paint question

[bad0210]

when i spray a layer it goes on smooth and looks real good, but after it dries it looks real rough looking texture. i prep the surface beforehand and sand it real smooth. i use rattle can. ive tried all the brands (enamel and laquer) and they all seem to have the same results of this problem. i usually just polish it all out but i never can get close to the edges or in grooves. so i wanted to try and prevent this. any tips? thanks!

Edited March 22, 2011 by bad0210

[SuperStockAndy]

Is it just one model or more?

If it's one, make sure to rinse it REALLY good after washing it, and if you have stripped it.

And if you don't want to strip it, wetsand the paint, because that will make it really smooth.

Hope this helps.

Edited March 22, 2011 by Android

[bad0210]

its every model. i clean them real well and rinse them off good.i set them in my dehydrator to dry off. to me it seems im doing something wrong with the way i spray or something. i get good coverage, i just cant seem to pinpoint the problem.

[sobpinstriping]

I had the same problem for a long time then the nice fella at the hobby shop told me to heat the cans up, I turn my water on as hot as it will go and put the paint in a bowl and let it sit their for a while ( I shake the cans every once in a while to speed up the process) It has made a world of difference the paint seems to flow smoother. I hope this helps.

[walt francis]

How far are you from the model and what is the Temperature cold Hot muggy ?

[walt francis]

How far are you from the model and what is the Temperature cold Hot muggy ?

Could you be moving to fast and to far away from the model because then it would be a mist of paint that is drying before it lays down.

[bad0210]

i tried the 10 to 12 inches from the model but was having the problem of it drying to fast and not covering well. so i tried 6 to 8 inches and it was covering well without building up to fast to hide the details. when i move closer than that it gets too thick too fast. im in houston and its humid here but i get the model in fast before it seems too effect the paint. i have this same problem in the cooler weather and less humidity. i also warm the cans up before i use them.

[bigmikevee]

Hey Brandon,

Had the same problem awhile back, especially with the humidity (I live in Kemah). Everyone's tips are right on the money, try moving the can a little faster and get a little closer, warming in hot water will help a bunch. Try to save up for an airbrush, in the meantime, go to the store, get a bunch of plastic spoons and experiment with painting, priming, polishing, etc. That's what I did to trial and error what worked best. Just keep practicing and keep asking questions, all of a sudden you will be amazed at how much better you will get. Oh, and the spoons are a whole lot cheaper than the cars!!

Mike

[Howard Cohen]

Try all of the tips here and then when you paint, do not use the dehydrator. I know a few people who have trouble with paint drying flat when using the dehydrator. Let it air dry. It will take longer but it may solve your problem.

[MrObsessive]

Brandon, as someone who's been building over 30 years............my best advice I can give you is "Practice, Practice, Practice!"

You've heard the saying "Practice makes Perfect"-------that applies especially to painting since it's the final result, but the first thing people notice when they see your model.

[bad0210]

thanks for all the tips! ive tried just about everything on here. i have a couple of airbrushes but i just dont have the time, patience, or a place to use it. i usually paint in the garage but just too big of a hassle right now dragging the compressor and everything else in and out of the house everytime im done. too many big boy toys in the garage to leave the supplies in the garage. hopefully one day i'll have a hobby room just for painting. thanks again.