Needing help with spray paint results

[JBar]

So I've been practicing spray painting some old ABS armor in preparation for a new biker scout helmet on the way. However, I just can't seem to get a good coat on. I've tried Krylon, Krylon Fusion, Rustoleum 2x, Rustoleum white enamel, and Rustoleum specialty plastic spray paints. I've almost spent $100 in paint testing using every combo of gloss white paint available to me. No matter what combo I try with paint and primer, I get a coat of paint that dries to the texture of 200 grit sandpaper, with an exception of Krylon fusion, which dries in a crackly texture. I almost always make sure to never mix paint brands. I've checked and I'm making sure I'm in the correct temperature and humidity ranges and I always do multiple light coats. I rigorously shake the cans for 2 minutes or more before each session. However, I live near Portland where it's always rainy and chilly, but like I mentioned I'm still above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and below 85% humidity. Whenever I watch videos I'm blown away by how shiny and perfect these same paints are for everyone else.

I'm literally considering flying out to where it's hot and dry for a weekend just find a location to do some more testing. Has anyone else here had this problem?

 

These are the best results I've had so far

Below was Krylon Fusion

This was Rustoleum white gloss enamel which was the best Rustoleum I've used so far. I get the same effect with 2x and the specialty plastic paint.

[Chopper]

The issue could be a number of different things, but the results in your photos look like what happens when the solvent/propellant/and paint ratios aren't coming out right.

Where are you storing the paint cans? Inside? Outside? Non-headed garage?

What's your paint technique? How far back are you holding the can from the surface?

Where are you painting? In a garage? Outside? Is it windy?

Are you sanding the primer before applying the top coat?

How long are you waiting between the primer drying and applying the top coat?

How many coats are you applying of top coat?

 

 

[JBar]

3 minutes ago, Chopper said:

The issue could be a number of different things, but the results in your photos look like what happens when the solvent/propellant/and paint ratios aren't coming out right.

Where are you storing the paint cans? Inside? Outside? Non-headed garage?

What's your paint technique? How far back are you holding the can from the surface?

Where are you painting? In a garage? Outside? Is it windy?

Are you sanding the primer before applying the top coat?

How long are you waiting between the primer drying and applying the top coat?

How many coats are you applying of top coat?

 

 

Thanks.

I just bought all these paints this week. Stored inside the house where it's warm.

I spray the paint off to the side first, and then only cover the plastic in a light, sweeping motion about 1.5-2ft away

I'm painting outside with no wind

I sand the primer with about 400 grit and wipe it dry before painting

The primer says I can wait just an hour but I waited about 12hrs overnight to be safe

I usually apply 2-3 coats

[JBar]

I'm going to try one more Krylon Primer tonight and see how it goes. I'll post my results since I really want the Krylon to work if I can just figure out why it's crackling

[Aradun]

The grainy texture your getting might be a combination of your weather in Portland or being too far away while spraying. The paint is actually drying before it hits the surface, which is giving you that sandy/grainy texture. Old paint will do this too, but you’re using new paint so it likely weather or technique.

The crackling issue can also be due to the temperature or spraying too much at once.

Your best bet is to try spraying indoors if possible or if that’s not possible then waiting for ideal weather (50+ degrees and less than 70% humidity).

[f3tt4l1f3]

I agree with what @AradunFF stated, above.  Your spray distance seems too far away.  Maybe try starting at 12 inches away, and since you're just testing, move in or out as you are spraying until you see the paint hitting the surface in a nice uniform layer.  When you see that, you've found the "sweet spot" and your paint should look nice and smooth when dry.

I'm not sure if your temp is a factor, but here in Iowa, I find my paint sprays better if I let it sit in a bucket of hot water (from the tap) for a few minutes.  Doing this, it seems to help the paint mix better when you shake it, and it seems to flow smoother when sprayed (no chunky stuff).

Hope that helps.

[JBar]

@f3tt4l1f3Ok thanks I'll try painting closer as well as the bucket technique

[troygordon2]

I use a lot of spray paint, and the simple answer is that it sucks.  That's about it.  If it's caked on to heavy it's a mess, if there's a smooth surface underneath the paint will dry and krinkle as it does so, and some brands hate each other for reasons that have something to do with the Middle East that is beyond me.  I've had much better use with enamel though when I paint my helmets, but the key to a decent coat is to wet sand it and then seal it for a nice smooth, glossy finish.  For things like my titanfall or halo helmets, it works fine, but the glossy clean look we need requires really nice paints/paint equipment, or extra work with some superfine sanding sponges and lots and lots of patience.  Axel Rose understood.  Each scout helmet I make generally takes many many days of doing nothing other than curing between coats.  You may have better luck with airbrushing.  Theres a company called duracoat which makes excellent paints for firearms that's easy to use, and you can get a basic airbrush and compressor for a relatively low price, especially when you consider how much your time costs you.

