JayTee

Thanks for your reply. Not sure that's a problem with the Fuji Q4 Platinum turbine system?

Thanks for your reply. There is something similar in the UK using Dulux paints, would they be suitable for this project? Here's the kit I have for this.

I've stripped more paint and I think this is the original blue colour plus the original primer. Any ideas what is might be?

I've spent so much time and money over the years trying to get a better finish without a sprayer. My understanding is that whilst it can take a lot of time to prepare for spraying, it's actually quicker in terms of how thick the layers end up being and the finish is unmatched (without constantly sanding and cleaning between coats) compared to brushes and rollers. I like spray cans but I like the ability to use any paint I want, including tubs I already own. I see some of the Wagner sprayers use less paint and by design allow the user to work closer to the object being sprayed, those are good points to me. Until now, I have managed to avoid having a compressor but realise how useful they are even for blowing air around. I don't like the idea of being caught out by a compressor running out of puff to be able to sustain a job though. So I'm still really unsure about which way to go. Particularly if there isn't a good combination of compressor and sprayer being recommended. I'd like to use a gravity fed spray system as they seem to require the least set up and cleaning compared to others. I see people recommending 150l compressors for sustained painting. Those are pretty big though and most of them look like they'd be hard to move around. Then it starts looking like going the compressor way isn't going to be cheaper or more convenient? So are there any decent turbine systems out there to be used with gravity fed systems that are just as powerful (relatively), more portable, economic and quieter? (And easy to clean)

Thanks for your reply. When I started sanding all I could see was a hammer paint and under it a red primer, there was no evidence of other paint layers. I am reconsidering my options with sprayers. I want something that's easy to clean and would consider a compressor system if it was small/portable and quiet.

Can a steam cleaner work equally well as a pressure washer?

Thanks for your replies. Absolutely, I am new to this and really appreciate the information and advice of others who have more experience. It seems a lot of products are from the US and are quite expensive to ship to the UK. So essentially I need a Zinc Phosphate product? Hammer paint is what was on the machine when I took it on, I'm liaising with a manufacturer of a hammer type paint who assure me their paint is able to cope with oils. I think I will see how the sanding goes and then decide how much I really want to fill voids.

Hey Frosty, thanks very much for your reply. I have added my location. I have a pressure washer and would be terrified to use it on cast iron, worrying that it would cause issues with oxidation (particularly inside where it's bare metal). How can that not be a problem with pressure washing? Wouldn't you use carb cleaner afterwards, just prior to painting? The idea is that the casting is fairly rough and I'd like it to be smoother. I also love a hammered finish and am trying to get into spraying rather than using aerosols. Plus, I've seen a lot of people saying they have problems with rust converters. Which specific Ospho product are you referring to?

Hello there, I am in the process of stripping rust and paint from an old cast iron drill press. The plan is to spray hammer paint but I'm struggling to find a suitable (portable) sprayer that doesn't require a compressor and will cope with xylene and cellulose thinner. HVLP units indicate they can't cope with coarse/thick paints with bits in them (and the pressure at the nozzle is about 10psi). It needs to produce approximately 45-55 psi at the nozzle and come with a 1.3/1.4 tip. Once sanded, I'm planning to use metal filler to make it flat and remove the imperfections from casting (voids, particularly around the edges) then etch primer, high build primer and Bitec Blue Hammer Finish Metal Paint Hammered Coating. Can someone please help with choosing something suitable for this job?