[Candyman]

Hey Everyone,

Here are a few common problems that may occur with Spray Paint, and how to quickly fix them:

1. Orange Peel:

Cause: Paint is drying before it has a chance to level

Fix: Sand to level the surface of the paint once the paint is thoroughly cured

Solution: Heat the paint (spray cans), Move closer to the subject

Tip: If you move closer or heat the paint, you will be increasing the amount of paint you are laying down so you will need to move over the subject faster


2. Flat or Dull gloss:

Cause: Paint is drying too much before it hits the surface of the subject

Fix: Light wet sand and repaint

Solution: Move closer to the part

Tip: Same as for Orange Peel


3. Sags or Runs

Cause: Paint is too thick or drying too slowly

Fix: Sand with a sanding stick to level the area and repaint the part

Solutions: Heat the paint in the case of rattle cans, move slightly farther from the part, move across the surface faster

Tip: It is easier to add paint than remove, this is often caused from applying too much paint, apply thin layers rather than try to cover everything with one layer.


4. Fisheyes (Dimples):

Cause: Surface contamination

Wet sand the are down to primer

Solution: Always carefully wash surfaces before painting

Tips: Painting is about clean flat surfaces; by thoroughly washing you can prevent things like this.


5. Blobs of Paint

Dirty nozzles or tips and old lumpy paint

Solution: Sand the surface smooth with a sanding stick and repaint the part.

Solution: Always clean paint cans thoroughly after use per the manufacturer's instructions.


Allowing paint time to dry between coats is important, if the solvents don't have enough time to evaporate between coats, the paint will remain soft longer, at worst it may even crack over time because of uneven drying.

When it comes to paints and drying times, it is totally dependant on the paint type, enamels will take at least 7 days to be completely dry, lacquers will take at least 2 days and acrylics at least 4 days. Between mist coats the minimum drying times are; minimum 4 hours for enamels, minimum 20 minutes for lacquers and minimum 1 hour for acrylics. Remember that longer will always be better.

It is mostly recommended to lay down several 'mist' coats before applying a 'wet' coat to allow even build up of paint. Using a primer can help eliminate the need for too many mist coats.

Never expect paint to form a complete cover on the first coat, this is the way to run into any number of problems described, rather build up the paint layers gradually and evenly.

Any defects you notice should be repaired between coats, you should never hope the next layer of paint would cover something up; paint hides nothing once it is dry. The most recommended method to repair paint blemishes is careful wet sanding, before sanding though, you should always allow the paint to dry completely for at least 24 hours.


My best tip when it comes to laying down a good paint job on a model is practice and patience.

Go easy, and good luck!

Candyman