Paint: rattle can or buy a gun

[angler]

I have a dark monster and want to darken it more by painting the belt covers (I actually have some old Pantah covers I'm going to use) clutch cover, etc.  I went to the color-rite web store to buy the paint and it is pricey in the aerosol can. Would it be cheaper to pick up spray gun and buy the paint by the quart?  I can pick up an inexpensive detail gun at Harbor Freight and I already have a suitable compressor, but would need to buy an air dryer of some sort.  I also know that I'll also have to worry about solvents for clean-up of the gun.  I have some experience with air sprayers having sprayed varnish/urethanes in a cabinet shop years ago.  I've done my share of rattle-canning, too, and am not afraid to play and figure out how the gun works.  Thoughts?

[DarkStaR]

If this is JUST for the belt covers, I wouldn't say the resulting finish is too important.

1) Take the easy route with the rattle cans and just get it done.

or

2) Give yourself a reason to get a spray gun to get it done.

If I had the compressor, and had a reason, I'd get the spray gun. 

[psycledelic]

I did my old covers with Flat Black Krylon and Krylon Clear.  It was pretty simple and they turned out pretty well.  I cleaned and ruffed up.  I then hit them three coats, 24 hours apart, and then two coats of clear.  I let them cure for 48 hours.  I don't see the need for a gun if you are just gonna paint the minor stuff.  I also did the sprocket cover, heat shields, and chrome headlight ring the same way. 

[Oldfisti]

          


http://www.prevalspraygun.com/home.htm



   

[angler]

Eastwood and Harbor Freight also make rechargeable aerosol cans that can be filled with paint.  How is the quality of the spray with one of these?  As good as any rattle can?  The ones that Eastwood sells are as expensive as a cheap detail gun.

[Roscoe]

If you have the compressor, just get a gun. You wont need any type of air dryer, but you will need gun cleaner, along with the paint and associated reducers/solvents. The material list will probably be more than a couple of rattle cans.
on the other hand, my pal painted his chopped up custom Road Star bobber with a semi flat black from a rattle can, (over a nice gloss black that he was tired of) then had it hand striped by a local old school guy. The bike always drew a crowd anyways and after the new paint it was even better. He even over heard a couple dudes telling each other that it looked like a high dollar job that must have cost some coin. His secret was safe with me.

[MotoCreations]

For the difference in quality (materials and application thereof) between rattle can paint -vs- automotive paint, it's definitely worthwhile to get a small touchup gun to use. 

HF stuff?  Go spend a few dollars for something better.  You get what you pay for to be honest.  (Or check your local Craigslist as there are always quality spray guns available for cheap)

[Norm]

Rattle can and save the can for a perfect match next time. You can lay down a rattle can finish to look just as good as any other paint. If you're planning to clear, I haven't seen any rattle can clears that are anywhere near as durable as a good 2 part eurothane.

[angler]

Rattle can and save the can for a perfect match next time. You can lay down a rattle can finish to look just as good as any other paint. If you're planning to clear, I haven't seen any rattle can clears that are anywhere near as durable as a good 2 part eurothane.

Color-rite sells a 2-part urethane kit with one of those refillable spray bottles like the Preval shown a couple of posts above.

[DucHead]

...I haven't seen any rattle can clears that are anywhere near as durable as a good 2 part eurothane.

Yes, but "eurothane" will cost him an airline ticket.  I'd go with urethane.   

[ghosthound]

I did my old covers with Flat Black Krylon and Krylon Clear.  It was pretty simple and they turned out pretty well.  I cleaned and ruffed up.  I then hit them three coats, 24 hours apart, and then two coats of clear.  I let them cure for 48 hours.  I don't see the need for a gun if you are just gonna paint the minor stuff.  I also did the sprocket cover, heat shields, and chrome headlight ring the same way. 

Im gonna need more information/pictures of your belt covers sir!

they look FANTASTIC!!

[Oldfisti]

Im gonna need more information/pictures of your belt covers sir!

they look FANTASTIC!!

I forgot to mention that too.    +11tyb   

[Norm]

Damn!! that's the way I spelled it the 1st time and then changed it after proofreading!!