Can anyone tell me how I need to mix/spray my metallic paint to stop it from running like a mother? I've tried regularly mixing it as I do all paint that I end up spraying, but this one guarentees a run somewhere in there! Anyone offer some insight as to how I can prevent this?

 

Hi there, I restore cars for a living so i might be able to help you out. I am assuming it is base clear paint. Are your using a gravity feed or siphon feed? With my sata hvlp i spray metallics at about 15 psi with my needle way in and just dust it so that it is dry in about 3-4 minutes then re-dust until you have 100% coverage. Hope this helps.

 

Yeah, it's base clear.

I read a while ago that you do one heavy coat + two light coats, three coats total, then you're done. I noticed that on a light coat it ran, and was hoping it was my mix. I use a siphon feed spray gun. I also spray at about 30 psi too, I guess that's too much. I'll definitely go with your advice, as you restore vehicles.

Thank you for your help.

 

You can also thicken up your mixture a little bit by just using a bit less reducer, The thing is that spraying metallics through a conventional spray gun can be a pain in the but. But it doesn't matter how many coats you have as long as it turns out the way you want and it's not way to many MILs thick. The less paint the better but 100% coverage is more important. GOOD LUCK.

 

I'll post pics soon. Front end turned out superb.