73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Body, Glass & Paint => Topic started by: 454Man on January 05, 2013, 05:40:57 pm

Title: Paint question
Post by: 454Man on January 05, 2013, 05:40:57 pm
What's a good type of paint I can spray with a harbor frieght gun set. I want to do a section at a time/ day. Feder, hood, roof, etc...
I'm thinking of scrapping parts them priming and painting them. I here Sherman willams demension line is good. I saw the episode of muscle cat when they used the duplicolor stuff you can but in the store and it didn't look shiney at all. Thinking of going a lighter gray.
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: 81_Chevy on January 05, 2013, 09:35:21 pm
are you looking at a single stage paint, two stage, three stage?
i asked my dad that was a body man back in the day for 15 years he says that: sentari, dupont, duplicolor, dulux (sp), chromo one, are alot of good brands he used back in the day.

also what are you looking at for cost wise?
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: 454Man on January 05, 2013, 10:04:36 pm
If I can get the shine of a two stage with a single then single it is... But Idk if that is possible. I'm thinking two stage. There is a guy here in Dallas that post on CL providing cheap (under 1000 bucks) paint jobs. He says he uses Sherman Williams two stage paint. I like the shine his work has. That is why im interested in Sherman Williams paint.
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: 454Man on January 05, 2013, 10:06:56 pm
Idk about the cost of the paint, just nothing to expensive
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: mikek20 on January 06, 2013, 08:23:29 pm
If i may jump in: I dont recommend a single stage paint unless its a work truck or something you dont have a whole lot of interest in putting time into. If your wanting the DIY paintjob that looks like a $5000 professional job, then prepare yourself.
Definitely look into a BC/CC ( thats base coat/ clear coat ) or 2 stage paint. As a beginner and especially if your only doing a piece at a time or all the pieces apart, then stay away from 3 stage (tri stage) paint jobs. these wont look right when you put it all back together.
As far as brands or types go, I prefer PPG and D-BASF paints. For starters and low price i would suggest PPG OMNI line of paints. they will have all the primers, base coats, and clear coats you will need. Its a good place to start out.

Now with the BC/CC (2 stage) your going to want to take a few measures before spraying.
- Body work is a must for rust and dents, do your best getting rid of all imperfections
- then move on to priming your body panels.
-after priming, you will want to wet sand to smooth out the orange peel look in the primer with a medium grit (400-600) wet or dry.
-once your panels are smooth and just as you would want them to look minus the paint, then you are ready to spray base coat
- prep your panels with a fast evaporating degreaser to remove fingerprints, wax, residue, oils etc..
-now spray your basecoats, allowing flash time between coats
-within 24 hours, now spray your clear coat overtop.
Title: Re: Re: Paint question
Post by: 454Man on January 06, 2013, 09:10:10 pm
If i may jump in: I dont recommend a single stage paint unless its a work truck or something you dont have a whole lot of interest in putting time into. If your wanting the DIY paintjob that looks like a $5000 professional job, then prepare yourself.
Definitely look into a BC/CC ( thats base coat/ clear coat ) or 2 stage paint. As a beginner and especially if your only doing a piece at a time or all the pieces apart, then stay away from 3 stage (tri stage) paint jobs. these wont look right when you put it all back together.
As far as brands or types go, I prefer PPG and D-BASF paints. For starters and low price i would suggest PPG OMNI line of paints. they will have all the primers, base coats, and clear coats you will need. Its a good place to start out.

Now with the BC/CC (2 stage) your going to want to take a few measures before spraying.
- Body work is a must for rust and dents, do your best getting rid of all imperfections
- then move on to priming your body panels.
-after priming, you will want to wet sand to smooth out the orange peel look in the primer with a medium grit (400-600) wet or dry.
-once your panels are smooth and just as you would want them to look minus the paint, then you are ready to spray base coat
- prep your panels with a fast evaporating degreaser to remove fingerprints, wax, residue, oils etc..
-now spray your basecoats, allowing flash time between coats
-within 24 hours, now spray your clear coat overtop.
Thanks! Ths is the kinda info i'm looking for. wonder what the price difference is between the Sherman Williams and ppg products.
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: mikek20 on January 07, 2013, 06:26:59 am
First find a basic color you like. Then call each place and price check and compare the 2.
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: firefighter on January 08, 2013, 11:18:01 am
All this talk about single stage and BC/CC paints and what's the best manufacturer of paints ect..... and you're talking about using a Harbor Freight paint gun?

