Paint Pens
- Too Dark: Common with metallic paints due to flake orientation affecting light reflection.
- Won’t Flow: Check for dried paint around the valve or a dirty nib. Clean or replace as necessary.
- Flows Too Fast: If the paint is overly thin, contact us for a replacement.
- Leaking Paint Pen: Check to see if the paint pen nib is properly seated.
- Nib Issues: Clean with automotive lacquer thinner. Avoid common lacquers like those from hardware stores.
- Scrapes Off/Dissolves: Practice the “float” technique to avoid disturbing underlying paint.
- Paint Does Not Shine: Insufficient clearcoat or polishing may be the issue.
Brush Cap Bottles
- Paint Blob: Fast-drying paint can form blobs. Use thinning and temperature control techniques.
- Too Dark: Common issue with improper flake distribution in metallic paints.
- Poor or No Shine: Needs additional clearcoat or correct polishing technique.
Spray Cans and Spray Guns
- Color Issues: Ensure proper application techniques and paint matching.
- Won’t Dry: High humidity can extend drying times.
- Fish Eyes: Clean the surface properly to remove contaminants before painting. This issue can be nearly impossible to track down and I’ve personally had to wash off an entire paint job and start again.
- Peeling Paint: Check surface preparation and primer application.
- Powdery and Flakes Off: Indicates overly rapid drying due to high temperature.
- Does Not Shine: The clearcoat needs to be polished with rubbing compound to shine.
- Spray Problems: Use proper thinners and check spray equipment settings.
- Spider Veins: Apply paint closer to the surface and avoid high temperatures.
- Tape Lines: Do not tape in the middle of a panel as when you remove the tape, you will see a paint line. Always paint to the edge of the panel.
- Whitish Streaks/Haze: Linked to high humidity; wait for optimal conditions.
- Fine Scratches in Clearcoat: Use finer polishing compound after clearcoat application.
Detailed Solutions for Common Issues
- Leaking Paint Pen: If thin and runny, it may be mixed too thinly. Request a replacement if persistent.
- Scraping or Dissolving Paint: Float the paint or clearcoat gently to avoid damaging the layer beneath.
- Flow Issues:
- Too Thick: If the paint pen doesn’t flow, it may need thinning or the ambient temperature is too high.
- Too Thin: You should contact us for possible replacement.
- Nib Maintenance: Ensure the nib is clean and moist for proper flow. Use only automotive lacquer thinner for cleaning.
- Blob Control in Brush Cap Bottles: Apply thin layers and use lacquer thinner to smooth out blobs. You can knock down the blob by using rubbing compound or wetsand with 600 grit sandpaper.
- Metallic Paint Darkness: Due to flake orientation; better blending and spraying might be needed for a closer match. With some colors, it’s impossible to duplicate the metallic finish and you may end up repainting a much larger area.
- Shine Enhancement: Apply sufficient clearcoat and polish with appropriate compounds to enhance shine.