Spray painting seems to be a continuous learning process. There seems to be a fine line between keeping a long enough spray distance to prevent runs and keeping a short enough spray distance to get gloss. I have learned that if the spray distance is too far, the surface will get too much solids and not enough solvents to give it the gloss. I'll write down a short list of what I have learned and this applies to both professional spray guns and rattle cans.
1. Keep the spray moving at continuous linear speed
2. Maintain a constant spray distance
3. Give each coat 10 minutes to flash off
4. Clean spray can tip between coats
5. Have plenty of lacquer thinner and acid brushes on hand
What I have found that works best for keeping the spray can tip clean is to stab it using an acid brush dipped in lacquer thinner. The bristles will take turns poking the hole in the spray tip to clean it out. Keep that acid brush dedicated to cleaning the spray can tip while in use and nothing else.
1. Keep the spray moving at continuous linear speed
2. Maintain a constant spray distance
3. Give each coat 10 minutes to flash off
4. Clean spray can tip between coats
5. Have plenty of lacquer thinner and acid brushes on hand
What I have found that works best for keeping the spray can tip clean is to stab it using an acid brush dipped in lacquer thinner. The bristles will take turns poking the hole in the spray tip to clean it out. Keep that acid brush dedicated to cleaning the spray can tip while in use and nothing else.
