattle can paint.
First time spilling gas and the tank is ruined.
Never mix your Bondo on cardboard, it pulls out the chemicals and will not harden right, use a piece of glass or metal.
Gees watching the video as I write this, gees this guy in the video is a moron, nuff said.