Paint application advice - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Fremmed · 04-25-2009, 05:10 AM

I haven't been satisfied with the quality of the paint job I do. For example, I cut out my nephew's and nieces names in MDF and ended up with lots of brush marks and uneven paint surfaces.

I'm wondering if it would help to spray the paint rather than brush. Pretty much all of the painting would be on smallish things like toys and name plaques etc. Would I be better off to use an airbrush or a paint sprayer (if so which). I've looked at sprayers, and almost all require something larger than my 6 gal 150psi compressor which I'm not interested in upgrading.

What are your suggestions? And/Or am I going in the wrong direction with this? Should I take a different approach?

Buzz · 04-25-2009, 05:40 AM

I've painted quite a few scroll saw projects with an air brush and it seems to work quite well. But there is a little bit of a learning curve. As with most projects, practice really helps. If you want more info, IM me.

JohnB · 04-25-2009, 05:54 AM

G'day Kev,
It takes a bit of practice using a brush as well as guns.
Have a look here
Thin the paint a bit and apply a few coats.
Something like this, if you want to go with a gun should run on your compressor

Quote:

* HVLP Air Spray Gun.
* Fast working speed and wide fan pattern.
* High transfer efficiency means reduced spray mist.
* Stainless steel needle and fluid tip allow use with water borne materials.
* HVLP spray gun 0.1 litres non-drip aluminum cup.
* Significant reduction in operating costs.
* Specifications:
o Air inlet: 1/4".
o Working air pressure:30 PSI.
o Air consumption:8 C.F.M.
o Nozzle size:1.0mm.

These are only cheapies, I've got 2 though and find that that they are excellent value for money.

miniwoodworker · 04-25-2009, 09:13 AM

Kevin,

I have a small compressor, too. Recently bought a Critter to use with mine. It only uses 2-3 cfm. Havent' tried it yet, so I can't write a review. Perhaps, someone else can jump in with one.

Critter Air-Powered Spray Gun - Lee Valley Tools

JohnB · 04-25-2009, 09:24 AM

G'day Lee,
I've only heard good about them. Reminds me of a spray gun that we had umpteen years ago that worked on a vacuum cleaner.

Kepy · 04-25-2009, 01:12 PM

Craft painters will often finish by using brown paper bags crumpled and rubbed over the surface to smooth out the finish after painting.

Pajaro · 04-27-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnB

G'day Kev,
It takes a bit of practice using a brush as well as guns. Thin the paint a bit and apply a few coats.
.

"Cheese and Crackers".!!!!!!!!!!! Why didn't think of this, Thin the paint...

04-25-2009, 05:10 AM	#1
Fremmed Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 840	Paint application advice I haven't been satisfied with the quality of the paint job I do. For example, I cut out my nephew's and nieces names in MDF and ended up with lots of brush marks and uneven paint surfaces. I'm wondering if it would help to spray the paint rather than brush. Pretty much all of the painting would be on smallish things like toys and name plaques etc. Would I be better off to use an airbrush or a paint sprayer (if so which). I've looked at sprayers, and almost all require something larger than my 6 gal 150psi compressor which I'm not interested in upgrading. What are your suggestions? And/Or am I going in the wrong direction with this? Should I take a different approach? __________________ The Journey is the Reward Kevin

04-25-2009, 05:40 AM	#2
Buzz Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 314	I've painted quite a few scroll saw projects with an air brush and it seems to work quite well. But there is a little bit of a learning curve. As with most projects, practice really helps. If you want more info, IM me. __________________ Buzz We Danes are very even tempered. We're always mad about something!

04-25-2009, 09:13 AM	#4
miniwoodworker Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 497	Kevin, I have a small compressor, too. Recently bought a Critter to use with mine. It only uses 2-3 cfm. Havent' tried it yet, so I can't write a review. Perhaps, someone else can jump in with one. Critter Air-Powered Spray Gun - Lee Valley Tools __________________ Lee in NC Als Ik Kan DW788 1975 Dremel (labeled Craftsman) Scroll saw w/3" pin blades

04-25-2009, 09:24 AM	#5
JohnB 1 Tin Soldier Rides Away Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia Posts: 4,858	G'day Lee, I've only heard good about them. Reminds me of a spray gun that we had umpteen years ago that worked on a vacuum cleaner. __________________ Regards John "The Golden Mile" I got holes in both of my shoes Well I'm a walking case of the blues Saw a dollar yesterday But the wind blew it away Some of my Stuff Retired Medically Unfit WA Police Officers

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04-25-2009, 01:12 PM	#6
Kepy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Elkland, MO Posts: 120	Craft painters will often finish by using brown paper bags crumpled and rubbed over the surface to smooth out the finish after painting.