This series will help you learn how to repaint your own Land Rover at home, achieving high end results and saving you a considerable amount of money. To start with, we'll show you how to set-up your own air supply system that provides large quantities of treated, dry air.

Why is this important?

Micro blistering is caused by water in the paint (or in this case, the primer)

Air tools like a Dual-Action sander are going to speed this process up considerably. A HVLP gun is the industry standard tool and will achieve an excellent finish right out of the gun. However, these tools require a moderate and constant supply of air. The DA Sander can consume a vast amount of air. The HVLP gun must be supplied with treated, dried air - water in the air supply will cause paint blistering and corrosion, as seen above. Because of this, auto paint shops will invest heavily in very expensive equipment to process the compressed air and strip out contaminants.

In order to keep the home painting process economical, we are going to need to emulate the results of an expensive professional air drier and filter. Here's an overview of our air supply set-up:

We've chained 2 compressors together to achieve a higher CFM output and air storage capacity. An equivalent compressor with similar CFM output could cost £500-700 (albeit with larger air storage). This set-up costs around £200.

These 2 compressors then run into a condenser, about 50 foot of copper pipe, formed into a flat coil that is affixed to a wall. This length of copper pipe will convect heat from the compressed air and give the air time to cool down, separating the air from the water droplets. These droplets collect in the drop legs for periodic emptying.

Without such a system, you are putting more strain on any inline water filters and running a greater risk of getting moisture in your paint. After the condenser, the air is filtered and regulated via an inline filter and regulator from SIP. Finally, the air runs to a PCL quick coupler, which is conveniently placed next to our work area. You can have multiple fixed connections around your workshop or garage with this set-up. The air supply then runs through our hose, inline filter and desiccant snake, into the gun and out as an aerosol combined with the paint.

Tools and Parts needed

• Copper pipe
• Compression T's and elbows or soldered fittings
• Ball valves
• Air hose
• 2 x air compressors
• Assortment of BSP adapters to suit
• Inline water filter
• Air filter and regulator
• Desiccant hose
• Tap connectors
• PCL Bayonets and couplers
• Drill and wall plugs

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