fish eye problem

I am getting a fish eye problem with auto air sealer white, as a matter of fact it almost looks like moon craters.
my surface is very clean, and I am running an in line water trap.
How can i solve this problem?

[fontgeek]

I'm sure some others will chime in here, but this typically happens because of one of two or three reasons.
The surface you are painting can be contaminated, or not properly prepped.
Your paint may too old or not mixed properly.
Your air source may be contaminating your paint and work surface.
Your surface may be secreting oils or other contaminates.

You stated your surface is very clean, but you need to make sure that you have not wax, oil, grease, etc., contaminating the area. You also need to make sure that the area has been scuffed properly so that it has some tooth for the paint to hold onto. If your surface is plastic, you need to make sure that the paint and primer you are using are compatible with it. Some plastics secrete oils or solvents throughout their existence.

You should have a water trap and a filter setup in your system, preferably a good distance from the compressor. It doesn't hurt to have two sets of filters, regulators and water traps in your system, one at the compressor, and one at your work area. There is no such thing as having your air too clean or too dry. All it takes is a little oil from your compressor going through your line. And if you use oil or WD 40, or something of that nature in your airbrush, your air valve, etc., this is what happens when that lubricant gets into your air supply, and mixes with the air that in turn mixes with the paint you are spraying.

Old paint, or paint that is not thoroughly mixed can also cause your problem, the binding agent and pigment can separate, sometimes on a more permenant basis. If the paint is thoroughly mixed, then the proper mix of paint medium (binding agent) and pigment spray out evenly, if not, you can get areas that have heavy coverage of one part or another from your paint, and that's not good.

So, make sure your surface is compatible with the paint system you are using, make sure the area has been thoroughly cleaned and degreased, then wipe it down with alcohol and a tack rag.
Make sure your air source is clean and dry, and that your air is properly filtered against oil, dirt, and water.
Make sure your airbrush itself is clean and free of any oils, grease, or lubricants that will react to the paint.
Make sure the area is prepped as the paint manufacturer suggests.
Make sure your hands and equipment are clean before you touch the surface or start to work.
Make sure the cup or container, and the stirring stick you are mixing the paint in are free of any contaminants.
Make sure your paint is fairly fresh, and well mixed and reduced, then try a shot in some inconspicious area to make sure everything is going right before you go for the big job.
Keep your fingers crossed, and dive in.

Good luck.

[theairbrushguy]

ONe thing more that you may want to consider is the air around you. If you are in an environment that has contaminents in it, it could get into your spray or settle on the surface of what you are spraying. Some types of waxes, cleaners, silicon and that sort can be just as big of a problem. If its in the air around you, it can get on (and in) your painting.
TABG

[cajunfc]

Thanks guys that is very helpful.
cajunfc

[ONE-T]

well I'm just a newb but I've done my homework on aa. contaminates may very well be the problem but with aa specifically it is an inherent problem if you apply a coat to heavy. I have not experience this with any other paint system but aa's recommended application is to lightly dust on 3 to 4 coats building up to full coverage. also each coat must be dried with forced air between coats other wise you run into adhesion issues. I have experimented with this and found it to be true with pretty much all aa colors. ie one coat too heavy even the top/final coat = fisheye most of the time.

I know this is an old thread but I hop this helps someone in the future.
Scot

[BigDaddyCustoms]

Just saw this. With Auto Air, you have to be careful how heavy you lay the paint down, and allow it to flash (dry) between coats. One thing I noticed with my extensive use of AA products.....If you get it on too heavy, too wet, too fast....... it will fish eye on you.

Big D

[cdv]

Yep, I agree with Big D on the AA and putting it on to wet. I complained about that to him when I first started and it turned out that was the problem. Light coats and a hair dryer between and you are good to go.

Cliff

[Cornshuck]

A number of years ago, Ford Motor Co. had a huge recall because of failing paint, months after the sale of the car. The problem was traced to a spray glass cleaner used by the janitors on the candy and soda vending machines located near the assembly line, WAY upsteam in the manufacturing process!!

[KDSilverBrush]

Humidity can cause a problem also.