German spray gun experts SATA are highlighting how use of the SATAjet 100 B RP spray gun for primer application can hold the key to the perfect finish. 

It is not uncommon for experienced painters to “downgrade” their old worn out top coat gun to the role of their primer gun. It sounds like a cost effective move, but means that a painter is using a gun that is not fit for topcoat application to apply primer which forms the basis of the over-all finish. 

SATA says that a worn gun is unlikely to produce the required quality of application. A counter agreement will be that with high build primers sanding will take place anyway. Whilst this is true a number of hazards still lay in the painter’s way, a spray gun nozzle system for primer is different from that of a spray pattern designed for base coat and is still different for a spray nozzle designed for clear coats, as are the fluid tip sizes. Generally speaking, top coat guns require 1.0 -1.4 set ups and high build primer 1.6-2.0.

The spray pattern for the application of high build filler should ensure a high material flow with a wet core, a reduced dry edge and excellent atomisation.

SATA also point out that if the application has not been executed with the correct equipment the likelihood is that the surface will be not truly flat due to the incorrect fan pattern, this will produce high and low spots which can mean the primer may not have dried through at the same rate,  meaning when sanding there may be firstly softer primer and when sanding the abrasive will clog more quickly, adding to cost. Additionally, the uneven application will result in more material usage and more sanding.

In the case of “wet on wet” or “Non Sand” primer, here as the term suggests there is even greater reason to ensure a dedicated primer gun is used, most often the nozzle size is 1.4 and as with the versions for “High Build”.

The painter is aiming to apply a perfect coat of material that will require no sanding prior to the application of the base coat. To achieve this SATA have developed the SATAjet 100 B RP 1.4 which incorporates all the developments and features that are designed into our entire spray gun range.

SATA recommends that to save time and money bodyshops should invest in one a SATAjet 100 B RP spray gun for perfect primer application.