I'm repairing a minor wingtip ding on my Ultra Flash after I shut it in the car door, and I ordered all the matching CARF touch-up colors and hardener.

I prepared the area with K-36 filler/ primer rubbed down and cleaned with thinners before applying the color. However, I have gotten terrible fish-eye problems. I stripped off the first attempt and restored the area with more primer, but got the same result the second time. I even flushed my spray gun with thinners before I loaded it up with paint but no difference.

Any tips on fixing/ stopping the fish-eyes.

Thanks

Paul

Use 85% alcohol and 15% water to clean the area and make sure your air system isn’t accidentally introducing water or oil.

you need to use a small amount of acetone as a thinner and make sure the repairing surface is flat and spray in VERY light coats

I have had this issue before, wipe the area with mineral spirits and allow it to dry overnight. Do it twice and use a clean microfiber cloth each time.

mineral spirits will remove silicones and oils without softening the primer

I agree with all above, fish eyes are caused by a contaminant. Usually silicon, wax or oil. Clean the surface with a solvent/ wax remover. Make sure there's an oil/water trap on your compressor. Even if you can't see oil in the line, it's microscopic.

Mike

Thanks for the suggestions - my suspect was contamination also.

I did have to put some petroleum grease on the air trap filter seal to stop it leaking - I'm going to replace the entire air trap as that is the only think I have done, although the K-36 sprayed fine.

I have been using a brand new Iwata Mini-jet, and the instructions specifically mentioned flushing it to get out all the preservation oil, which I thought was the culprit on my first attempt. I may switch back to my old Harbor Freight spray gun the next time to try to isolate the source.

Paul

Also, DON'T Touch the surface after cleaning it!! It is always hard to resist temptation, but I have seen too many guys will touch the surface to be painted after cleaning it. Finger oils are one of the worst too.
I have used several of the CARF two part paints. If I remember, it is an epoxy paint? I have switched over to PPG Omni paints and primers. Easier to work with and clean up.