PDA

View Full Version : Making enamel finish feel silky smooth















Dengue
26th January 2021, 12:36 PM
Hello, unexpected and urgent time constraints meant that I had to use a Dulux Duramax Satin enamel spray paint on a small box. Touch dry in 20 minutes, cured in 2 hours.

I applied 5 coats 30 minutes apart to get the depth of finish, without it being too shiny. I used 1200 grit to smooth any rough coats where necessary.

Not having used enamel spray before, can anyone please advise how I might get a nice smooth silky feel to this enamel finish, like I am able to get with an oil finish?

Dengue
31st January 2021, 09:47 AM
In the end, after lots of testing and sanding, I was able to get a nice uniform silky smooth finish straight out of the spray can. The trick was to put down a fine mist coat, and then a few minutes later spray a wet coat. It has be be done when the temperature is less than 30 degC

If the wet coat is too heavy, and the nozzle too close, then I ended up with orange peel effect, which had to be sanded back.

If the temperature was too high ( above 30 degC as it is here in Townsville during the day), and you hold the can at the normal 6-8" distance from the workpiece, then the solvent evaporates before hitting the workpiece, and you end up with a rough powerdery finish which has to be sanded back.

I ended up spraying at 8am each day when the temp was 28 degC and the humidity has fallen to 80%, and holding the can fairly close, but not so close as to cause orange peel