painting no shine

I did my first paint job today, and it came out very good except it has no shine. I think i did not put it on thick enough. I was worried about getting runs, so i think i moved the gun way to fast.I am using a high gloss enamel, and did as the manufacture stated. Can anyone help me out here.

Did you primer? Clear coat? Wetsand?

Did you primer? Clear coat? Wetsand?
Yes i used primer, and wet sanded. Did not use clear coat, as i painted this old truck with enamal.

Perhaps you could get a couple pics?

it isnt sapposed to be shiny untill you clear coat it unless you are using color/clear paint which wou shouldnt be for an aftermarket paintjob....color then clear is best...the most common methond (that i have used or worked with) is 2 coats primer then wet sand iwth 500 then another coat of primer then wet sand 1000 then 3 coat clear sanding in between then 3 coats clear....then sand out any cat eyes or waves....another shot of clear and wet sanding may also be needed after wet sainding the first 3 coats of clear

i ment color 2nd....sorry bad typos in that last post

I did use color/clear. This is what was given to me by the guy i am painting the truck for. I wet sanded today, and will paint it again. I was told that i went to fast with the gun and did not lay it on thick enough.Also was told that i had the pressure to low. I will tru again and see what it looks like. I will let you know what it looks like.

First of all what kind of paint didyou use, one stage or two stage

if you used two stage paint you need to clear it

one stage paint is a bitch to get right. One mistake and you're stuck with it.

I suggest using two stage paint so that you can buff, wet sand the imperfections out.

Hes doing a classic paint job in accordance to the manufacturer. It takes research and trials by error. I suggest you try 3-4 final unsanded coats if its not shining well or evenly. You will need to wax and seal it as well or it will not last long at all. Let the paint cure for a few days use a 3 step mothers or meguires wax linup that uses carnuba carnubas work really well on enamels. I love painting with enamel and it does require a decent thickness or will show through and lack in that shine like you were told. Good luck!

First of all, Enamel (Single-stage) has the capability of being just as shiney as Urethane (2-Stage). It is all in the manner in which it is applied.

Second, NEVER sand urethanes between coats....including the clear. You run a risk of a) lifting the paint with the next coat of paint and b) Ruining your shine. That technique was used for Lacquers ONLY, which back in January, was discontinued. You should never sand the base and only sand/buff/compound the clear after 30 days.

Lastly, your problem was most likely because of either:

a) moved too quickly
b) sprayed from too far away
c) put too light of coats
d) painted in the sunlight or on a hot day

I've read a lot of threds with people talking about spraying 4,5,6 as much as 8 coats of clear/color/primer on their cars. The fact of the matter is if it was done right in the first place it would only take 2 coats MAX of each layer. With upwards of 15 - 20 mils of paint on the car theres a good chance it will just crack when the car expands. Like I said, 2 coats, if done right, is all you should need.

If you need detailed instructions just e-mail me at [email protected]