How to Choose a Primer Gun - Air Caps, Fluid Tips | Needles and More

[@jharchery4117]

Thank you for the great content, Jerry. I think I have watched every one of your videos. I keep checking! You have sold me on using lacquer primer. I am about to tackle my 1946 Buick and will be using your recommended primer. I have learned so much from you and am going into this project with much more confidence than I did my 1940 Buick project from a year ago. Please keep the videos coming.

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're welcome - thank you for watching. One thing to keep in mind is that for most of the 20th century the only primer used was lacquer primer. They put out tons of wonderful paint jobs that are still looking great today. All those great paint jobs at Autorama were all lacquer primer. All automotive grade primers work great - you just have to find the one that works best for you. Start with lacquer primer and go from there :)

[@bwsgarage]

Really been enjoying your videos. I am hoping to soon be able to incorporate some of the knowledge transfer into my 55 chevy gasser build. I've never built a car before, learning on the fly, having fun with it.

[@LakesideAutobody]

Have fun with it - that's the point. Body work is something you have to learn by doing. Each time you do a process you get better. Glad you like the videos. Take care.

[@jayinmi3706]

I just found my Matco Silver Eagle SE8013 in my basement. I was hoping to find tips for it to use as a primer gun for when I go to prime my S-10. Can literally find *nothing* on it for parts. Figured I could buy a bigger tip for it and it would work for primer. This was an interesting video.

[@LakesideAutobody]

Those Matco guns were sort of a rip off. Can't get parts for mine either.

[@jayinmi3706]

@@LakesideAutobody I probably bought it like 12 years ago to do one job and it's sat in my house/basement since then. I didn't even use it to paint the stuff! lol

[@rockymountainhandyman840]

Do you have a video on how to set up your primer gun? I have the syphon type but can't seam to dial it in. When I spray primer it looks like i am spraying bed liner material. What air pressure and settings thank you for the great tips.

[@LakesideAutobody]

Great question. Here's some things that will help. 1) Make sure the gun is clean 2) The bigger the fluid tip the better i.e. 1.8mm and up. 3) you have to thin or reduce primer surfacer - usually the can doesn't mention that - don't know way. Here's a video on it (old): kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHrdc5xofpKBZ7c Hope that helps you out - keep asking questions :)

[@AndysDogHouse]

I liked your video to tell my what tip size to use on primer, but when you spray gray on gray, I can't tell what gun or tip is working the best. Thanks for sharing.👍😷

[@LakesideAutobody]

You'll want to use a fluid tip that is 1.8 or larger. Sorry about the grey on gray - try to look at the shine as the primer goes on.

[@geoffreyrawlings9736]

Another great video. Hi have question other than spray guns if you could answer please in what sort of applications would you use a clear binder. Thanks

[@LakesideAutobody]

If you are talking about a midcoat or intercoat, it is used to "lock down" or seal art work, pearl, metallic flakes, and other custom stuff between layers. It's used more in a custom paint shop to protect what they have already done. It's a midcoat clear that dries fast and does not stay tacky so if you mess up its easier to fix. Once you get everything how you like it, you apply the regular clear to finish the job. It's like saving your paper on microsoft word as you go along so you don't have to type the whole thing again if something bad happens. Hopefully someone else comments on this topic that can add to it or correct me if I've got some misinformation.

[@patrickpeterman8736]

Jerry, I ordered the DEVILBLISS MBC SIPHON FEED GUN; I was very impressed with it,s ability and pattern size; Hope all is well my friend, Patrick.P

[@LakesideAutobody]

It's probably one of the greatest guns ever built along with the Binks #7. Congratulations. It's actually the only gun you'll ever need or want if you become attached to it 😊 You can change out the needle and tip too if you prefer. Rebuild kits are available which is nice :)

[@patrickpeterman8736]

@@LakesideAutobody I always appreciate your wisdom and experience, Jerry!! thank,s again, Patrick.P BE WELL MY FRIEND!!

