"Joe Bleau" wrote in message
...
I am getting ready to spray Imron with a tubrine operated HVLP gun, as
opposed to a conversion gun which operates with an air compressor.

I know that are some real painting experts in this group so I hope one
of them will take the time to give me a little help with the following
questions:

1. Will a turbine HVLP gun atomize sufficiently to give me good
results?

2. I have some Interlux primer made for their Perfection lineau
polyruethane and wonder if I could use that as a primer or do I have
to use a two-part epoxy primer?

3. As I do this I need to paint a piece of aluminum that has become
pitted. Would West System mixed with their aluminum dust be a good
filler for pitting in the aluminum and could I also use the Interlux
primer under the Imron. Of course, I would etch the alum prior to
application of the primer.

Thanks for your help.

Joe


As far as your HVLP set up goes, there are good ones and not so good ones.
Atomisation depends greatly on the air cap of the spray gun. Generally,
more air holes the better. Some have 2 air holes (Yuuuuck!) some have over
20 (IIRC) air holes. Also, you get better atomisation if you thin the paint
down. For the record, When I sprayed boats, I frequently thinned paint down
to 14.5 seconds measured through a ford cup4 (this is a funnel-like device
and you time how long it takes for the amount of paint to flow through. It
really takes the guess work out of it). BUT, the viscosity of the paint you
use depends on many factors such as the type of paint, the substrate
condition, weather blah blah blah. Your best bet is to prep a test piece as
you would the actual boat then paint that. See if you like the results. If
not, re-prep the test piece and try again. It takes a little bit of effort
to get used to new paint and equipment. Or you can "shoot from the hip" and
hope for the best. It all depends on what kind of result you are prepared
to accept.
As for the paints you intend to use, its generally not a good idea to mix
and match. If you're doing this for money, then spend the bucks and get a
complete system of primer and top coat. If its for your own boat and you
don't mind taking a risk, then sure, go ahead, general rule of thumb is
that if both primer and paint use the same thinner then there should be no
compatibility issues. BUT, you may not get as good adhesion as you ought
to. But it may still stick well enough.
Don't know about west system and aluminium. Best ask them.

Cheers,
Arnold