If you’ve ever painted a car or wall, you may have noticed a rough, bumpy texture on the finished product. This is called “orange peel,” and it can be a frustrating and unsightly problem. But what’s causing it?
While excessive air pressure can cause orange peel, it is not the only factor at play. In this article, we will discuss the causes of orange peel and how to avoid it. So grab your spray gun and let’s get painting!
Spray painting with too much or too little air pressure can cause orange peel. The sweet spot for air pressure will differ depending on the type of nozzle, the distance from the target, the viscosity of the paint, and more. You should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for both the paint and spray gun to find the right air pressure.
Continue reading as we’ll go in-depth on the topic and show you what you can do to prevent orange peel when spray painting
Orange peel, also known as “orange peel texture” or “orange peel effect,” is a cosmetic defect that can occur in paint finishes. It is named for its resemblance to the skin of an orange, with a rough and bumpy surface. While orange peel is a common issue, it is not always caused by excessive air pressure.
Orange peel can be caused by a number of factors, including improper application of the paint, poor surface preparation, and the use of low-quality materials.
Excessive air pressure can also contribute to orange peel, but it is not the sole cause. When painting with a spray gun, the air pressure should be adjusted to match the type of paint and the application method.
Using too much air pressure can cause the paint to be atomized into too fine of droplets, which can result in an uneven, orange peel-like finish.
However, it is important to note that excessive air pressure is not the only factor that can cause orange peel. In fact, using too little air pressure can also cause the paint to dry unevenly, leading to an orange-peel texture.
To avoid orange peel, it is crucial to use the right amount of air pressure when painting with a spray gun.
This will ensure that the paint is atomized into the proper-sized droplets, which will result in a smooth, even finish. It is also important to use high-quality materials and properly prepare the surface before painting.
What Air Pressure Should You Paint At to Avoid Orange Peel?
To avoid an orange peel texture when spray painting, it is important to use the right air pressure. The exact air pressure that you should use will depend on the type of paint you are using, as well as the size and type of nozzle on your spray gun.
In general, a good starting point for air pressure when spray painting is about 29-40 PSI (pounds per square inch).
This is a good balance between providing enough pressure to atomize the paint and avoid an orange peel texture, while not being so high that it blows the paint off the surface.
To determine the best air pressure for your specific situation, it is best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your paint and spray gun. These instructions will provide specific guidance on the air pressure that should be used for optimal results.
Why Am I Getting Orange Peel When Spray Painting?
In addition to the things we’ve discussed above, these things could also be the reason why you’re getting orange peel when spray painting. Note that there are a bunch of different reasons, ranging from common to extremely rare.
We’ve decided to include the most common reasons and those that are slightly less common. Anyways, here goes:
1. Using paint that is too thick or not thinning it enough:
This is the most common cause of an orange peel texture when spray painting. If the paint is too thick, it will not flow evenly onto the surface and can dry too quickly, resulting in an uneven texture.
To avoid this, you should use the proper thinning ratio for your paint, which is typically indicated on the can. You may also need to adjust the thinning ratio based on the temperature and humidity of the workspace.
2. Using a spray gun with an inadequate nozzle size:
The size of the nozzle on your spray gun can also affect the texture of the paint. If the nozzle is too small, it can cause the paint to build up and dry in an uneven manner, resulting in an orange-peel texture.
To avoid this, you should use a nozzle size that is appropriate for the type of paint and the surface you are painting.
3. Applying the paint at the wrong distance from the surface:
The distance at which you apply the paint can also affect the texture. If you are too close to the surface, the paint can build up and dry unevenly, resulting in an orange-peel texture.
To avoid this, you should hold the spray gun at the recommended distance from the surface, which is typically indicated on the can of paint or in the instructions for your spray gun.
4. Applying multiple coats too quickly:
If you apply multiple coats of paint too quickly, the layers can dry unevenly and create an orange-peel texture. To avoid this, you should allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next.
This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the type of paint and the conditions in your workspace.
How Do You Thin Paint?
To thin paint, you will need to use a paint thinner or a mineral spirit. Mix the paint thinner or mineral spirit into the paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help the paint to flow more easily and evenly when it is applied.
Here are the steps for thinning paint:
- Pour the paint into a clean, empty container.
- Add a small amount of paint thinner or mineral spirit to the paint and stir it in using a clean stir stick.
- Continue adding the paint thinner or mineral spirit to the paint, stirring it in thoroughly after each addition.
- Check the consistency of the paint as you go. The paint should be thin enough to flow easily and evenly, but not so thin that it is runny.
- Once the paint is thinned to the desired consistency, use it as directed.
It is important to note that thinning paint can affect the color, so be sure to test the paint on a piece of scrap paper or cardboard before applying it to the surface you are painting. This will help you to ensure that the color is still as you want it to be.