Condition:
Dimpled surface, like the skin of an orange, resulting from paint droplets drying too much to level out and flow smoothly together (poor coalescence)
Cause:
1. Improper gun adjustment and techniques.
2. Extreme shop temperature causing the droplets to lose more solvent and dry out before they can flow and level properly.
3. Improper drying by gun fanning causing the paint droplets to dry out before they have a chance to flow together.
4. Improper flash or drying time causing subsequent coats to lose solvents to the dry coat.
5. Wrong thinner or reducer, or too little thinner or reducer.
6. Poor mixing of materials.
Prevention:
1. Use proper gun adjustments, techniques, and air pressure.
2. Schedule painting to avoid temperature and humidity extremes. Select thinner or reducer that is suitable for existing conditions. Use a slower evaporating thinner or reducer to overcome this.
3. Allow sufficient flash time. Do not dry by fanning.
4. Allow proper dry time for undercoats and topcoats.
5. Use the correct thinner and reducer in correct amounts for existing shop conditions.
6. Mix all pigmented coatings thoroughly.
Remedy:
In mild cases, a mild polishing compound for enamel or rubbing compound for lacquer may help. In severe cases, sand and refinish with a slower evaporating thinner or reducer at the correct air pressure.