How To Fix Spray Painting Mistakes
Things Needed
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Wet-dry sandpaper
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Rubbing compound
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Buffer
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Spray paint
Tip
Wet sanding provides the best results and involves the use of water and specially-designed sandpaper. Apply spray paint in thin, even coats and allow to dry between coats for the best results.
Warning
Always fix mistakes between coats, as applying another coat of paint will never hide a mistake. Different types of paint dry at different rates. Follow the drying time instructions for the specific paint you are using.
From home improvement projects to automotive applications, spray painting is a relatively simple way to get a durable, smooth, high-gloss coating on just about anything. Whether you are using a can of spray paint or an airless sprayer, you are bound to encounter occasional spray painting mistakes. Fixing these mistakes is possible and involves removing the undesirable paint and reapplying.
Step 1
Level the area with fine-grit sandpaper and buff with rubbing compound, if you must fix drippy sags and runs after the paint has dried. If the paint is still wet, smooth out the drips with a camel hair paintbrush. Reapply spray paint in light coats, keeping the sprayer or spray can constantly moving to avoid the same problem.
Step 2
Remedy rough "orange peel" areas. Allow the paint to cure, then sand until smooth. Keep the sprayer or spray can closer to the work surface as you recoat, so an undesirable "orange peel" texture does not recur.
Step 3
Eradicate "fisheyes" from your paint surface. These unsightly dimples result from surface contamination due to dirt, rust or moisture that has become trapped under the paint. Wet sand down to the primer or bare surface and clean thoroughly before reapplying paint. If paint is still wet, you can simply wash off the paint and clean the surface well. Always wash the work surface before spray painting to prevent this problem in the future.
Step 4
Repair "blobs" due to lumpy paint. Old, clotted paint and dirty spray nozzles can cause this issue. Simply sand the area smooth before reapplying paint. Mix paint thoroughly before using and clean spray nozzles properly after using to make spray paint blobs a problem of the past.