Clear Coat Fisheyes Redux

[Vettra]

In an earlier post I documented that I finally got my clear to lay down smoothly but encountered some fisheyes. I haven't been able to track down the source. I have fresh filters on my air line. No contamenants on the paint.

The last step I do before shooting clear is to wipe down with wax/grease remover the run a tack rag over it.

What I am thinking is that there may be some wax/grease remover residue still left on that I don't detect. I was reading somewhere that some people use Simple Green instead of wax/grease remover. Does anyone else use that?

C

 

[TAZ]

I would say it's either something in the area that you are spraying in, or something is still getting through the airlines.

I noticed you said you use 'wax and grease remover' before painting...keep in mind, this is exactly that, a wax and grease remover. This is the first thing you should use before sanding (not before painting). They make pre-paint cleaners for this. I personally use DX330.
Possibly try this and see what happens

A few other questions for you though.
Are you spraying in a shop or your garage?
Did you replace that 'filter ball' I was mentioning earlier at the end of your spray gun
Do you have a water trap coming off the compressor? If so, have you drained it lately? Do you get a lot of water through it?

I've never used simple green, so I can't say anything about that. I would not suggest though it with all the other solutions that are made just for painting.

 

[Maylar]

I agree with Taz on the wipedown - prepaint cleaners are much milder than wax & grease remover. My choice is R-M 901. No way in hell I'd use Simple Green.

Clear is a dust magnet. The classic fisheye is actually a dust particle being blown into the paint. It makes a small crater and you can often see the particle in the center. This is different than solvent contamination. If that's what you're getting then the cleanliness of your spray area isn't good enough. If you spray outdoors like I do Mother Nature is your enemy. The slightest breeze brings dust and pollen your way. If the guy next door is mowing his lawn, I won't paint.

You should also always wet down the ground around you with a garden hose before painting. It keeps dust from the floor from being kicked up. Finally, the dust and lint on your clothing is also a source. Wear a clean lab coat or medical smock when painting and you might see a big difference.

 

[Vettra]

Thanks Scott and Dave for your input. I may have to fire my shop Do-boy as there was about 4 ounces of water in my tank. Oh wait, that is me. I made sure to blow out the line and put a new bullet filter on. I believe this was the problem as I didn't get random fisheyes- they were more pattern. The other suggestions will help as well.

THX,
C

 

[TAZ]

Also keep in mind, cold weather enhances static electricity which also brings on more dirt particles, fisheyes...especially on plastic parts.

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[hoss]

one tip that i've picked up is....

when you're degreaseing make sure you have a rag w/ the degreaser on it and a dry rag. wipe the area with the degreaser and then wipe the area off with the clean dry rag. b/c if you just rub down the part with the degreaser it might and does at times just move the grease around on the part. so when you wipe off the grease with the dry rag it helps pull the grease off.

also, degrease your hands and fingers before working on your graphix or whenever you're going to touch the object your painting.

just a tip, you can never be too careful when i comes to grease.

also as for the simple green, i've used windex before, but never for my main degreaser. i just used it over the graphix i've shot just as a something i knew wasn't going to hurt my airbrushing/pinstriping job and it helped get my little finger print grease off before my final clear. i know there are mild degreasers that would be a better solution, but.....i keep forgetting to order some, he he.

 

[Vettra]

All good stuff- thanks