I had this thought too (about using a HF paint gun) when I first started thinking about doing all the painting on my truck. In fact, to practice I started by spraying primer to the hood. It was a disaster.  I could't get the air flow/mixture balanced on the Harbor Freight gun for the life of me. I ended up just getting frustrated. You're mileage may vary of course.  :)
I ended up buying a bit of a nicer gun that actually came as a kit. One gun for priming and one gun for top coat. I couldn't believe how much of a difference it made and how I could actually adjust my spray pattern and density of material.
It all depends on what you're looking for.
If you don't mind a bit of orange peel (and if you've never painted a vehicle before, you will most likely have some), and you're not planning on making it a show vehicle, just shoot it with a single stage paint and be done with it. You'll have it in one color in no time.
Just prime any needed areas and shoot paint on it. Done.

I'm no paint pro but I did do all my painting for my truck rebuild project.
It wasn't going to be a show truck but I did want it to look nice since I had all new sheet metal and I was doing everything "right". I was super happy with how it turned out.
From what I understand, base coat/clear coat takes multiple steps in each segment. I just didn't feel that I wanted to take that much time, especially since I was painting in my heated shop, during the winter, with a suction fan in the doorway, in a makeshift paintbooth.

Don't rush this step. Take your time and ask questions like you did here. Do Google searches, watch YouTube videos and even stop at your local paint shop or body shop and ask questions.
I think that between primer, reducer, paint and supplies, that I had about $600 in materials (not including the new paint gun kit).
P.S. Don't forget the resporator !!!

This is just information from my experience for you to evaluate.
How much money do you want to spend?
How nice of a paint job are you trying to achieve?
What will the truck be used as? Farm truck? Work truck? Daily driver? Show truck?
What's the weather like where you are? Will you have to heat the shop while painting?
How nice of a paintbooth set up to you have?
So many things to think about.

Good luck, and post results !!

Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: audrima on January 08, 2013, 12:59:07 pm
We use almost exulsively PPG when we paint cars here at home.
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: Edahall on January 08, 2013, 04:02:49 pm
If you want to save some money and you're willing to use one of their premixed colors, you might consider Kirker and a top quality clear such as SPI.  Below is the a photo of how my Suburban came out and I have yet to color sand it.

Here's what I used.  The colors come already mixed.  You save a bunch of money this way.  I also used single stage paint but used a converter to change it to basecoat.  It's cheaper doing it this way and has more UV inhibitors over buying already mixed basecoat.  Not many people know this but I talked directly to the representative to find out this information.  The disadvantage of this is it requires additional mixing in of the basecoat converter.  I used a digital scale to do all the mixing.

The most important aspect for the job turning out good is taking the time with the prep work.  I completely sanded off the old paint and basically started off from scratch.  I also removed everything I could.  The next important thing is to have a good air compressor.  You've got to have good constant airflow.  I used a 2 stage 5 hp air compressor.  The next thing that is important is some experience but you have to try first and make some mistakes before gaining experience.  Autobody101.com is an excellent site to read up on it.

Quantity 1, Dark Jade Metallic
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-glo-acrylic-urethane-enamel-dark-jade-metallic-ua-31252-p-14597.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-glo-acrylic-urethane-enamel-dark-jade-metallic-ua-31252-p-14597.aspx)

Quantity 1, Silver Metallic
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-glo-acrylic-urethane-enamel-silver-metallic-ua-61231-p-12634.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-glo-acrylic-urethane-enamel-silver-metallic-ua-61231-p-12634.aspx)

Quantity 2, Urethane Activator
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-glo-urethane-activators-p-12632.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-glo-urethane-activators-p-12632.aspx)

Quantity 2, Basecoat Converter
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-lock-metallic-control-additivebasecoat-converter-ua-2400-p-16829.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-lock-metallic-control-additivebasecoat-converter-ua-2400-p-16829.aspx)

Epoxy Primer
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-enduro-prime-epoxy-primer-p-12620.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-enduro-prime-epoxy-primer-p-12620.aspx)

Epoxy Primer Catalyst
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-enduro-prime-epoxy-primer-catalyst-p-12621.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-enduro-prime-epoxy-primer-catalyst-p-12621.aspx)

2k primer
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-perfect-prime-2k-primer-gray-up732-p-12618.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-perfect-prime-2k-primer-gray-up732-p-12618.aspx)

2k primer catalyst
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-perfect-prime-catalyst-upc73-p-12619.aspx (http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-perfect-prime-catalyst-upc73-p-12619.aspx)

For the Clearcoat
http://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/ (http://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/)

Item
2100-1, 2.1 VOC Production Clearcoat 4:1 Gallon, $55.99
2104-4, 2.1 VOC Production Very Slow Activator, $28.00

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v136/Ventura/P1020931.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/rhedahl/P1030005.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v136/Ventura/P1030008.jpg)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C347PZlxgNo/UEfxjhzwgPI/AAAAAAAAAB8/Z2ZdKmI1hy8/s1024/P1030063.JPG?gl=US)



Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: Edahall on January 08, 2013, 04:07:36 pm
What's a good type of paint I can spray with a harbor frieght gun set.

