Airbrush problem - Bubbles in the paint?

[patoffspyder]

Hi guys,

I tried to spray some Cobra Colors Moon Mud primer on my Corvette today but there is something weird. It's like if there is small bubbles everywhere where I painted, some areas are painted, but there is some little spot with no primer.

I have a bottom feed badger 360, with a moisture trap and an air compressor set to 30 PSI. The paint is already pre-thinned, so this should not be the problem.

Can you tell me what is causing this? How can I fix this?

Thanks a lot!

[RangerGT]

Sounds like what is referred to as "fish-eye" and that is caused by oils on the surface being painted. The paint will pull back leaving a bare spot. Best fix is to feather sand the area(s) and clean the model with warm soapy water and allow to dry in an air tight container. Try not to handle the outside of the model with your hands before painting either, as this will also leave small amounts of oil on the surface.
I hope this helps. Good Luck

[RallyRaider]

Welcome to AF RangerGT. I think you've hit the nail in the head. The secret to a good finish is really all in the preperation and one of the keys is a clean, dry, uncontaminated surface with just a light sand to give some tooth so the paint/primer can grip.

[patoffspyder]

Thanks a lot, I will try this.
I guess I will have to spend more time before starting to paint my cars :-P

[Vric]

It can also be caused by a too tick coat of paint.

[RangerGT]

Thanks RallyRaider, glad to be here although this means I'll have to start building again - LOL. Been a few years, see Completed: Dually and Bel-Air for some of my better builds.

[RallyRaider]

Originally Posted by Vric

It can also be caused by a too tick coat of paint.

I find that is especially the case when using rattlecans. Caused by propellant "gassing out" of the paint as it sits, still liquid on the surface of the model.