vallejo primer problem

[gilljoy]

Hey all,

Just wondering if you's could help me with something. I've been having some issues where the primer isnt spraying corretly. Its spraying like the picture I've included ( not my photo but same issue).

I've done the following already,
1. drained air compressor,
2. warmed up air around compressor,
3. washed models in soapy water,
4. bought a water trap.

I'm currently using a Neo for Iwata which has a 0.35mm nozzel.

Anyone have any ideas?

View attachment 11753

 

[Bloodhowl]

How close are you holding the airbrush to the surface?

What PSI are you spraying at?

Any dried paint on the needle or in the nozzle?

 

[gilljoy]

spraying about 15-25cm away.

Psi is between 20 - 30 psi. Seems to be happening at any pressure.

Yea I've some dried paint on the tip of the airbrush, seems to clog no matter what I do

 

[airhead]

It looks like it is beading up on the surface of the model?

clean the nozzle and the cone (tip).

Add a bit of flow improver and retarder to your reducer.

Or is it orange peel?
Thinner coats.

 

[gilljoy]

It looks like it is beading up on the surface of the model?

clean the nozzle and the cone (tip).

Add a bit of flow improver and retarder to your reducer.

Or is it orange peel?
Thinner coats.

Im not 100% sure what orange peel is but the the paint goes on very watery and blotchy looking

 

[Bloodhowl]

Im not 100% sure what orange peel is but the the paint goes on very watery and blotchy looking

Orange peel is a pebbly surface (similar to a peel on an orange, hence the name) that is usually caused by improper paint mixture or lack of adequate pressure.

@ airhead I was wondering if it was more of a fisheye problem?

@gilljoy did you use a grease cutting soap (like Dawn Ultrapower plus) to wash the model with? Also, did you handle it with bare hands after washing it?

 

[airhead]

could be fisheye.

Found a decent site that discusses problems:
http://www.monokote.com/lustrekote/painting-tips/topr7200tip5.html

This does not look like fish-eye:
View attachment 11754


I need a better pic. As-is, we're all just guessing. A close up of the problem and describe when/why/how it happens.

It also looks like the dreaded "water in the air supply" problem. Easily solved with a better moisture trap and waiting on a less humid day.

***

In any event, I'd wipe it down with alcohol (not rubbing - it has glycerin). If it is smooth, give it another light coat.
If it is not smooth, you're going to have to strip it and start again.

 

[Einion]

If I were getting this sort of problem (had it happen quite a few times, usually for no reason I can definitively pin down) I'd spray from further away and/or lower the spray amount, sometimes at higher the pressure.

Once you can get a thin/mist coat down, next coat or two will stick better and so on.

Einion

 

[MrPickles]

you could go with krylon primer from walmart. cheap and pretty good.

 

[RuneBrush]

I can explain exactly what's happening because I've had it before.

The problem is that the resin is very smooth and as such has very little adherence. When you're putting on your layer of paint, it's staying liquid for too long before it dries which means that it naturally pools up and then dries from the edge inwards.

The reason for this could be any of the above, but I'd suggest not trying to prime in a single thick layer and letting each layer dry before applying the next (use the airbrush air to help to dry it). As Einion says an initial thin coat will provide a bit of texture for subsequent coats to adhere to.

 

[gilljoy]

If I were getting this sort of problem (had it happen quite a few times, usually for no reason I can definitively pin down) I'd spray from further away and/or lower the spray amount, sometimes at higher the pressure.

Once you can get a thin/mist coat down, next coat or two will stick better and so on.

Einion

cheers,

I'll try it with more thin coats at a higher pressure and see what the result is.

I'll post an update later appreciate the help guys

 

[airhead]

When you up the pressure, back up a bit from the surface as well.
Almost make your first layer a fog layer, but not quite. Fog layers have a tendency to be rough.

Honestly, if it is an adhesion issue, I'd consider a solvent based primer (rattle can). Krylon or automotive (duplo) are good choices as is Tamaya.

 

[gilljoy]

When you up the pressure, back up a bit from the surface as well.
Almost make your first layer a fog layer, but not quite. Fog layers have a tendency to be rough.

Honestly, if it is an adhesion issue, I'd consider a solvent based primer (rattle can). Krylon or automotive (duplo) are good choices as is Tamaya.

Yea i think i may just use a can of halofrds grey primer ive floating about.

Shame im having so much issues with the vallejo stuff i prefer using the airbrush to prime than a rattle can, especially since I can use the airbrush inside

 

[airhead]

other options:
skuff the surface up with a green or red scotch brite pad to give the paint something to hang on to. Don't scratch it, just a light buff till the surface is dull.
Add some faster reducer - use some alcohol in the dilution water to let the paint dry quicker. Watch out it does not air dry before it gets there - beware of flames.
More thinner layers - always a good idea.
Put a layer of DulCoat down prior to your color layer as a primer. I'm not a big fan of clear primer, but others here swear by it. I always figure I can use a real primer as quick as I can use DulCoat and for less $$.