There are a few Harbor Freight gun models that you can get decent results.  If you give me the Item # of your gun, I call tell you if it's one of them.  I've also found that these guns need lots of pressure and air to do a good job atomizing (on the order of 40 psi).  Hope your air compressor is sufficient.
Title: Re: Re: Paint question
Post by: 454Man on January 08, 2013, 09:28:45 pm
All this talk about single stage and BC/CC paints and what's the best manufacturer of paints ect..... and you're talking about using a Harbor Freight paint gun?

I really don't want to spend alt on a paint gum i'm only going to use once.thanks for your insight:-)
Title: Re: Re: Paint question
Post by: 454Man on January 08, 2013, 09:41:46 pm
If you want to save some money and you're willing to use one of their premixed colors, you might consider Kirker and a top quality clear such as SPI.  Below is the a photo of how my Suburban came out and I have yet to color sand it.

Here's what I used.  The colors come already mixed.  You save a bunch of money this way.  I also used single stage paint but used a converter to change it to basecoat.  It's cheaper doing it this way and has more UV inhibitors over buying already mixed basecoat.  Not many people know this but I talked directly to the representative to find out this information.  The disadvantage of this is it requires additional mixing in of the basecoat converter.  I used a digital scale to do all the mixing.

The most important aspect for the job turning out good is taking the time with the prep work.  I completely sanded off the old paint and basically started off from scratch.  I also removed everything I could.  The next important thing is to have a good air compressor.  You've got to have good constant airflow.  I used a 2 stage 5 hp air compressor.  The next thing that is important is some experience but you have to try first and make some mistakes before gaining experience.  Autobody101.com is an excellent site to read up on it.

Quantity 1, Dark Jade Metallic
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-glo-acrylic-urethane-enamel-dark-jade-metallic-ua-31252-p-14597.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-glo-acrylic-urethane-enamel-dark-jade-metallic-ua-31252-p-14597.aspx)

Quantity 1, Silver Metallic
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-glo-acrylic-urethane-enamel-silver-metallic-ua-61231-p-12634.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-glo-acrylic-urethane-enamel-silver-metallic-ua-61231-p-12634.aspx)

Quantity 2, Urethane Activator
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-glo-urethane-activators-p-12632.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-glo-urethane-activators-p-12632.aspx)

Quantity 2, Basecoat Converter
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-lock-metallic-control-additivebasecoat-converter-ua-2400-p-16829.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-ultra-lock-metallic-control-additivebasecoat-converter-ua-2400-p-16829.aspx)

Epoxy Primer
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-enduro-prime-epoxy-primer-p-12620.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-enduro-prime-epoxy-primer-p-12620.aspx)

Epoxy Primer Catalyst
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-enduro-prime-epoxy-primer-catalyst-p-12621.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-enduro-prime-epoxy-primer-catalyst-p-12621.aspx)

2k primer
https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-perfect-prime-2k-primer-gray-up732-p-12618.aspx (https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-perfect-prime-2k-primer-gray-up732-p-12618.aspx)

2k primer catalyst
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-perfect-prime-catalyst-upc73-p-12619.aspx (http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kirker-perfect-prime-catalyst-upc73-p-12619.aspx)

For the Clearcoat
http://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/ (http://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/)

Item
2100-1, 2.1 VOC Production Clearcoat 4:1 Gallon, $55.99
2104-4, 2.1 VOC Production Very Slow Activator, $28.00

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v136/Ventura/P1020931.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/rhedahl/P1030005.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v136/Ventura/P1030008.jpg)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C347PZlxgNo/UEfxjhzwgPI/AAAAAAAAAB8/Z2ZdKmI1hy8/s1024/P1030063.JPG?gl=US)
this is very interesting! What would you say you spent on materials? That paint looks awesome!
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: 454Man on January 08, 2013, 09:43:50 pm
Let me go though my boxes and find my fun. I know its the gun set that is in the red case with two guns , a large and a small paint gun with all the filters and cleaning materials.
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: 454Man on January 08, 2013, 10:22:06 pm
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/09/u5yvudu4.jpg)


(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/09/7abu9aze.jpg)


Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: 454Man on January 08, 2013, 10:22:55 pm
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/09/8ehezu7a.jpg)
Title: Re: Re: Paint question
Post by: firefighter on January 09, 2013, 02:51:46 pm
I really don't want to spend alt on a paint gum i'm only going to use once.thanks for your insight:-)

I totally know what you mean friend.
I had a Binks gun for years and when I thought I wasn't going to paint anymore, I sold it on Craigslist. Two years later I needed one again.   :)
I think I spent about $160 on my kit and I felt way more comfortable with how it worked and adjusted.
You'll get it figured out. This is an exciting part of vehicle restoring.
Good luck !!
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: jwlmls1 on January 09, 2013, 08:37:29 pm
 ???  Hello all, if i could chime in... not that i know anything usefull but here is my experience.  $35 pepdudes gun, $26/gal napa fleet paint, prep well, primer complete truck, more prep, spray with paint, wait a week lightly polish with meguires.  Fantastic shine, no orange peel, paint will outlast regular auto paint 2 to 1..
Title: Re: Re: Paint question
Post by: 454Man on January 09, 2013, 09:06:20 pm
???  Hello all, if i could chime in... not that i know anything usefull but here is my experience.  $35 pepdudes gun, $26/gal napa fleet paint, prep well, primer complete truck, more prep, spray with paint, wait a week lightly polish with meguires.  Fantastic shine, no orange peel, paint will outlast regular auto paint 2 to 1..
Ok totally digg the post.... But can you please post some clear and close up photos?
Title: Re: Re: Re: Paint question
Post by: 454Man on January 09, 2013, 09:10:10 pm
I really don't want to spend alt on a paint gum i'm only going to use once.thanks for your insight:-)

I totally know what you mean friend.
I had a Binks gun for years and when I thought I wasn't going to paint anymore, I sold it on Craigslist. Two years later I needed one again.   :)
I think I spent about $160 on my kit and I felt way more comfortable with how it worked and adjusted.
You'll get it figured out. This is an exciting part of vehicle restoring.
Good luck !!
I'm thinking I do have another project in the garage that will need paint later. I've sprayed  rustoleum flat black thinned out on my other project with no issues so  I figured maybe I can use a better quality paint abs have the same results.
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: Edahall on January 09, 2013, 10:11:32 pm
You might want to invest in one of these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/high-volume-low-pressure-gravity-feed-spray-gun-66222.html
or
http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-automotive-hvlp-spray-gun-kit-94572.html
Title: Re: Re: Paint question
Post by: 454Man on January 10, 2013, 08:18:04 am
You might want to invest in one of these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/high-volume-low-pressure-gravity-feed-spray-gun-66222.html
or
http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-automotive-hvlp-spray-gun-kit-94572.html
Will do. Think the first low pressure gun would work with my compressor.
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: Edahall on January 10, 2013, 09:23:02 am
You might want to invest in one of these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/high-volume-low-pressure-gravity-feed-spray-gun-66222.html
Will do. Think the first low pressure gun would work with my compressor.

What are the specifications of your air compressor?

Keep in mind that this air gun takes 12 SCFM @ 45 PSI.  For comparison, one the best guns out there called the Iwata LPH400-LV is rated at 9.5 CFM@ 16psi.  It takes a lot less air at lower pressure so yeah, you pay for what you get.
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: 454Man on January 10, 2013, 10:22:58 am
Ah I see... Let me check when I get back home
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: Edahall on January 10, 2013, 11:35:00 am

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C347PZlxgNo/UEfxjhzwgPI/AAAAAAAAAB8/Z2ZdKmI1hy8/s1024/P1030063.JPG?gl=US)
this is very interesting! What would you say you spent on materials? That paint looks awesome!

I spent a total of about $400.  But keep in mind, the truck was stripped down to metal so there was extra expense for the Epoxy primer.  I also sprayed the clear on thick so I can later wet sand it.
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: scottiebell on February 08, 2013, 06:58:20 am
???  Hello all, if i could chime in... not that i know anything usefull but here is my experience.  $35 pepdudes gun, $26/gal napa fleet paint, prep well, primer complete truck, more prep, spray with paint, wait a week lightly polish with meguires.  Fantastic shine, no orange peel, paint will outlast regular auto paint 2 to 1..

