So I’ve been wanting to paint my sportster. I’m sure by the time I’d buy the equipment and paint it myself I’d be at about the same cost as having someone do it for me. But it’s a skill I’d like to learn and then just having the pride of doing it myself. Any tips for a beginner? A good entry level spray gun that will get the job done? I’ve watched some YouTube videos so I think I got a good start but the more advice the better

 

I have a friend who use to teach auto mechanics, painting and welding in high school. They don't have that curriculum in schools anymore. I would check into a local junior college and enroll in a semester of auto painting. JC's are inexpensive and rewarding for what you can learn.

 

Also, need to consider temperature control and ventilation. It's an additional cost that does not always get considered. Some of that paint is pretty nasty stuff, and if you live in a place that experiences winter, plan on having heat in your shop if you do painting in the winter.

Need good compressor, water filter/trap, painting , lighting, and supplies, etc.

It takes commitment, both in work and finances. Although...I have seen some pretty good paint jobs come out of a bug screen type tent in the back yard using a harbor freight paint gun on a nice summer day...Good luck. YD

 

 

yea! saw that in GOLD FINGER when the painted the woman gold, she died!!!

 

small parts like mc stuff isn't that bad. need to frame up and visqueen a booth, floaters are killers, no nibs for me. a good chemical or fresh air mask is a must. the hf stuff will do. if you are doing blends, good weight or volume tools. with the newer hvlp guns, pancakes can run them but a dryer is a must. a working knowledge of additives for orange peel, flow out and such.
i say go for it, have to start somewhere, practice on the neighborhood kids bicycles, wagons or lawn art.

 

I am using Color Rite 2 part . It is a rattle can but done right, it will come out right providing the prep work is good. You can get it half off at Amazon if you have the right color

 

Painting is like sheetrock. Looks simple but there is a learning curve. A steep one. Do sheetrock and with enough mud, time and a ton of dust you can get it right. Paint, wet sanding and a ton of buffing is no fun...Pay an expert and do something else.. Son spent enough to pay to paint 5 cars, and after the 3 rd car still is far from perfect with a few runs and uneven finish. Of course, when it hardens up, we sanded the runs out but you almost have to do the whole car since the finish is then too good at the run area. My Jeep looks fine after some sanding and buffing.

 

Shot today I n my garage. It isn't difficult. Lots of research and prep are key.
Good luck, and post pics.