[@LakesideAutobody]

@@patrickpeterman8736 Any time Patrick - you take care too :)

[@lucasellyson6872]

So you can use the same gun with the 1.8 mm tip for primer and paint? Thanks good vid

[@LakesideAutobody]

Yes - without a problem. The reason for the smaller fluid tip is that supposedly it atomizes the paint better to evenly distribute metallic paint and control orange peel etc. but I have both and can't really say one sprays color better. I always give metallic paint a drop coat any way like this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3imoYBseNybmJI that gun has a 1.4mm tip but I get the same results with 1.8mm so no worries :)

[@brokeunemployed5208]

Thanks for all the vids and information. I'm busy fixing up my oldie .please can you tell me more about lacquer primers over here they call it 1k primer.why do so many people hate the 1k/ lacquer primer and say you cant spray 2k acrylic paint over it ..that it shrinks too much ect..lacquer primer is cheap here but two minded about using it ..

[@LakesideAutobody]

They hate it because they use it wrong. Folks try to hide imperfections in filler work, and general body work with tons of primer surfacer. If you want to do that, use feather fill. It's not meant to bury scratches and crooked body work. Also, you can't leave it outside in the rain for 6 months as it is not paint. Remember.... before 2k primers which became popular in the 90's there was just lacquer primer and polyester primer (spray on filler) "feather fill" That being said, if you do your body work correctly, feather edge your paint correctly, and "play by the rules", you'll be just fine. There were millions of beautiful paint jobs in the 20th century and all used lacquer primer. I have done all the videos on this channel with 2 gallons of primer - about 165 videos because you can throw the unused portion of the lacquer primer back in the can. It keep getting thinner and thinner as you go but you just use less thinner the next time you mix primer. It dries super fast, blocks easier than any 2k primer, builds fast, is not as bad for you as 2k, you don't have to throw out the unused portion, you can keep it in a "primer" gun as it won't harden on you and it's cheap to boot. Hope that helps - Jerry

[@brokeunemployed5208]

@@LakesideAutobody Thanks for the reply Jerry I gathered that would be the reason ..keep up the good work im watching all your videos thanks again

[@LakesideAutobody]

@@brokeunemployed5208 Thanks for the support and watching. All primers are great if used correctly 1k, 2k, etc. It's just what works best for your budget and the job you are doing I guess. Have a great weekend :)

[@dwaynelejeune3508]

Being a diyer can you use a Gravity feed (HLVP) gun to lay out primer, base and clear coats. Which one would be bang for the buck.

[@LakesideAutobody]

I used one gun for years and I worked in a body shop. It was a Devilbiss JGA clone. I never looked at the tip size back then but I kept it clean and it sprayed everything from feather fill to clear coat. I hear the Harbor Freight Black Widow is a good gun along with the Harbor Freight Spectrum guns. All guns are made in China, Taiwan, etc so I think the quality would be similar. Just find one in your price range with a good sized fluid tip.

[@satamanschmidt3428]

Without a doubt Air Gunsa by Iwata. I would not get the HVLP versions, which are readily available, but the High Transfer Efficiency versions which are also readily available. You'll need a 1.3 for base and clear and a 1.7 or 1.8 for normal 2K primer. For polyester primers (Featherfill) you'll need 2.0 or slightly bigger. These extra needle and nozzle kits are relatively inexpensive from Air Gunsa which is another reason this is the gun of choice.

[@moparnut6286]

Great video enjoyed watching you spray with those guns...... When you mentioned featherfill I think my airgunza az3 made by anest iawata it has a 3.0 tip sprays slick sand easily and you can get extra tips and needles from 1.4 to 2.8 gun cost $100 .........for the money the Chinese made gun did well....... But I too lean toward my devillbiss gun guess I'm just use to it.

[@LakesideAutobody]

Thanks for the tips. I never used anything bigger than 1.8. I know when I used to use feather fill I needed something bigger. Thanks again :)

[@Okie-Tom]

Moparnut62 , I use the Airgunza 3.0 as well to spray Clausen All-U-Need polyester primer. That puppy puts out the primer! Great gun!

[@LakesideAutobody]

@@Okie-Tom I'm going to look into getting one of those. Saw them at Eastwood for $133.

[@Okie-Tom]

Lakeside Autobody , Jerry, when you use an Airgunza with the 3.0 tip be prepared to move fast. I was having trouble spraying my Clausen polyester primer with my 2.0 tipped gun. The 3.0 was night and day difference! And sprayed it smooth too! Get one, you will love it for polyester primer! Tom

[@rivermetal]

Hi Jerry, I was thinking about buying a Fuji paint system, wondering if you had any thoughts or experience with these turbine sprayers?

