Practically Classics Forum

Wonder if others have noticed on American hotrod program that the guys who do the spraying on panels do not release the gun trigger after each sweep across but rather keep trigger depressed all the time, i was always taught to release trigger then depress on the return sweep.........think i will try the american way next time as they seem to get a really good finish.
Jim.........

The way I paint, it makes no difference. No, that's not meant in a good way.

Of course, there's always the possibility that the cars go to be painted properly after the cameras have gone.

Hi John,
Must admit the finish i get isnt exacty wonderful, just bought an expensive spray gun in case thats the fault but i know its my technique thats the problem
got the bonnet and wings to do when the wife stops using the car............
Jim.............

strikes me that press, release, press would cause buildup & spatter?

I hadn't noticed that the AHR guys keep on spraying, so will look out for it next time.
I always keep the air flowing, just releasing the trigger enough to stop the paint at the end of each stroke. Then I start the paint flowing for the return stroke just before getting to the panel. It seem a natural way of working and feels as if I have more control as I'm only moving the trigger a tiny amount.
But my results are barely passable, so what do I know?

I was taught to do it the same as Willy - keep air flowing to clear the nozzle and start the paint again just before the panel. However, I wonder if it really makes a difference - all I'm saving is a little paint and, TBH, that's the least of my problems!

Follow Willy & Tractormans comments for good technique, otherwise you are just going to waste no end of paint, not only that but the more paint you put into the air the more dense the air becomes - remember the guys on the telly are in a professional spraybooth with air within the booth being exchanged on a constant basis.This is unlikely to be the case if you are in your garage at the bottom of the garden - unless you want leave all the garage doors open that is, and let every insect and piece debris land on your wet paint.

If you're doing a stand alone panel (door off the car) then keeping your finger on the trigger is not so important. If your painting a whole car then every time yous top and go the other direction, you'll build up paint in that one spot which could cause runs.