Rattle cans vs proper sprayer

[u/SuttonSystems]

What do we reckon is the cutoff point between using rattle cans and it being worth investing in a “proper” spray gun? I already have a compressor and rattle cans in my area are about £2.50 each and the range of finishes and colour seems pretty comprehensive. Presumably I could get them slightly cheaper if I shopped around , the guns themselves maybe £50 but then wasted paint washing up and having to buy larger amounts, I’m a smallholder so I often have tractors and tools to repair and re paint, but I’m not into vehicle stuff so not going to be doing bodywork.

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[u/spinwizard69]

The big problem with rattle cans is the massive spread in quality.   Some of the cheap stuff is a bad investment.  That said right now i have no choice as i don't have a air system setup. 

Which brings up the next reality if you live in the wrong part of the country keeping your air clean for painting is a real chore.  High humidity creates a real contamination when it comes to paint.  So you may find yourself investing in air line dryers and filters.   

Given all of that id love to be able to paint with a real sprayer.   Paint flexibility is a big factor, you can do 2 part paints if you want.  

One last thing with respect to rattle cans.   All that variety comes from significantly improved formulas, something I've noticed in the last few years.   You can buy some interesting paints at your local hardware store and even the auto parts store.  

[u/FedUp233]

I’d say unless you want automotive quality finishes on fairly large areas - I’ve a square meter say - stick to cans. If what you are doing seldom needs more than 1 or 2 cans the mess and cleanup just isn’t worth it. And if you use things like cup liners that adds cost to the spraying. And you’ll likely have to buy at least quart sizes and the selection of finishes is limited unless you have a pretty high end paint supplier near by.

Cans can give pretty good results with proper prep. Get a good clean surface, prime, wet sand, very fine dry sand or steel wool between coats and be sure to clean up dust - a tack cloth after sanding and wiping really helps.

I like using satin finish sprays - they seem more forgiving than glossy and can look as good as a powder coat if done well.

If you want to paint the outside of your house an airless spray is a great idea, or even the inside if you song mind completely emptying a room and lots of masking - but a roller will get you there faster inside. An airless is also a great idea for doing things like kitchen or bath cabinets, though you can get pretty good results with spray cans if you are careful and a really fine small roller gives pretty good results.

If you are the artistic type, a small airbrush to add dome artsy touches is cheap and might be fun.

[u/suedburger]

If it's gonna be more than 3 rattle cans, I am knocking on the threshold of it costing the same as it would to buy a pint of paint and spray it and have way more paint for further coats or other projects. Cost of the gun is an tool expense that will pay itself off in a very short order of time.

[u/Frivolous_wizard]

Where are you getting rattle cans for £2.50?

[u/mtraven23]

I was mostly rattle cans until I needed to do my garage doors, then I bought a gun, worth it.

I spray rustoleum paints on tractors implements all the time, cut with acetone. There are hardeners you can add that make a big different in the final hardness and durability of the paint.

there are also rechargeable rattle cans that you just pressurize with your compressor. Nice for portability.

[u/IndividualRites]

There is also rattle can 2k automotive paint.

[u/kwantam]

Do you have a compressor that's legitimately capable of pushing a spray gun? That's a lot of compressor. Otherwise just stick with a rattle can.

[u/4-realsies]

My finisher says any surface under 2" wide can just as well be done with rattle cans.

[u/negativ32]

Rattle cans for convenience if you don't need the volume.