Q: Painting large FG rockets

[Vombatidae]

I have confined myself to rattle-can painting so far - with adequate results after the usual frustrations - but I have 12' of 7.5" FG to cover for my L3 project, so I am considering stepping up to a better system.

My concerns are cost and paint color availability:

I have a cheap compressor similar to this: https://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...sor-69667.html . I understand that it is not the best choice, but is there a sprayer/paint combination that it would work with? I -might- consider stepping up to a better compressor, but a 5HP 80 gallon two-stage system is out of my price range.

Also, I am planning on a sport-scale paint job, with 6 or 7 colors including metallic copper and olive drab. Not a problem with rattle-cans, but it seems to rule out Dupli-Color Paint Shop and the like.

So, to you paint gurus, is there a way to make this work short of buying a body shop, or should I stick to the cans?

Thanks!

[BDB]

I don’t have any advice, but I have the same crappy compressor, and I’m planning a 13’ x 6” L3 rocket so I’m interested to see the replies. Thanks for asking.

[ttabbal]

Another option that won't save you any money, Stickershock vinyl wraps. They look amazing.

I would like more paint options, though I do have a nice big compressor. Maybe I'll try picking up some air painting tools.

[heada]

I've used a similar compressor with a HVLP gun and DupliColor PaintShop. It works, but not well. The compressor really can't keep up unless you spray for 2 min and let it sit for 5 min to build back up. Used it to spray a 7.5in diameter, 10ft tall rocket. I switched to a 125gal 5hp upright and it works MUCH better. I can spray non-stop now. As for colors, find your local PPG store and ask them. They can mix whatever color you want.

[BDB]

I was at a very shady mechanic shop last week. It was the kind of place that had piles of junk everywhere, and they only accepted cash. I noticed they had a paint room in the back. I may give them a call next year when I'm approaching the end of my L3 build.

[DinoAP]

I was at a very shady mechanic shop last week. It was the kind of place that had piles of junk everywhere, and they only accepted cash. I noticed they had a paint room in the back. I may give them a call next year when I'm approaching the end of my L3 build.

When I built my gyrocopter years ago, I wanted a nice paint job. I found a local body shop and painter that sprayed the paint I furnished for almost nothing just so they could say they painted one. You may ask around, someone may be looking for bragging rights saying they painted a rocket. A few bucks and a case of beer might get you a beautiful finish...

[heada]

Check your local maker-space as well. Here in Indianapolis, I know of 3 that offer a paint booth.

[Big_Red_Daddy]

When I built my gyrocopter years ago, I wanted a nice paint job. I found a local body shop and painter that sprayed the paint I furnished for almost nothing just so they could say they painted one. You may ask around, someone may be looking for bragging rights saying they painted a rocket. A few bucks and a case of beer might get you a beautiful finish...

Or get it done free/discounted in exchange for them "sponsoring" and putting their decals on the rocket. Or a 12 pack would probably do it. I'm not above selling out.

[Big_Red_Daddy]

I was at a very shady mechanic shop last week. It was the kind of place that had piles of junk everywhere, and they only accepted cash. I noticed they had a paint room in the back. I may give them a call next year when I'm approaching the end of my L3 build.

I plan on taking my L2 or L3 to a paint shop if the rocket is big enough. We work with many (non-automotive) paint shops through my company and I'm sure a few of them would be willing to help me out with a nice paint job in exchange for some cash and beer.

[Danh]

I Bought a cheap hvlp spray gun And a quart of rustoleum appliance epoxy and sprayed my stretched 8” Bruno xl . It’s all white now just need to add a little color .

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...4423542713.htm



https://www.rustoleum.com/en/product...ppliance-epoxy






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[Danh]

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[jimzcatz]

I bought a Tractor Supply 26 gallon compressor a few years ago. I get the cheap 3 for 40$ guns from TS also. I use 3 stage paint from Nason mixed by NAPA. Paint,
catalyst, and thinner (reducer) with AMAZING results. I spray outside.

[jimzcatz]

Can ANYONE fix the first attachment? Why did it rotate? I didnt do it and cant figure out how to fix it.

[ericm541]

Last time i asked local auto body shops, told them what i had and wanted done, each place wanted to see it. Each place i took it to pretty much said the same thing, thats cool, then wanted to charge the standard hourly rate plus the cost of paint. After couple weeks of show and tell (and repairing some dings in the primer) I was in my garage with my usual rattle cans. That's my sob story, no deals for me lol, they could have bought a lot of beer for what they wanted to charge for a 4" 8' rocket. Hope your local shops are more accepting, that's my experience good luck.

[GRIFFIN]

Duplicolor rattle can.


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[jimzcatz]

Last time i asked local auto body shops, told them what i had and wanted done, each place wanted to see it. Each place i took it to pretty much said the same thing, thats cool, then wanted to charge the standard hourly rate plus the cost of paint. After couple weeks of show and tell (and repairing some dings in the primer) I was in my garage with my usual rattle cans. That's my sob story, no deals for me lol, they could have bought a lot of beer for what they wanted to charge for a 4" 8' rocket. Hope your local shops are more accepting, that's my experience good luck.

Stay away from body shops, unless you personally know them. Way too spendy. Get yaself a compressor and doit yourself. I use Nason automotive metallic enamels. But you can get regular enamel paint really cheap at Tractor Supply or other big box stores.

[soopirV]

I bought a Tractor Supply 26 gallon compressor a few years ago. I get the cheap 3 for 40$ guns from TS also. I use 3 stage paint from Nason mixed by NAPA. Paint,
catalyst, and thinner (reducer) with AMAZING results. I spray outside.

Those. Are. AWESOME!!

[soopirV]

I bought a Tractor Supply 26 gallon compressor a few years ago. I get the cheap 3 for 40$ guns from TS also. I use 3 stage paint from Nason mixed by NAPA. Paint,
catalyst, and thinner (reducer) with AMAZING results. I spray outside.

I've not shopped at TS...is the quality substantially different from Harbor Freight?

[Vombatidae]

I've not shopped at TS...is the quality substantially different from Harbor Freight?

They have some higher end items. This is currently on sale: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...30-gal-1093641

So now I'm debating better paint jobs vs. an M reload.