Eastwood powders are much better than the HF powders. I've used both and the HF powders fade in the sun much faster. I would think the HF gun would be OK though. I haven't used one but they get good reviews.
This right here is the main reason why message board forums serve no purpose other than the quick and easy ability to pass on what is nothing other than bad information. What's truly hilarious in this instance is that both get their powders from essentially the same manufacturer -- Eastwood just puts their own label on it and marks it up about 40%. :-D Both are still the same [mainly recycled] trash you want to avoid like the plague if you want your parts to look great and last for years.
"Sun fade," or a lack of UV stability, is caused by the metal particles inside the powder reacting with sunlight over time and oxidizing (just like it does on any other metal). It has nothing to do with the powder or the application itself and is in fact the reason that all silver, gold, and even some red powders need a clear coat.
As I've mentioned in my PM to you BTYM, I could sit here typing for weeks trying to teach the world but it wouldn't be enough. Only hands-on experience is going to teach you what you need to know and the brains you pick should be qualified to get you off on the right foot.
