(splatting this across multiple groups in hopes of finding someone who knows)
The Problem:
I want to set up a small paint booth for painting model airplanes. I'm cheap, so I want to start collecting equipment for it bit by bit as it comes up for sale on Craigslist &c.
This will be for model airplanes, so the actual spraying will be far more intermittent than for (say) a car -- in fact, the worst-case painting job would be if a fender from a car project accidentally found it's way into the booth along with some primer (I dunno how _that_ would happen :-).
I used to work at a shop with a paint booth, so I know all the procedures. But I was just a peon, and it was a long time ago, so what I _don't_ know are things like what capacity compressor do I need, do I really need an HVLP gun, what sort of exhaust fan is recommended, etc.
Currently I'm only planning on using airplane dope, which is basically butyrate lacquer that's formulated to stay flexible so it won't crack when it's painted on fabric. I may eventually branch out to multi-part paints, but I doubt it -- I really like dope finishes, and I don't like the amount of hassle necessary to dodge toxicity with the fancier stuff.
I'm thinking that I want to get an automotive touch-up gun (a regular- size automotive gun is way bigger than necessary). But what capacity compressor? It's looking more and more like I need something significantly bigger than what you get to go with an air nailer -- is this correct? Do I want to look for anything special (beyond explosion proof) in an exhaust fan (I have a room in mind, and am planning on just poking a hole in the wall for the fan)?
Thanks.