Troubleshooting Guide for Using Aerosol Touch-up Spray Paint

Color doesn’t match

• The can was not shaken long enough.

The pigments inside the aerosol can must be thoroughly mixed to achieve the proper color and gloss.

• Your production coating might have changed.

Sometimes there is a color shift in the coating you are touching up. If this occurs, Custom Finishes would need a new color standard for color matching.

Color appears Flat or Hazy

• Humid conditions may be present.

Try again under less humid conditions.

• The surface you are spraying may be too hot.

Remove the object from the sunlight or heat; allow the surface to cool and then continue.

Paint appears Speckled

• Something is blocking the paint flow.

Rotate the spray tip ¼ turn and try again.

Remove and/or clean tip and tip stem using a toothpick.

NOTE: Never stick any object into the hole on top of the can.

Soak spray tip in acetone to remove dried paint.

 Try spray tip from another can.

Make sure the tip of your finger is not protruding over the front of the spray tip.

• Can is being sprayed at an angle.

Hold can upright 10-12” from the object.

Surface appears to have Streaks

• All the passes of the can have been made in the same direction.

Vary spray patterns. Use horizontal and vertical passes with the can.

Finish has Sags or Runs

• Too heavy of coats were applied.

Apply lighter coats by increasing the speed of each pass of spraying. After 3-4 passes allow paint to dry for 5 minutes before continuing.

Metallic Colors don’t Match

When spraying a metallic color, you are actually spraying tiny flakes of metal in a paint coating. These flakes reflect light. The more light they reflect, the brighter the coating’s appearance.

 When metallic paint is applied too heavily, the metal flakes are being buried under the surface of the paint coating. Now, they can’t reflect light and the color appears dark.

 When metallic paint is applied too lightly, the metal flakes lie on the top of the paint coating and reflect too much light making the color appear dull. So the metal flakes are not being covered by enough paint. By varying your spray technique you can achieve the color you want.

 Practice on a piece of scrap metal before painting your object. Metallic colors can be tricky, but with experience, you can achieve the finish that you desire.

 How to Use Aerosol Touch-Up Paint

Related Terms: How To Section Aerosol Touch-up Spray Paint Carpet Dye Vinyl Troubleshooting

Date Last Updated: Last Updated: 04/18/2008 03:08 PM - ID:23

Custom Finishes Inc.
5021 Highway 14 South                            
Brighton, TN 38011