Exactly what this fine gentleman has said. I used the purple harbor freight gun, went to napa and got a gallon of their single stage signal green industrial paint after rattle can priming my scout 2. I had never painted before, nor had i done body work before. I swear by that cheap napa paint. if i had 200.00 in my paintjob, i would be shocked. Never even buffed it out, and was super durable. This is how my scout turned out on my first paint job.
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t313/ihscott/0617111840.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t313/ihscott/0729111720-1.jpg)
And this is 1 year later...
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t313/ihscott/CAM00084.jpg)
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: HAULIN IT on February 10, 2013, 12:32:11 pm
All this talk about single stage and BC/CC paints and what's the best manufacturer of paints ect..... and you're talking about using a Harbor Freight paint gun?

While I agree there is a noticeable difference between a Harbor Freight special & a top of the line gun like a Sata, DeVilbiss, ect., but a properly working gun...one that sprays when the trigger is pulled, stops when the trigger is let go, doesn't drip & can be made to have some sort of reasonable spray pattern is all a person needs to do a "beginner paint job". Now if the gun isn't able to perform as mentioned above then a different one is needed, but it doesn't matter who made it. If a $600 gun isn't cleaned properly after the first use (which is likely for a beginner), the second time it's used...it can produce any/all of the above flaws.
 I truly believe that one of the biggest flaws in Autobody (& mechanics, also) is the importance placed on "being judged" on how much money has been spent & how big of a toolbox a person has.
Sure quality tools have their place, but a beginner is going to make mistakes & have flaws based on lack of experience painting his first vehicle even if handed a brand new, properly "tuned" $850 Sata.

Case in point, I recently was asked to be a judge at a SkillsUSA contest for high schools Vo-tech program. Kids came from 8 different Vo-tech schools...rolling, carrying toolboxes with every this & that in it (they were sent to look good by their home school), not a one could fix a 3"x1" dent, most couldn't mix the primer correctly per the P-sheet, ect. ect. The tools didn't "make" them any better.
A good bodyman could make more out of a bent fender with a claw hammer, a nail & a piece of 2x4 standing in the middle of a Wal-mart parking lot. Practice & repetition makes a person reduce flaws, asking questions, watching & research goes a long way also.

I feel the same way about materials...The "best" materials are likely just a waste of money for almost every person who has only painted One or Two vehicles. The prep work is likely to be sub-par and the finish is really only going to be "nice" for a year or Two anyway.

A beginner should spend some time painting trash cans, an old washer/dryer, the junk panels from your truck ect. to try to learn the basics before going for your pride & joy.
The local paint store will have "bad" mixes that the color isn't correct on. Get some of this (it's cheap) & will make a person familiar with how the paint will spray, flow ect.

I agree with Mike...You want to use a base/clear system. There are so many advantages that it makes the extra cost worth it. Just buy the "middle of the road" Omni, Kirker, ect. & go at it.

As far as painting in pieces (my favorite way) it can lead to trouble for a beginner when done with a high metallic/pearl color, however I do think it's best to do in some sections at least. Maybe the outsides of the bed, the tailgate & the hood at separate times. The cab, doors & fenders in place? This way you have less to concentrate on at one time, don't have to worry about a start/stop point overlap, less spraying time for the compressor to peter out, less overspray to get rid of ect. ect.

I'm always glad to spend time with guys to make their paint project go well as possible...Any questions, just let me know. Lorne

Here's some Tri-tone (tinted clear) flames I did on a friend's car with a $16 Harbor Freight detail gun, you know the Purplish colored one. Each pint of color was over $60 bucks, didn't concern me much. He won the YoungGuy award in Columbus, Oh in 2005 @ the GoodGuys show...the judges didn't seem to notice!
  (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t285/HAULINIT/samscar-1.jpg)
 


 

   
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: VileZambonie on February 10, 2013, 05:35:39 pm
Be VERY careful with that purple harbor freigh gun. They work good for a few minutes then boom, they start leaking and dripping... oh what a nightmare! You want a decent cheap gun get the one autozone sells. I buy the cheap guns to use as primer guns since someone stole my devilbiss I had to use the purple one on the last panel I painted. It looked great until the gun spit then dripped!  :-\
Title: Re: Paint question
Post by: bake74 on February 13, 2013, 07:31:06 pm
" I truly believe that one of the biggest flaws in Autobody (& mechanics, also) is the importance placed on "being judged" on how much money has been spent & how big of a toolbox a person has. "
Quoted from HAULIN IT.

     This should be taught first.  Now on some things the right, expensive, tool is the only way to do the job right and get professional results.  But those are fewer than the everyday jobs.
     Over the years of being a mechanic, service manager, training tech's, I have learned one universal truth, the amount of money one spends on their equipment does not make them a professional.
     One thing about paint jobs, there is a difference between experience and semi-experienced, and beginners.  Some have the nack for it while others are ok at it and some just suck at it.  But hey, isn't that the way life is.