PAINT THREAD

[Muncie]

Im wanting to do a bit more painting but with 2 pot ive not used it in such a long time I've managed to unlearn most things I did in Tech as a vehicle restorer In the late 1900's.

If your a panel beater spray painter and wouldn't mind me looking over your shoulder for a few hours and asking a few questions that would be ace. I may even sweep your shop or sand a panel or 2 for you in exchange.

Pm if your in Waikato or Auckland 

[Ghost]

Well my touch up paint didn't go to plan, reacted with the original paint above the sill  

[Crispy]

Apologies if it’s already been covered. Any recommendations for weld through primer?

Currently using the Colour Pak Spray Galv weld thru. 
It’s terrible. Fizzes, pops and burns off. 
First time me or the old man have used it before.
Dad is closing in on gold card age and has been a Fitter/Welder since he was 18 (and still is). So whilst it’s probably the biggest panel beating/rust repair job he’s been a part of. I’d like to think it’s not his welding.
Not using weld through isn’t an option unfortunately, because it was the repair certifiers instructions. 

[sleeektoy]

On 09/11/2025 at 22:25, Crispy said:

Apologies if it’s already been covered. Any recommendations for weld through primer?

Currently using the Colour Pak Spray Galv weld thru. 
It’s terrible. Fizzes, pops and burns off. 
First time me or the old man have used it before.
Dad is closing in on gold card age and has been a Fitter/Welder since he was 18 (and still is). So whilst it’s probably the biggest panel beating/rust repair job he’s been a part of. I’d like to think it’s not his welding.
Not using weld through isn’t an option unfortunately, because it was the repair certifiers instructions. 

Copper weld through primer - cans that retail around the $50 mark tend to be far more useful than cheap alternatives.

Prepping the weld as you normally should and removing paint/crud where you weld - only spray the back/between items you cant get to afterwards.
 

Also

 

[Dudley]

I like dinitrol 444? Zinc weld through primer

[NickJ]

Have been getting by on cheap spray guns for way too long so keen to look at a higer quality DIY option, any recoomendations, ~$300 bracket?

[tortron]

I really like my devilbiss pro lite. it's an older model but was only mildly used, and will last my use forever.

you won't get one new, but you might get a newer one than I have, used, for about that 

[NickJ]

Yeah, not sure I can justify $800 on new! Nervous of second hand as you never know how mistreated they have been

https://autofinish.co.nz/products/anest-iwata-2spray-1-3mm-1-8mm-gun-twin-kit

This kit seems to keep popping up in searches, sounds like a good contender?

[mjrstar]

4 hours ago, NickJ said:

Have been getting by on cheap spray guns for way too long so keen to look at a higer quality DIY option, any recoomendations, ~$300 bracket?

I've got this devilbiss kit ( or maybe one very similar) which ive had for years, seems to do the trick, the smaller of the 2 is good for tight areas, like roll cages etc.

 

https://www.ebay.com/p/1238055695?iid=157405775778

[chasinthemirage]

Had the rust in the rear guards of my wagon repaired 6 weeks ago. Noticed this in the paint this morning when I drove it to work. Bubbles are soft when you push on them with your finger nail, assuming this is moisture ingress from the back/inside of the panel? I'd imagine that a reaction with filler etc would have occoured faster? What are my options here? Going to contact the bloke that did the work but want to know what I can do the prevent this happening in the future. Image is of the worst of it but there's other spots all along where the repairs where done.

[JustHarry]

18 hours ago, NickJ said:

Have been getting by on cheap spray guns for way too long so keen to look at a higer quality DIY option, any recoomendations, ~$300 bracket?

Get an iwata w400 1.2 tip That will be good for color ans clear.

You really need a 1.8 tip for primer as its much thicker. A sagola gto 3300 is a good budget gun

[NickJ]

Ouch, both blow the budget pretty hard, but then again seems to be that kind of money if you want to break away from the orients finest pot metal and questionable seals.

Might need more beer to initiate careless credit card use

[Bearded Baldy]

If in doubt, charge it out?

[Sunbeam]

Workmate bought one of these from here and he’s very happy with it.

[Spencer]

Go back a few pages, get the aliexpress iwata clone that Sheepers got. They are awesome.

[Tiger Tamer]

I bought one of these spray guns. I haven't used it yet but I was told they are a good budget gun. You buy the basic gun and then you can buy different size tips for so you only need the one gun. I think it was around the $200 mark with one tip kit. Bought it from complete paints Napier.

[Rookie]

I was lucky enough to work with a dude that used to be a autobody teacher at a polytech, so for a $100 each I got Iwata w400, deVilbiss GPi, deVilbiss GTi Pro, Satajet 4000. I can tell you that none of them have made my painting better, but at least I can't blame my tools.

If I actually had to pay for them though I would spring for the deVilbiss GPi (I think it is called the GPG now) with the 1.4 needle, and get a china W400 as a primer gun.

[tortron]

if you are looking for a smaller amount of MEK

I just came across 

norski epoxy thinner clean up solution

it comes in 250ml (about $17) and 500ml. SDS says 90% MEK

[NickJ]

On 21/12/2025 at 19:42, NickJ said:

Yeah, not sure I can justify $800 on new! Nervous of second hand as you never know how mistreated they have been

https://autofinish.co.nz/products/anest-iwata-2spray-1-3mm-1-8mm-gun-twin-kit

This kit seems to keep popping up in searches, sounds like a good contender?

Ended up ordering the cheap "Iwata" gun, looks much the same as the generic ali gun, only thing Iwata about it is the name in small print on the back of the box, but at trade was quicker than waiting on the international mailman. while at it picked up a cheapy for primer too.

[HumberSS]

Ive searched this thread but some old links that are dead now. Wondering what the favourite flavour of Aliex gun is? My old shitter has seen better days and I have a few jobs coming up. Id prefer something with the paint cup system (for topcoat) as it looks easier and every gun Ive ever used has lid sealing issues unless ultra clean (including spendy ones - but it has been near 20 years since I swung a gun on the regular..) Keen to get a new primer and topcoat gun. I see the R500 mentioned a few times. Are there any others to be aware of? Some links to some flavours that may or may not be good...

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005767569627.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007522684126.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008554572711.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010376291854.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006577132597.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006633806561.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010439258830.html

 

Also interested in where people are buying their paint from. I usually use our local place and the service is good, but shit paint is spendy these days..