keep getting orange peel!! NEED ADIVICE!!

[NowUCMeNowUDont]

hi im using a hvlp gravity feed gun with a 10gallon 2 hp compressor...what can i do to get red of the friggin orange peel...its the only thing keeping the finish from beeing 'mirror' finish...making it look like it was done with a spray can =( sigh...im ussing ppg black basecoat for a wrx and a ppg urethane clear...i did the ratios right with the reduceers and harderners im sure of that...any advice guys???

[marc780]

Im assuming your not using a HVLP gun (high volume low pressure). But
Your compressor may not be producing enough air pressure to keep the paint from coming out orange peeled...The pressure shown at the compressor is NOT the same as the pressure at the spray gun, which is the important one. The reason is, there is a substantial pressure drop through the hose; the longer hose, the greater the pressure drop. So in other words, the pressure you set the compressor at is going to be a lot higher than the air pressure you need to spray the paint at.

Any paint store or web site can tell you how to calculate what pressure you need at the compressor to get the right pressure at the spray gun, and it is based on the length of the hose. There are simple tables to tell you how high you need to crank the compressor air pressure. And the desired pressure needed, is usually listed on your paint can.
So you may need a more powerful compressor. And to jack up the pressure on the compressor some more.

Here's some quick info i found just by doing a search, a couple answers to you questions
http://members.tripod.com/~bobstory/...20Paint%20Gun0

WHAT SIZE AIR-COMPRESSOR DO YOU NEED TO PAINT A CAR?
The compressor should be capable of delivering a minimum 20 cfm at 90 psi.

1.1. How do you properly adjust a standard spray gun?... The gauge at the gun should read approximately 55 lbs with the trigger pulled far enough to allow air and not fluid. Point the gun at a piece of masking paper, and pull the trigger a bit further to allow fluid. The pattern should be convex, with slightly more paint in the center than the edges (I'm going to have to put some pictures on my page since this is a commonly asked question). The idea is with a 1/2 overlap, to evenly distribute the material.

[ghettosled]

did you already paint your car and it currently has orange peel, do are you trying to resolve this before you paint the car?

[NowUCMeNowUDont]

well i first practiced on my stock hood and the paint is even and the paint went on well its just i get the orange peel effect so its not as mirror like as i want it

[NowUCMeNowUDont]

it says its 3.5 cfm at 90psi , 4.3cfm at 40psi and the max is 126psi

i am using a HVLP so the pressure at the gun should be okay at 10psi. maybe i should open the fluid valve more??

[atobe]

wet sand and buff it... it's impossible to spray paint smoothly.

[NowUCMeNowUDont]

is wet sand 600 good??

[92_Gen3_5SFE_LE]

between coats of color, but before clearcoat, if you want a stunning finish you should go to 2000, then coat of clear sand down to 2000 grit, another coat of clear sand down to 2000...

[ekim55121]

i was just about to recomend the wetsanding but when you do the clear go to 2000 and also go to 4000 thats how i was taught

[NowUCMeNowUDont]

wait so i only wet sand 600 for the base colors coats then do normal sanding of 2000 nad 4000?? do i sand the last last clear coat??

[Turn 180]

Do you have a regulator on the gun? If you go crank like 70 psi but set your regulator for 40psi. (Make sure you are wearing a resperatior) Hold your gun back 12 or so inches (depending on how fast you spray)

if you are only putting out 10psi your arn't atomizing your clear enough.

however to get rid of orange peel just wet sand it with 2000 on a soft block.

When you are wet sanding you should take it down to where it almost looks like you've taken off the shine. squegee off the water and compare it to an unsanded part. Once you're done then geta high quality buff compound. and buff it to a mirrior shine.

[WhiteRabbit]

temperature, not well mixed, dirty nozzle, and overspray

id check those

[NowUCMeNowUDont]

so i can simply sand the orange peel away?? i wouldnt have to do another coat??

[toyomoho]

A major reason for orange peel when using an HVLP gun is lack of air flow. Consult the HVLP gun and compressor manual to see what flow your gun needs and what your compressor can deliver. Always keep the compressor ahead of the gun, meaning let the tank recharge when spraying. Don't drain out all the air as you spray. Use larger diameter and shorter air lines, (5/16 or even 3/8 is better) with fewer in-line air fittings that restrict air flow. Check the air pressure at the gun. Try raising gun air pressure, but keep in mind your air flow rate will also increase.