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Tamiya Spray Paint - How to avoid bubbles?

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  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: Marianas Islands
Tamiya Spray Paint - How to avoid bubbles?
Posted by juststartin' on Sunday, October 4, 2009 1:41 AM
Hi, newbie here, I used a Tamiya spray paint for the body of the model I am building and apparently, there are some portions that got bubbles. How do I avoid these bubbles in the future? Also, are there any ways on fixing those bubbles? Thanks
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Sydney, Australia
Posted by Phil_H on Sunday, October 4, 2009 2:04 AM

You are getting bubbles because you are spraying too heavily, moving the can too slowly across the surface, spraying from too close a distance or any combination of the three. There is too much paint getting to the surface, it's pooling and dissolved propellant in the paint is outgassing, forming bubbles. The surface of the paint is skinning and the bubbles have no way to escape.

Unfortunately, the only way to remove the air bubbles you have in your paint finish is to sand out the bubbles and re-paint.

Before spraying, warm the can by standing it in a basin of warm (not hot) water. Shake well - at least 3 minutes. 

When you use a spray can, you should not be any closer than about 10-12 inches from the surface being sprayed.

Move the can parallel to the surface - maintain the same distance for each pass of the can. Do not cover the area by twisting your wrist - swing your enitre forearm from your elbow using a smooth, even, continouos motion. Begin the spray before you reach the subject and continue past before releasing the button (this prevents "spatters" of paint landing on your model).

Spray cans deliver a lot of paint very quickly, but don't try to cover in a single coat. Apply multiple thin coats rather than a single heavy coat. Start with a  light "mist" coat, allow to dry (about an hour or so) and repeat. Repeat this process again before applying a "wet" coat.

 

  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: Marianas Islands
Posted by juststartin' on Sunday, October 4, 2009 3:16 AM
Phil_H, I really appreciate your response and about the sanding that you mentioned, what is the proper grit to use?
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Sydney, Australia
Posted by Phil_H on Sunday, October 4, 2009 5:44 AM

Firstly, decide whether the overall paintjob is worth keeping - ie. is the bubbling minor/major, restricted to only a few spots or widespread? If it's going to require a lot of sanding and/or of moulded detail is at risk from sanding, you may be better off stripping the entire paint job. Instructions on how to do this can be found in the painting forum.

If you do decide to take the sanding route, I would start with about a 600 grit (used wet) and work gently. This may take a little time. Once the bubbling is eliminated, move to a higher grit (also used wet) and work the scratch marks out. If necessary, repeat with a higher grit .

  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: Marianas Islands
Posted by juststartin' on Sunday, October 4, 2009 6:22 PM
Phil_H, actually its only two spots and the rest of the body is ok. Thanks again.
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