How to Eliminate Orange Peel INSTANTLY!

Summary

In this video, Brian from Paint Society shares a simple technique to achieve a flawless clear coat finish using a spray gun. He walks viewers through the process, from preparing the substrate with a white sealer to adjusting the spray gun settings for optimal fan width and fluid control. Key tips include achieving a smooth base coat, narrowing the spray gun fan for finer atomization, and ensuring a factory-like finish with proper technique and patience. The tutorial is perfect for both beginners and experienced painters looking to elevate their clear coat application for a professional, smooth result.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with a good substrate: Apply a white sealer (thinned-out primer) before base and clear coats to ensure a smooth surface.
• 😀 Sealer application: Use a 1.2mm spray gun with 75-80% overlap at around 20 psi for even coverage and protection.
• 😀 Edge protection: Don’t forget to seal edges and hard-to-reach areas like door openings to avoid revealing unpainted parts.
• 😀 Base coat application: Apply two coats of base (pearl) after the sealer has dried, allowing for sufficient flash time between coats.
• 😀 Sanding before base coat: If any dirt or dust appears, lightly sand the base with 600-grit sandpaper for a cleaner finish.
• 😀 Adjusting the spray gun: The key to a smooth clear coat finish is adjusting the fan to a narrower setting, ensuring proper atomization.
• 😀 Fluid adjustment: Set the fluid to wide open initially, then fine-tune to ensure optimal spray consistency without overspray.
• 😀 Fan control for clear coat: Narrow the fan slightly for clear coat applications to avoid excess dryness on the edges of the sprayed area.
• 😀 Clear coat spraying: Move quickly to avoid runs, as clear coats require careful control to maintain a flat finish without visible imperfections.
• 😀 Resetting spray gun settings: After adjusting for the first clear coat, reset the fan and pressure settings before applying the second coat.
• 😀 OEM finish goal: Achieve a factory-style, smooth, and flat finish that mimics the original vehicle paint quality with minimal orange peel.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on teaching viewers how to make simple adjustments to their paint gun to achieve a smooth, flat clear coat finish, with a particular emphasis on working with an Acura RDX Fender.

Why is it important to have a flat finish when painting the Fender?

A flat finish is important because the car in question has an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) finish, which is very flat. The goal is to match this finish to maintain the factory appearance.

What is a sealer, and why is it used in this process?

A sealer is a thinned-out primer that is not sanded. It is used to create a smooth, uniform base for the paint to adhere to and to help the base and clear coats dry faster.

Can any primer be used as a sealer?

No, not all primers can be used as sealers. It's important to refer to the technical data sheets of your primer to ensure it can be mixed and used as a sealer.

What kind of spray gun and nozzle size is used in the video?

The video uses a 3M spray gun with a 1.2mm nozzle, which is ideal for spraying a thinner sealer.

Why is a 75-80% overlap recommended when applying the sealer?

A 75-80% overlap ensures even coverage and helps the sealer dry more quickly, providing a solid base for the base coat and clear coat.

How do you know when the sealer has fully flashed?

The sealer is fully flashed when it stops being shiny and looks dull across the entire surface. At this point, it’s ready for the base coat.

Why should you avoid excessive atomization when applying the base or Pearl coat?

Excessive atomization can distort the metallic or pearl effect in the paint, leading to an uneven or undesirable finish.

What is the 'fan adjustment trick' mentioned in the video?

The fan adjustment trick involves narrowing the fan of the spray gun to improve atomization. This is done by adjusting the fan knob until the pressure gauge increases slightly, resulting in a more concentrated spray for a smooth clear coat finish.

What should you do if you need to adjust the pressure during the painting process?

If you need to adjust the pressure, reset the fan knob to the wide open position, then adjust the pressure to your desired level and fine-tune the fan again to match the new pressure.

What is the ideal result after applying the second coat of clear coat?

The ideal result is a smooth, factory-like finish that is flat but not 'dead flat,' as dead flat is often a sign of a repainted surface. The goal is a glossy, smooth, OEM-like appearance.

Can this paint gun adjustment trick be used on any spray gun?

Yes, this trick can be applied to any spray gun, whether you're using an Iwata, LPH 400, or another brand. It’s an effective technique for achieving a smooth finish on various panels.