How do I avoid Orange Peel??

Can someone please tell me how to totally avoid getting the rough orange peel surface when I paint my models? Most of my models are painted using 2 coats of primer and 4 coats of metallic paint. I always get orange peel on the surface of my models and try to rub it out using compound but it always rubs back to the primer. Do I need to smooth the primer before I add the paint? PLEASE HELP ME.............

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Originally posted by BOOSTD
Can someone please tell me how to totally avoid getting the rough orange peel surface when I paint my models? Most of my models are painted using 2 coats of primer and 4 coats of metallic paint. I always get orange peel on the surface of my models and try to rub it out using compound but it always rubs back to the primer. Do I need to smooth the primer before I add the paint? PLEASE HELP ME.............
I don't think orange peel can be avoided, but it's something to expect, sand and polish, I think.
But, it can be minimized by using Mr. Retarder by Creos (Gunze).
When thinning the paint, I use a mix of Gunze's Mr. Leveling thinner and Mr. Retarder at 50:50 ratio. Then I take long time to build one layer by spraying from a distant, wait for a few days until it's thoroughly. I continue spraying until about 5 - 8 layers are on.
Excessive use of Mr. Retarder will result in cracking, so be careful.

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Primera Man, I may be going crazy but where on that link does it say how to avoid orange peel? I have found all the advice on the FAQ very helpful but I am still polishing back to primer due to the orange peel on my paint surface.

My advice for that in particular, it to leave the orange peel, and add a few layers of clear coat. When that cures, polish the clear while frequently checking the cloth. When the grit coming off onto the cloth is paint-colored instead of clear, stop. If you need to polish more, add more clear first. That way you'll never get all the way back down to the primer...

I have noticed that before you start polishing the paint looks very dull, will adding the clear coat brighten it up?

Originally posted by BOOSTD
I have noticed that before you start polishing the paint looks very dull, will adding the clear coat brighten it up?

If you use Gloss Clear coat, it should, but if you used Flat Clear coat, I very much doubt it would.

Thanks very much for all your help guys. I know you must get sick of guys asking the same questions over and over again. I just got sick of ruining all my great kits. Thanks again.