thanks warbird thats encouraging .I was totally frustrated last night as I now realize my compressor is a bit puny but I cant see going out investing hundreds to play catch up and get a big air compressor until I am certain this is the direction and way I am going to go for most of my projects.I am a newbie so buying an inexpensive HVLP doesnt bother me.and for all I know a conventional one may produce a finish I am comfortable with but I sense not.frankly not having painted anything but houses and every stinking room in it at least twice (lol) I dont know what kind of finish to expect but I certainly appreciate a good job when I see one.

what I finally figured out in my case is that a mini gun would likely be okay.I also understand that the capacity of air is low and likely cant keep up with continous spraying but with your recommendation I dont mind having to wait for the tank to replace air or running .I did see that harbor freight has several tanks that will push 4 to 7 cfms under 150 dollars but until I learn and get past that "learning curve' I think what your suggesting is fine.it turns out I have a touch up gun that unfortnuately has no instructions but at lowes I did see several guns under 40 dollars.

yup "just do it""..I think I have some boxes lol to practice on .