metalic spray paint

[Redzula]

Ok so I paint school busses for a living and I also went through auto collision school where we had to paint metalics including a spray out after the final coat to blend the metalics in the paint. However whenever I try to spray from a can on my models the flake collects together and is never uniform, how are you guys painting in order to make the final product uniform?

I will try to get pics soon but they might have to wait till after t-day

Edited November 25, 2010 by Redzula

[Kris Morgan]

If the mettalic is collecting (I assume around body lines and, such), you most likely are laying it on too thick. try laying down thinner coats. You may also want to try warming up the can in a pan of warm tap water. IMO, warming up the paint lets it flow better and, it seems to tack up quicker and, dry smoother.

[MikeMc]

Kris hit it well..only other thought is if your using the new testors lacquers...decant them...they can be way too thick..warm or not...Inca Gold gives me the most troubles....Diamond Dust works great....

[High octane]

I am a "rattle can man" and like Kris says, warm up the can and the paint (any paint) will flow smoother. I do this on my final coat, whether it be color or clear and it works for me. I hope this helps.

[MrObsessive]

One of the things you may want to do is to occasionally swill the paint can around in between coats. This will keep the metallic flakes suspended in the color, and not "collect" at the bottom. Of course this will depend on the color............silver is not so much of a problem-----a metallic green may be for instance.

HTH!

[MrObsessive]

One more thing I'd like to add..............it would be a good idea to spray your metallics in a criss-cross pattern something like you would do with a candy paint. This will minimize the "tiger striping" that can come from metallics if one is spraying in a general front to back pattern.

Counting the number of strokes would be good too as you can ensure you'd have good coverage on all sides.

[Mike Kucaba]

One thing that I've done with metallics is to add some clear to the color on the last few coats,or better still,add some color to some clear.then spray away.If some junk gets in the paint you'll be able to sand without damaging the metallic effect. I do this with airbrushing,I don't think it can be done with aerosols.

[camaroman]

Thanks for the tips you guys, they are always helpful to more than the original poster!!!

Edited November 26, 2010 by camaroman