Trouble Shooting When Painting

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No matter how you choose to paint your vehicle, whether it is an aerosol can, an HVLP system, or compressed air and a spray gun, you will undoubtedly come across some problems. Here are some common problems, what causes them, and the best way to repair the finish.

Problem: Dry Spray: Dry paint dust settling over previously painted areas.

Causes: Paint drying too quickly; work piece too large to paint with spray equipment; application too slow; spray gun is too far from surface you are painting.

Repair: Sand with fine-grit sandpaper followed by compounding and polishing, or Refinish as required.

Problem: Blistering: Bubbling, pitted or swollen appearance

Causes: Trapped solvents; painting over dirt or moisture; rust under the surface.

Repair: Sand down and refinish; if necessary, sand down to bare metal. Ensure surface is completely clean before repainting.

Problem: Runs or Sags: Coating does not adhere uniformly to surface being painted

Causes: Paint drying too slowly; sprayed over wax, oil, or grease; finishing coats too heavy; paint can or work surface too hot or too cold. Uneven spray is the most common.

Repair: If wet: use a camel hair brush and brush out sag and recoat surface. If dry: sand with fine grit paper, compound & polish; or refinish.

Problem: Orange Peel: Surface looks like the skin of an orange.

Causes: Paint gun held too far away from the surface; shop temperature is too high (for best results apply between 65F and 75F); spray nozzle is clogged

Repair: Sand with a grit sandpaper (600 or finer) & use a fine compound to rub out orange peel. If that fails, you must remove paint and refinish.

Problem: Spitting: Little or no paint coming from spray gun nozzle.

Causes: Nozzle obstructed or clogged; valve clogged

Repair: Remove nozzle from can and put several drops of lacquer thinner in the spray nozzle. Do not poke or pick at the valve. Soak nozzle in lacquer thinner for a few seconds then replace the nozzle on gun.

Problem: Mottled Surface: Uneven appearance (generally effects metallic)

Cause: Paint can not be shaken enough; paint gun held too close to surface; surface too hot.

Repair: Re-spray as required using a cross pattern and light fog on finish coat while spraying to deposit the metallic particles evenly on the surface.

Problem: Fish Eyes: Small crater like blemishes in the finish.

Causes: Silicone on the wet surface. Improperly cleaned work piece.

Repair: If still wet: wash off paint. Thoroughly clean surface using a few drops of fish eye eliminator and about 10 percent additional paint reduction for the problem area.

Problem: Lifting or Wrinkling: A swelling or wet film.

Causes: Improper drying of the last coat. Applying lacquer over enamels.

Repair: Material must be removed and the surface re-sprayed. Check content of top coat and substrate coatings or primers before reapplying paint. Using a hot reducer or thinner can cause this, use a slower drying or retarder additive in your first two coats.

Storing Your Vehicle

If you are planning to store your vehicle, whether it be long term or short, there are some things that should be considered and done to prepare your investment while it is being stored.