Grainy enamels....

thanks for the advices...will adjust my spraying technique and see how it goes soon.

I used to run into the same problems quite a bit. I was too concerned about getting runs in the paint that I would spray from too far away. Now that I think about it I don't think I've ever got runs in a paint job. I almost exclusively use Model Master enamels thinned about 3 parts paint to 1part Model Master airbrush thinner for spraying large areas. As far as distance away from the model, I usually try to spray so that the paint hits the model and stays wet for a second or so, before the sheen goes away.

Heavily thinned paint or paint sprayed from too great a distance can cause the gritty effect. Some of the atomized paint is drying in the air before it hits the model surface. Also 20psi is pretty high for well thinned paint. Try thinning your paint to a less aggressive level and move in closer with the AB. I never thin more than 2 paint to 1 thinner, spray at about 15-20 psi from no more than 2-3" from the model. Experiment a bit on a scrap piece to find what works best with your set up.

Regards, Rick