I did a few searches and found a few threads that started to talk about recommended tip sizes, but I need some more specifics...

I hope BarryK, MARTINSR, or one of the other pro-painters can help me out here.

I am shooting two VW Beetles with Martin Senour Cross-Fire 2 stage paints. I live in (will be painting in) Colorado (dry air) in a home-made paint booth.

I am looking into purchasing a new gun and have been trying to decipher the tip sizes...I have read a few posts by BarryK about the 1.3mm tip causing "popping" - I don't know what this means... Most of the guns I have looked at for shooting base coats and clear coats have a 1.3mm tip...Should I go to the 1.4mm or 1.5mm?

The gun I am looking to get is the Devilbiss FinishLine 3 HVLP. I know I can get nearly any tip size for this gun, but want to make sure I choose the correct one.

I was also looking at a mini HVLP for doing small flames and stuff...What size tip should I use here? Most of the mini guns I see have a 1.0mm or smaller tip. I would think that since the material is the same here (bases and clears)that the tip would still need to be in the 1.3mm to 1.5mm range...

Please help me figure this out...

Thanks!!!

Martinsr will be the expert on the crossfire.

The 1.3 will only cause problems in the "hyper type clears" in warmer and high humid conditions. ( if your not spending $250 a gallon you don't have a hyper clear)

For all around use, I think the safest bet is 1.4 for base and clear.
Although 1.3 does work good for bases.

Thanks BarryK! I will try to find a 1.4mm tip then. Did you happen to catch the last part of my question about the smaller gun tip sizes on the mini HVLP guns?

Yes, but I'm not quailfied to speak on the touch-up guns.

Do you think they are needed for flames etc. or would it be a waste of money if I buy a quality full size gun?

A gun (Husky HDS420) that came with my air compressor has a 1.2mm tip. Will this work OK or do I really need to replace it?

You have to rember that it is a touch up gun. Primary function in life is to shoot SMALL areas. That is the reason for the 1.0 (generally) tip size.
They will shoot any base except metalflake (regular metalic bases are fine) for spot (touch up) repairs.

As for shooting flames with one,sure,I do it all the time with one,unless your talking flaming a whole hood or fender,then you need the coverage of the full size.

These home Depot type guns come with these 1.2 tips for spraying FURNATURE coatings,ie,STAIN. A 1.2 tip is too small for any automotive work.
Get a 1.4 and go paint a CAR.

Cool! That helps me to understand a little bit better. I ended up going with a 1.4 on my base and clear gun, 1.7 on my primer gun, and 1.0 on the touch-up gun. Thank you everyone for the help.

FWIW, I'm in Lakewood and I'm still holding any paint work for a few more weeks until we start getting some consistantly nice weather. We've had a few nice days but it is still to unpredictable for me to be comfortable.

I'm with you on that one julmer! I had thought about shooting a few weeks ago when it was so nice out, but I am glad I waited. I probably will not get to actual painting for another month or so. Thank you for your input!



By the way - Are ya still cruisin' your "Thing"?