Gravity fed or suction gun?

[Vidal]

I'm about to spray my first panel (V CLass front bumper) using a spray gun and was wondering what the fundemental differences are between gravity fed guns and the ones with the underslung bottle?

I've done loads of rattle can repairs and even race bike farings in the past and had good results with the cans, but I've got a decent size garage now and a good compressor so I thought it's about time I do a proper job.

I'm compelled to buy a Clarke Pro-14c, unless anybody suggests otherwise? Funds as usual are limited.

Thanks

 

[Chipper]

Gravity uses slightly less air. But anyway always match the gun to what to the comp can deliver, so thats not much of an issue in reality.

Gravity with a large cup can feel top heavy, but a suction gun can weigh a good bit too so there's not a great load of difference in the end.

Gravity guns are easier to clean up.

Just down to preference really.

 

[tux]

What chipper said!

Its really down to personal comfort and what you prefer. The only time one is "better" than the other (In my limited experience) is if you were maybe painting a panel from underneath, like the inside of a car roof. The gavity guns can have issues delivering a constant supply of paint, so a suction gun may be better.

I have a Clarke Pro 14C in the garage and for a budget gun in performs adequately on cellulose and the thinner paints. If your are spraying high build or 2K then a 16C or even an 18C may be better as they have a larger fluid tip and needle.

 

[langy]

Personal preference really, I prefer suction as it will do any kind of painting, for instance I use metalflake a lot and you can only put it on with a suction gun as it sinks due to weight and will clog a gravity gun. I find a suction gun to be better balanced also.

 

[mike os]

I use both almost indiscriminately...... with a tendency towards gravity....easier for small quantities IMO as you dont need 50ml for the gun before you start painting.

Suction "feels " more natural I guess to start with but its really down to personal preference.

the clarke pro guns are OK for the wonga.

 

[pedrobedro]

I use a cheap non HVLP suction gun for small jobs. It runs on 40psi and you can put an eyeful of paint in or 500ml. When I've done I tip the paint out, wipe the cup and blow some clean thinners through it then put it away till next time. HVLP turbine sprayers are good, I used one years ago to paint a complete Escort and it was quiet and simple and the finish is helped by it supplying slightly warm air.

 

[Pulsarbebb]

when i was painting my tractor I started with a suction gun and it didn't feel right, it just wasn't painting as it should be so I went out and bought an AMTECH gravity feed gun and it painted alot better