[@LakesideAutobody]

My honest thoughts are this: If you're just going to be doing some body work on the side or at home and you already have a compressor you'll be absolutely fine with a good conventional spray gun. The Astro that I use in this video is a great gun and can be used with paint or primer. Harbor Freight has a few nice guns for very little $. You can't go wrong with the Harbor Freight Spectrum Professional Spray Gun or Black Widow. That's just my thoughts though so... I don't have any experience with the turbine sprayers. I think the big advantage is low pressure yet still moving a good amount of paint for less over spray and paint loss. Let me know what you're thinking :)

[@rivermetal]

I will, thanks for taking the time to answer my question

[@adanvaldcontreras4283]

Could you do a video.. about good beginners primer gun. That won't break the bank.. great video 👍

[@LakesideAutobody]

Sure - that would be a good video for sure.

[@keithfrisell4271]

Binks model 7 is a awesome gun !

[@LakesideAutobody]

The grandfather of paint guns!

[@satamanschmidt3428]

Are you using 1K lacquer primer? These siphon guns aren't useable with 2K urethane primer as you can't keep them filled all the time as you can with lacquer as the 2K primer will harden. If you're using a paint system with their associated warrantee you can't use lacquer primer as it will void the warrantee.

[@LakesideAutobody]

Yes good old lacquer primer. You're right about hardening in the cup - you can leave lacquer in the gun all day. I do spray 2K stuff all the time with siphon guns no problem. I also have gravity fed guns too but I like to keep the old guys around they spray just as good sometime even have an advantage or two.

[@mustangnotch]

Thank you!

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're welcome.

[@yeayeasautoadventures1161]

the purple gun from HF can be drilled out, there are videos on that process, hard to beat for 15 bucks

[@BearBudgetgarage]

I got astro lvlp gun. I think it's a good value for my budget. Probably won't be life long investment, but when it's shot, I can order another

[@LakesideAutobody]

I don't mind the Astro products. They've actually been around for long time.

[@erichzimmerman797]

Another great video, Jerry! What are your thoughts on reducing primer/surfacer to use as a wet on wet sealer before laying down the base coat? I will be spraying a somewhat dark blue metallic, and was wondering if that would help the metallic lay down evenly. Would you recommend using the same fluid tip for the reduced sealer as for the base coat? The data sheet that came with my primer doesn't specify fluid tip size, but it does say it can be used as sealer. Thanks again for the great content, you should start another channel for guitar tutorial! I love the metal intros, its great music to do body work to!

[@LakesideAutobody]

That's all I do now - works fine with all colors and metallic paint. Remember back in the old days, I think all they had was red lacquer primer and there were plenty of great paint jobs. My dad worked at a place that did custom vans and corvettes - they used lacquer primer and lacquer paint no booth and the work was incredible - absolutely stunning mermaid scenes, mountain scenes, etc on the sides of vans. Just using lacquer primer. As for the tip - I used a Devilbiss copy for years on everything (primer, paint, feather fill, etc) - I think the tip was probably 1.7 -1.8

[@Matthew_931]

Hey jerry were are you located I’m wanting to get my 2 cab corners re done and re painted red for the truck if you have a Facebook let me know

[@LakesideAutobody]

I don't have a face book (married) :) Anyway I live in St. Helen, MI. I'm just doing KZbin videos right now but maybe in the future to make more videos out of the job. Send me a few pics - my email is under the ABOUT tab. Jerry

[@brandonpriest3604]

Thank u man

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're welcome - have a good weekend :)

[@husky1232]

Great video very informative thank you Jerry

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're very welcome

[@leesanders6490]

I don't know about you but that Binks Model 7 is a whole heck of a lot more than a primer gun.

[@LakesideAutobody]

You are right that is the grandfather of paint guns. At one time they ruled.

[@leesanders6490]

I've been using mine since 1976. I would gladly compare my work with anything shot with a modern top feeder. Of course I've had some practice.

[@LakesideAutobody]

@@leesanders6490 I believe it! Good to hear :)