For an air paint gun, the paint must be properly thinned.
Painting with an air-powered paint gun is often the most effective process for applying paint quickly and without defect. From automotive applications to exterior home painting and small hobby modeling, air brushes and air gun sprayers simplify the painting process. The most important step in the process is preparing the paint for application.
Instructions
1. Identifying the proper thinner for the paint product being used. Paints sprayed through an air paint gun can be water-based acrylics, alkyd-oil- or lacquer-based products. Identify from the paint label the proper thinner for your paint product.
2. Conduct a test spray with the undiluted paint through the paint gun. Paints should spray evenly, without splotching, orange peeling or running. Paint that sputters and spits out of the air gun is too thick. Paint that runs is often too thin, or is being applied too heavily.
3. Mix a small amount of thinner into the paint. Stir thoroughly to obtain a homogeneous solution. Mix in a small amount of thinner at a time. Less than 8 ounces of thinner in a gallon of paint will significantly change the paint's viscosity. Keep track of how much thinner is stirred into the paint during each step.
4. Clean the air brush and perform a second test spray. Notice the difference between the test applications and how the paint performs after thinning.
5. Repeat the process until the paint sprays evenly, without creating a splotching effect or running off the painted surface.
6. Mix the rest of the paint to the same consistency, and apply it according to the air paint gun's manufacturer's instructions.
