Budget painting with compressor... Sourcing paint?

[Prof Prolapse]

I've recently acquired a 24l compressor and a, horribly cheap, spray gun.

I wanted to have a bash at spraying a front mudguard on my crap old Honda to test it, but sourcing the paint seems to be quite pricey. RS paints for example want about £80 for the paint, base coat, and lacquer. That's before I buy stuff like spirits and bits for rubbing it down.

But for £100 I could just pay someone to do it properly, and for £30 I could just use rattle cans which also seems easier...

Is there a cheaper way to source small amounts of paint?

Or is using a compressor to paint in this way just not the way to do smaller jobs?

Cheers,
PP

[moanthebairns]

[AceOfHearts]

Go to your local auto parts store and get paint from there. They should be able to mix the amount you need. If not, try ebay

[Prof Prolapse]

Unless you've a more specific suggestion, I've tried both and couldn't find anything.

[Mr OCD]

Try a proper paint factor such as Autopaint - they supply the trade body shops and will do smaller amounts.

[AceOfHearts]

Prof Prolapse said:

Unless you've a more specific suggestion, I've tried both and couldn't find anything.

Car spares in Cheshunt have always done me well

2 minutes on eBay:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cellulose-Car-Paint-Glo...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/500-ML-READY-FOR-USE-CE...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-Lt-RFU-Cellulose-Clea...

£37 and more than enough for a mudguard, much better than the £80 quoted in the OP

Edited by AceOfHearts on Thursday 30th August 14:25

[CAPP0]

Yep, small auto paint factor is what you need - I have bought 0.25 litre pots from my my local one for car touch ups and small repairs. Can't remember how much but I think less than £20.

You'll need thinners and lacquer, yes, but if you keep those properly sealed then they will last a fair while for the next job.

[Prof Prolapse]

Yeah I have been to automotive paint suppliers previously but cannot for the life of me find anywhere local to me who does similar.

I've set up a seperate thread in the Scotch forum to see what the locals are using.

I'm sure there must be something...