A question about Flakes

[DivaGrafica]

Hi, I have just painted a bike and included some metal flake in sections.I found a problem of trying to achieve a smooth finish. The edges of the flakes were of course protruding a bit and even with clear to protect them, I only had to sand a very lightly with very fine wet paper and I immediately started to take the points off some of the flakes.
The result is little white spots throughout the flaked area. You can see them in the detail photo attached.
So I am looking for some advice as to how to get a reasonably smooth finish over the flakes without having to apply excessive amounts of clear? If anybody can help me out with some advice it would be much appreciated.

 

[TAZ]

I've had this happen to me before. I've learned to do the flakes in 'silver', clearcoat and resand until I get the surface flat. Then I put a candy color over it.
The only suggestion I would have for you is to sand the parts, remask the graphics so you can paint them. Add a couple coats of candy over the graphics.
Then reclear the complete part.

 

[DivaGrafica]

Thank you for the advices Taz.....I have never thought aobut it, might be a good idea. I'm about to finish my second flakes job. This time I used smaller flakes.....I will post a photo when I'm done.

 

[DivaGrafica]

Ok.....here is my second metal flake job. This one came out much better and it looks beautiful in the sun as well as in the dark (believe it or not!).

This time I used a much smaller flake, which I highly recommend being much easier to work with. This is because of the problem I mention with the red one (the white dots) It happened again with the green but because they are so tiny, it doesn't show. And it sparkles more in the sun! I used Emerald Green medium size flake .008.

 

[RobS]

G'Day...Im definately no expert .. but it looks to me like there's too much flake loaded in there.....maybe layer the flake between coats of clear ?

 

[TAZ]

Looks like you did a good job on this one. Good video.
And yes, the smaller flakes are easier to work with.

Next time you get a chance try using the medium/bigger flakes.
Black
silver flakes (mix of medium and large)
Clearcoat with about 5 coats
resand flat
candy and clear