spraying thunderbird epoxy

[hamhead]

i am very inexperienced at spraying. i have built a few bows and am having a lot of trouble spraying i always end up with run or orange peels or both. i am using a small touch up gun and 30 psi holding aprox. 9 to 10 inches away. if anyone has any tip s i sure could use some help. they usually come out nice but only after alot of sanding and wasted time.

[T Folts]

Orange peel could be a number of things. Some of them could be too cold temp, too much product applied and or too low air pressure. I'm sure others will have more input and knowledge than me.

[Lost Creek Bows]

I would try 38 psi at the gun, with a 1.5 tip and a little less product also. Finish can be very tough, sometimes even when you think you've got it something else happens.

[BigJim]

runs occur when you put down too much product. I know that sounds simple, but had a hard time getting it accross my thick skull in the beginning. The most important thing to getting a good finish is lighting. If you can't see what your applying, you can't tell if you have put on too much. The orange peel is from too little.

Don't over thin the spray. I use about 10% when spraying gloss and 15%-20% when spraying satin.

I'm using buffalo hide epoxy. Same thing in a different can.
Bigjim

[Bodork]

With the thunderbird, don't force it to lay down smooth by spraying too much product. You'll probably end up with a run or sag. If it has a LITTLE orange peel right after you spray it, it will flatten itself in a few minutes.

[New Wood]

I use a Badger single stage airbrush, run about 40lbs and found with this set up I have to thin it down quite a bit to get consistent flow and no orange peel.  Also keep the coats light.

Like you have probably already figured out by reading the varied responses, there are some general rules to applying any finish but you will have to figure out the little tricks that work best for you.  That generally means a lot of time/wasted finish and sanding!

Good Lick

[New Wood]

Don't Lick it!!!

I meant Good Luck!

[hamhead]

i really appreciate all the come backs, thank you very much. i guess i just need to keep on experimenting, with different pressures and amount of flow. i need to get the speed of the pass consistant also. where would i find a badger single stage air brush? i have never heard of buffalo hide epoxy, were would i find it ? i am getting ready to start another bow, for my wife, so here comes another chance to practice. thanks so much for the replies i'll just keep on spray'in and keep on sand'in till i get it.

[T Folts]

Buffalo hide is Thunderbird.