Turbine paint sprayers

[inzersv]

Has anyone used the turbine paint sprayer to paint their project. If so, what brand did you use? In my studies, they seem to give less overspray. Looks as if I can get a complete unit for less than the price of a good air compressor. They take up less space than air compressors. Any pros and cons?

[n85ae]

I painted N85AE using Aerothane and an Axis Citation. I have since sold that
system, and have used a number of other spray systems, from simple
Harbor Freight compressor based guns, and even a Wagner HVLP sprayer
from Lowes ($100 price range)

My opinion, is that 99% of the quality of finish comes from the hand
holding the gun, and proper mixing/thinning. So I personally would use
the $100 Wagner, as readily as the $1K+ Citation at this point ... I
am completely convinced I could get a quality finish with it.

I know this is blasphemy to a lot of people who like to buy expensive gear,
however ... The truth is on my Zenith CH-801 I have painted it almost
entirely with foam rollers and using Petit Easypoxy Marine paint and it
looks a lot better than a lot of sprayed finishes I have looked at ... The
Easypoxy won't work for Fabric though.

There are paint systems that will work on Fabric with foam rollers, I would
not overlook them. They can produce VERY good finishes.

Standing in the shop painting without wearing a Mask has a LOT to
be said for it ...

I would suggest run out to Lowes or Home Depot, buy a Wagner Control
Spray Max, or similar and experiment with it, with the paint you plan to
use and practice and see if you can make it work.

Here's a video that convince me that I didn't need to use a sprayer
any more ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-SGcSlNmoo

Regards,
Jeff

[n85ae]

Don't be fooled, the Turbine based systems while producing less overspray
will still make London Fog in the paint area ...

Jeff

[HighWing]

Stan,
I used one of the early el cheapo turbines on my first Model IV - 1997 or so. Definitely less overspray. I painted mostly in my garage and not a lot on the floor. My newer IV was painted with a HVLP gun with conventional compressor with tons of overspray. Thank goodness for a home brew paint booth.

Downside? Once finished with the project you will have something that is only good for storage. Unless you envision another paint project. You won't be able top off the tires or do the oil system purging with it or any of the numerous other compressed air possibilities. Then again there are many low cost options for the latter.

[ken nougaret]

A friend loaned me an axis turbine spray setup because he had problems with the gun. I thought I could fix it but couldn't. I was not impressed with it. I already had a compressor and decided to buy an hvlp gun to use with it. I am happy with my decision. I made a $100 paint boothe with exhaust out the window. It works good. You will need to buy a compressor with enough scfm for the gun you choose. After painting you will have something you can still use. Ken

[n85ae]

Lowell's screen tent in the back yard as paint booth, is in my opinion the
all time ultimate paint booth ... He should go into the TeamKitfox Hall of
Fame for that idea.

Jeff

[inzersv]

Thanks for the comments. I have a Sears 30 gal. 6 HP 8.6 CFM @ 40 PSI and works well for everything else. But I am told that I need a higher CFM @ 40 PSI to get the best results. The paint people don't think it could keep up with an HVLP spray gun. They told me about the turbine systems and so I googled it and was impressed with the results. I have seen some of the videos about rolling and tipping, but I haven't heard of or seen a finished airplane using this process. Jeff do you have a picture of your 801 that you would care to post?

[n85ae]

Here's my CH801 project, it's crammed into the side of the garage for Winter
storage at the moment, however I think you can see the paint. It is entirely
painted with foam roller.

Jeff

[kmach]

I have the axis citation I like it. I like the ability to have breathing air and paint gun air in one portable unit.

I sprayed Aerothane, took awhile to get the right mix and skill.

Like any paint system you need to have the right nozzle, paint consistancy, tempature , humidity, and most of all skill to apply a nice coat. Practice is the key before turning it on your airplane.

[Jch]

I vote for the Axis Citation. #1-the safety of having my breathing air source outside the paint booth. #2- my paint booth was in my garage attached to the house. I really think the overspray was kept to a minimum, but others are right it still "fogs"up the inside of the paint booth when spraying full blast. My total painting experience before the kitfox was painting a metal door with paint cans. I painted another door with the Axis to test it out. Then I practiced again with poly brush, then again with poly spray, so by the time I was spraying with polytone and aerothane I was "experienced". I am very pleased with how my paint job turned out.

[N981MS]

FWIW. I used a relatively inexpensive Campbell Causfeld HVLP turbine sprayer with Polytone paint and got what I consider good results. Reasonable gloss for Polytone. Here were some of my considerations.

Turbines add heat. But my compressor would not have kept up with an HVLP gun.
Heat speeds drying.
Fast drying decreases gloss.
I kept Polyspray and final color coats of Polytone in the refrigerator before spraying so they would be cooler and hopefully dry slower despite the turbine. I also kept the shop air conditioned cool. I think it worked.

I have found my best spray results with
1 very light "tack" coat. Avoid the temptation to fill in the color!
After sufficient tack time a second "color" coat.
And then a third and final "gloss" coat.

YMMV

[HighWing]

Maxwell certainly brings up some great points regarding the turbines. For me it was long ago, but the comments brings back memories and are spot on.