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Bubbles in paint

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finish paint
7K views 14 replies 8 participants last post by  dakremer 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have a Graco airless handheld sprayer. I sprayed some SW ProClassic and got (super) tiny little bubbles all over my would-be glass like finish. Super bummed. I was trying to problem solve the issue. I painted it outside in the shade - wasn't super hot out, so I don't think the paint dried too fast. I waited almost 24hrs to paint over the primer, so I don't think that was the issue. The only thing I can think of, is that it's old paint. It's about 2.5 years old. When I opened the can and stirred it, everything seemed perfectly fine. Will old paint cause bubbles? Any other thoughts?

I can post a picture if you need me to.
 
#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
I DID shake the can a little before opening it and stirring it…..did I just introduce too much air into the paint? I put it through a paint filter before into the spray gun.

I also should note, that I expect some bubbles when it is sprayed, but they usually pop before the paint dries, and then it self levels. These popped, but did not self level - wondering if the paint dried to fast for some reason?
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
on the paint can label - does it say anything about spraying?
and how much to reduce for spray application?
what primer did you use?

I think it is not the age of the paint, but, the older a paint gets, the more
liquid is lost over time. so it may take a little more thinning agent than usual.
the faster a paint dries, the slower the recovery it has around bubbles and brush marks.
so when spraying, if your ambient conditions permit, you need to slow down
the evaporation accordingly so that brush marks and popped bubbles can heal themselves.
a paint additive is used by most commercial painters just for this purpose.
I looked at the 24 reviews for that particular paint and a lot of the feedback was saying that
that particular paint is not for the novice painter due to its tendency to sag on vertical surfaces.
and thinning or modifying it only exasperates the negative issues.
I often shake cans of paint and varnish vigorously - nothing wrong with that.

try it again with a little more thinner just for a sample. if you intend to do more painting
with latex paint, pick up a small bottle of Floetrol. especially in the hot summer months.

Bottle Liquid Tire Fluid Bottle cap


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#5 ·
Paint is too thick or sprayed too heavy, or both.
It's hard to reduce material with an airless so I would thin it more. Try not to spray it as heavy.
Sounds like the paint is making indentations that look like bubbles, got pics? Probably not true bubbles per say.

I'm personally not a fan of floetrol, some people like it though, just not me.
 
#6 ·
Paint is too thick or sprayed too heavy, or both.
It s hard to reduce material with an airless so I would thin it more. Try not to spray it as heavy.
Sounds like the paint is making indentations that look like bubbles, got pics? Probably not true bubbles per say.

I m personally not a fan of floetrol, some people like it though, just not me.

- bay
I will get you some pictures. I did not thin the paint at all. I sprayed a very light coat. I'm thinking maybe I didn't have my setting high enough on my sprayer.

Tool Gas Electric blue Machine Font
 

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#8 ·
I picked up a Wagner Flexio that was super discounted. I watched online vids and the finish always looks pretty matte and spattery, like it s pushing too much air. I think if you want a smooth or glossy finish this type of sprayer may not be the answer.

- dhazelton
I've used a Wagner Flexio. They are garbage. This sprayer is 1000x better. My finish with this gun is extremely nice. I've never gotten bubbles like I did today.
 
#12 ·
That's too bad. I usually see bubbles when I spray paint, but like you said they usually disappear by the time it dries. My usual solution to spraying woes is to scuff sand, thin the product slightly, and spray another coat.

Good luck.
 
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