Detail spray gun recomendations for Duracoat?

[Racer X]

I'd rather buy a simple inexpensive spray gun than thin out Duracoat with acetone/MEK and use a Preval sprayer. I have seen videos where the thinned out when cured isn't as durable. I have a nearly new oil-less Craftsman pancake compressor and hoses, so air is taken care of.

I don't want to use Duracoat rattlecans as the cost will quickly exceed the price of a serviceable gun. I have some bare Glock slides, and a number of AR parts to re do, so several cans will be more than a spray gun and the Duracoat. I'm leaning into the matte black self lubricating, which is also slightly more sheen than the basic matte black. Closer to the Glock factory slides, and cuts down on holster wear according to Lauer.

Any advice? I'm really good with rattle cans in general, so my spray technique can adapt to a detail gun quickly.

 

[Mike0251]

Harbor Freight has some very inexpensive HVLP small spray guns. I saved an old very abused 39-2 and used Duracoat. However, since the parts were small (frame/slide/etc) I elected to use an airbrush. I did this because I did not want to heavily coat the parts to much. It came out great. Also note that Duracoat says to leave parts alone for 30 days so it fully cures even though you can handle them after 24 hours.

 

[dfariswheel]

Here's what I'd recommend..........

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Single-Action-External-Siphon/dp/B000FJQ26M

Other people will have other ideas, but this is what I used for large area jobs.
I had much better internal mix double action brushes, but for spraying large amounts of higher viscosity paints this worked best.
It takes larger jars so you don't keep running out of paint before the jobs done.
It's very easy to clean.
Paint flow is adjusted with the cone underneath, and air is adjusted at the compressor.
I used one of these to spray on final coats of gun stock finishes for a smoother look.
I just used a larger jar to feed the finish.

Buy a cheap moisture trap for the hose. That prevents getting a slug of water ruining the coat.
You may need to change to a fabric covered air hose, the plastic hoses can melt from heat from the compressor if it's connected close to the cylinder.

 

[Kp321]

I have always used a cheap HF, $20 or so, airbrush with Duracoat. If you don't get the airbrush completely clean, no big loss. I mix two tablespoons of paint, 1/2 teaspoon of hardener and 1/2 teaspoon of reducer for a handgun. Doesn't use quite all of the mixture but I don't run out either.

 

[Racer X]

Than you all for your replies. I just might go the HF route for my first attempts, and buy 2 guns, so I can do the project if there is an issue with the first one I try. There are 2 pretty close to me, and others not too far away. I have a qt of acetone for cleaning and thinning.

 

[Kp321]

Acetone or lacquer thinner for cleanup. Use Duracoat reducer for thinning. A 4 oz bottle lasts a long time. Other solvents might work for thinning but why take a chance?

 

[Tinkertech]

Paasche is the gold value of air brushes.

They also make small sand blasters, great for refinishing small SS parts.