Common spray painting mistakes can happen to both beginners and experienced users. Here are some common mistakes people make when spray painting and advice on how to fix them:
- Over spraying or Dripping:
- Fix: To avoid over spraying or dripping, maintain a consistent distance of about 8-10 inches (20-25 centimetres) from the surface. Apply thin coats, and use smooth, even strokes to achieve an even finish. If you notice drips, let them dry and then sand them lightly before applying another coat.
- Uneven Coverage:
- Fix: Ensure you are holding the spray can at a consistent distance from the surface and using even, back-and-forth strokes. After a layer of horizontal strokes, switch to vertical strokes. Overlapping each pass slightly will help achieve uniform coverage. Apply additional thin coats, allowing adequate drying time between each coat, until you achieve the desired coverage.
- Paint Blistering or Bubbling:
- Fix: Blistering or bubbling can occur due to high humidity or applying paint to a hot surface. To fix this, sand the affected area to remove the blisters, let it dry thoroughly, and repaint using proper environmental conditions.
- Paint Orange Peel:
- Fix: Orange peel texture happens when the paint dries too quickly before it levels out. To fix this, lightly sand the surface to smooth out the texture, and then apply additional coats with a slower and more even motion.
- Paint Runs or Sagging:
- Fix: To avoid runs or sagging, apply thin coats of paint. If you notice a run, allow it to dry and then sand it gently. Recoat the area, making sure to maintain an even application.
- Paint Cracking:
- Fix: Cracking can occur if paint is applied too thickly or if incompatible paints are layered. Sand the surface to remove the cracked paint and start over with a clean surface, applying thinner coats.
- Paint Peeling:
- Fix: Peeling can happen if the surface was not adequately cleaned or prepared. To fix it, remove the peeling paint by sanding or using paint stripper. Clean the surface, apply a primer if necessary, and then repaint with thin coats.
- Paint Colour not as Expected:
- Fix: If the paint colour doesn't match your expectations, let the painted surface dry completely and then apply a new coat of paint in the desired colour.
- Clogged Nozzle:
- Fix: If the nozzle becomes clogged, remove it and soak it in a paint thinner or mineral spirits. Wipe it clean and reattach it to the can. Test the spray on a scrap surface before resuming your project.