[JBar]

Thanks for all the tips. I had to wait a few weeks but I waited until it wasn't rainy out and I also soaked the cans in some warm water before spraying. I also sprayed a lot closer to the plastic. Everything turned out a lot smoother.

Now I gotta figure out which white best matches my abs armor. They all have a little bit of yellow to them compared to ABS. I think Rustoleum specialty is the whitest white but it's not the smoothest finish.

[Chopper]

You might want to try the Rusto Painters Touch 2x "Blossom White". That shade has a very slight off white color to it that might match.

[Chopper]

Sorry, scratch that, I read your request backwards. I thought you were looking for a more off white, vs a pure white. My apologies.

If you want pure white, then you're looking for what would be called "appliance white".

That said, minor differences in shade aren't necessarily an issue once you're wearing everything together. I remember when I first got approved I had the SC armor with the Altmann helmet. The shade's weren't an exact match, but it also wasn't all that noticeable.

[JBar]

17 minutes ago, Chopper said:

Sorry, scratch that, I read your request backwards. I thought you were looking for a more off white, vs a pure white. My apologies.

If you want pure white, then you're looking for what would be called "appliance white".

That said, minor differences in shade aren't necessarily an issue once you're wearing everything together. I remember when I first got approved I had the SC armor with the Altmann helmet. The shade's weren't an exact match, but it also wasn't all that noticeable.

Ok thanks. I hadn't thought of trying appliance white. I'll go pick some up today and see how it works

[Aradun]

36 minutes ago, JBar said:

Thanks for all the tips. I had to wait a few weeks but I waited until it wasn't rainy out and I also soaked the cans in some warm water before spraying. I also sprayed a lot closer to the plastic. Everything turned out a lot smoother.

Now I gotta figure out which white best matches my abs armor. They all have a little bit of yellow to them compared to ABS. I think Rustoleum specialty is the whitest white but it's not the smoothest finish.

John that's awesome news.  Glad all those tips paid off for you.  Don't get too hung up on matching exact shades of white.  You'll never get it exact and it sound like you've dropped a lot of cash on paint already.  As Chopper said above, most will never notice the shade difference when you're all suited up.  You will, but not the fans.  They're just to giddy to get their pic taken with you.  My RS bucket does not match my RS Armor.  That's how RS makes them.  The former is a flat white and the latter is semi-gloss, which is not just a shade difference, but also a finish difference, and no one (fans or fellow troopers) has ever mentioned anything to me except how awesome the armor looks.  Don't stress yourself.   Close will be good enough.  

[BikerScout007]

You know what helmet and armor set also didn't match?   The ones used in the film.   The helmets were painted Ferrari white.  The armor was just left raw.   

So you're in a fine tradition of things not being 100% perfect.  Don't let it stop you from reaching the finish line!

[OnkelPaschulke]

You know what helmet and armor set also didn't match?   The ones used in the film.   The helmets were painted Ferrari white.  The armor was just left raw.   
So you're in a fine tradition of things not being 100% perfect.  Don't let it stop you from reaching the finish line!

That’s good news. I just realized that the RS helmet is more off white than the SC armor…


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[JBar]

Thank you so much for your tips everyone. Especially you @Chopper for the "appliance white" idea. That color was perfect. I think my biggest problem was spraying too far away and too light of coats. I was so worried I'd make the paint runny that I instead was misting everything and the paint dried in the air before adhering. That being said my favorite combo was this trinity pictured below. I honestly can't tell the different in color between my old SC armor and the new helmet. AND the helmet is smooth to the touch, just like the armor. It took about two months of testing but I couldn't be happier with the results. The Appliance White said it doesn't recommend a primer but in without primer the resin helmet had too many tiny holes that would show through the paint. As far as I can tell the paint is very durable even while primed, especially with the Krylon gloss coat after I weathered it.

 

SC left and my new Moncal on the right

I think I bought every brand of white and clear coat in the country 😂. The three on the right were the best combo by far for me

 

 

[Chopper]

Great work John. Glad everything turned out well. Happy to help, anytime.

[Aradun]

Awesome John! A lot of trial and error, but you nailed it in the end and the result looks fantastic. Well done.

[shashachu]

Thank you for this thread, John! How many coats of each did you do? I need to repaint my helmet due to some paint cracking. Chopper also suggested Appliance White so good to see it worked out for you.

[JBar]

2 hours ago, shashachu said:

Thank you for this thread, John! How many coats of each did you do? I need to repaint my helmet due to some paint cracking. Chopper also suggested Appliance White so good to see it worked out for you.

Good question. I think I did about two coats each for the white and gloss. I learned you needed to stand a bit closer for the gloss. If it sprays on from a distance you get a speckled result instead of a shiny smooth. Luckily I sprayed nice and close for the helmet but not enough for it too pool. Definitely practice on something else first