Auto Clear Over Wicked Paint

[RAswimmers]

Hi All,

I've been having an interesting problem spraying auto clear over alumilite resin / wicked paint, no matter what I do I can't get rid of the fish eyeing. I'm using an Iwata eclipse with a moisture trap at the base of the gun, using wicked paint with the specified reducer. I tried everything I can think of, I've adjusted pressure and flow of the clear all the way from orange peel thin the dripping think and I still get fish eyeing. I've sprayed the clear over another object and didn't have any problems, it went on smooth with no fish eyes. I've read other posts about this but for me the problem seems to only show up on the resin and paint not other objects i've sprayed. Has anyone come across the same issue?

 

Thanks,

Pete

[gone2long]

What reducer are you using 4011 OR 4012? Sounds like your out gassing may need to give more time between basecoat/topcoat.

[RAswimmers]

Hi gon2long,

Thanks for the fast reply! I'm using wicked100 reducer but I can see the problem starting on the first coat. Could it be I'm putting it on too thick? It's strange because it only happens on alumilite or the wicked paint. I've coated some abs part and had no problem.

Pete.

[RAswimmers]

One other thing that might be the problem is that I use a silicone mold which might be contaminating the resin. But I'm not sure because I clean the cast prior to painting.

[gone2long]

I've had the same problem and I started using lighter multiple coats and that seemed to help but I was not using auto clear persay it was rattle can clear for auto use I'm now using the 4012 reducer and like it allot that seemed to fix a few other issues as well.

[Anzomcik]

If what I think is happening is not fish eyeing, what I think it is are very small air pockets in the actual blank it self.

 

I have had to deal with those myself for years, I was doing the same process as you are and they are there. I have since changed my material and clear and paint (everything) and I do not have that problem. There are ways to minimize them, but I could never get away from having those.

 

But look at your blank very closely, unpainted blank, I bet you can see tiny little voids. Those are the cause of your problems

[RAswimmers]

Thanks Anzomcik,

You nailed it! I look very closely and you can see little holes / divots in the cast. Some are so small you can't see them until the light reflects off the clear coat, I think this is the nature of alumilite with adding micro bubbles. Did you try pressure casting? This is the next step for me. If you don't mind could you share some of the changes you made to eliminate the holes in your casts?

 

Thanks,

Pete

[Mcleod]

Pressure casting should remove the pinholes but it will also increase the density of your casting as a result. Also make sure you clean your moulds after casting as the silicon and release agent can remain on the surface or in the little pores of the casting. Silicon is not the friend of any sort of paint that I am aware. I clean mine with soapy water and then a wax and grease remover before painting.

Angus

[gone2long]

Well if your using micro balloons you're almost guaranteed of pin holes because most micro balloons are actually glass spheres and they are prone to pop or burst so any on or near the surface are suspect. An etching primer would prolly resolve that.

[RAswimmers]

Thanks Everyone for your help! I'll let you know how it goes.