Spray Setup

[Red Cent]

I am starting to research spray painting of leather and applying the clear coats. If I would want to look at some relatively inexpensive set ups, what are the brand names and preferred models?

[camano ridge]

If you do a search on these forums for spray finish or spray dying you will find several threads that discuss just what you are asking. Harbor freight has a compressor a lone for spraying currently on sale for 64.99. They have a complete setup with compressor, hose regulator and spray gun for around $89.00. Several people on here use this set up myself included. It works well for what I do, which is mainly holsters and belts. There are some other brands listed in the threads that are supposed to be better but of course cost more.

Here is one thread, there are some good links demonstrating and discussing the Harbor Freight and badger sprayers. There is also a you tube in the thread that shows spraying techniques. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=29323&hl=airbrush&st=0

Edited August 29, 2013 by camano ridge

[RiverCity]

Like camano ridge said, harbor freight. I use their spray guns and the small compressor. The guns were 9 bucks a piece, hose 7-8 and the compressor was 60 plus 5 for fittings. It depends on the size of work you do, the airbrush is ok for small stuff, but the spray pattern is small. If you're trying to get even coverage on a larger piece the gun is the way to go. I use one for dyes and the other for acrylic (resolene).

[Red Cent]

I have no idea where this may lead. I have an upright, large compressor and a small one also. I really like a piece of veg tan leather dunked in Neatsfoot Oil, wiped off and buffed. When I burnish the leather, I really like the kinda faded reddish brown against the tan. I'm thinking I would like to carry the burnished edge look a little further onto the holster. Thats a start.

And the wife has an airbrush left over from glass working. Thanks. Harbor Freight tomorow.

[Red Cent]

Well, I bought this. Does yours say to be used with oil based paints? Mine does. Hope you folks don't hook up all the different devices as advertised. Sounds like cross-sell to me.

[RiverCity]

Mine can spray oil based, but I got one size down from yours because of the smaller compressor.

Chuck

[Red Cent]

Mine says use oil based paints.

Edited September 1, 2013 by Red Cent

[RiverCity]

I just read the manual for your gun

Note: This Spray Gun is meant for spraying oil-based paints. It is not recommended for regular wall paint or thin coatings of any type. While these products can be used with

this Spray Gun, coverage will not be even.

Don't know..... You can give it a try, if it won't spray what you need it to then maybe you can return it?

Chuck

Edited September 1, 2013 by RiverCity

[Cyberthrasher]

You'd be a LOT better off with an airbrush instead of a paint gun!! That thing's going to put the dye on WAYYYYYY too heavy.

For an airbrush setup, the Harbor Freight 3 Gallon compressor is nice, but stay away from the kit that comes with a red airbrush and small AB compressor included. I haven't taken comparison pictures yet, but their red airbrush is CRAP. Get their blue deluxe airbrush for a few bucks more - or go with a Paasche VL.

[Red Cent]

Hey, if it doesn't work, I can always use it to paint the shop building . I have an inexpensive single action airbrush. I would have to swear off the Dickel if I tried to use a double action airbrush at this stage. Gonna try to get in some practice time soon.