Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
Armory Sponsor
5/29/2006 9:48:38 AM EDT
First, thanks to Sitckman for his awesome How To Guide and wealth of information associated with it.

I'm not new to painting, I've painted a handful of vehicles, including my old Bronco II that I painted desert camo. I don't consider myself a total newbie, but I want to venture into some weapon refinishing.

I've got a Remington 870 that is in need of some TLC. There's some rust and some pitting that needs to be resolved. I know that because it's been blued and has these issues, it needs to be blasted (sand, not bead).

I know you can pick up a blaster for about $12 and some sand for around the same. I could have this done locally, but I'm interested in being able to do this kind of work at home for myself and others (because I LOVE painting). So what kind of compressor would I be looking for? How big?

Also, canned propellant annoys me to no end. I used to spray at a professional shop with an outdoor compressor, so I never thought about it much. What size compressor would I want for just spraying, assuming I don't get a larger one for blasting?

I've also been comparing brands. It seems as if most people are strong supporters of Norells, but I've seen some beautiful KG-Kote work as well (and they have more colors). It also appears that it's the same process to apply them. Is there really a difference between the two as far as durability etc?

TIA everyone,
Also thanks for the nice new shiney forum!
Ruin
5/29/2006 10:50:10 AM EDT
[#1]
Any of the pancake compressors would be more than enough to run an airbrush.  Testors, and a few other companies also make dedicated units for airbrushes.

I even know of people who claim they have run them off goldfish tank units, though I've never had an extra one play play around with so I can't confirm that.


In your hunt for a compressor, make real sure of what you want.  Spraying ONLY requires a small unit, but if you start to do any blasting, it alters everything.



ETA- Glad you like the BR Norrells article.  There is also a condensed version that doesn't have quite as many comments and questions afterwards.  www.coloradoshooting.org/ar_refinishing.htm
5/29/2006 8:29:09 PM EDT
[#2]
Thanks for the reply Stickman.

If I wanted to get into some Blasting, how big a compressor would I need?

I'll look into some Testors units to run the brush and see what I can find.
5/29/2006 8:35:49 PM EDT
[#3]

Quoted:

If I wanted to get into some Blasting, how big a compressor would I need?





The answer I was given when I asked that same question was, "as big as you can afford".  It all really depends on how much blasting you want to do, but sandblasters need large volumes of air.
5/29/2006 8:52:19 PM EDT
[#4]
Thanks Stickman.

In pricing compressors right now, just online, it appears that I can't afford one large enough for blasting. Looks like for the time being I'll find someone who can do it for me.

However, I have found two compressors worth looking at for painting.

Craftsman 150psi Compressor - $89.97
KromaJet 8 - 10psi Airbrush Compressor - $70.00

Maybe they can be of some use to others.

I'm considering the Craftsman because I could also run sanders, grinders and such for my auto-body work as well (even my truck is getting refinished this summer, haha).
Armory Sponsor