Acrylic coat cracking

[Synchrony Pedalworks]

Any suggestions?

The acrylic coating that I sprayed has some horrible cracking. Do you all have any experience with this issue and would more coats fix the issue?

I think the problem occurred when I was painting and it was too cold…..

 

[carlinb17]

Too cold will definitely cause this

 

[Synchrony Pedalworks]

Too cold will definitely cause this

Any ideas on how to fix?

 

[carlinb17]

Paint in a controlled area… not as easy as it is to say. Another thought is was the red completely cured prior to spraying? Also if you apply too much paint that could do it as well. The only fix for now is to sand it down and start again… maybe others can chime in too, many have much more experience than I.

 

[KR Sound]

I’d just leave it as it is. As for painting in the future, I always keep my cans inside so they stay warm and spray better. I do one light scratch coat that doesn’t cover the entire surface. About 15 minutes later another light coat, then after that is a good solid coat but not heavy. Let it dry overnight and I bring it inside if possible.

Oh, and good surface prep and cleaning beforehand. Any oils or dirt left from the manufacturing will mess with the paint. I had a pretty bad one earlier this winter, where the temps were freezing cold and it turned out like crap as expected. I just moved on and kept it- it’s adds a bit of character I guess.

 

[carlinb17]

Here was one that wrinkled on me because I didn’t let the pink coat though before I put in the clear. I just went with it. It happens…

 

[KR Sound]

I just realized you were probably talking about the clear coat. My bad. But, ya, sometimes they react like that and it’s usually due to not being fully cured.

 

[owlexifry]

Any suggestions?

The acrylic coating that I sprayed has some horrible cracking. Do you all have any experience with this issue and would more coats fix the issue?

I think the problem occurred when I was painting and it was too cold…..

View attachment 42964

- this has happened to be before when painting a guitar (enamel, but still)
- temperature may be a cause, but in my case it was caused by inadequate ventilation to an already-painted surface, that ended up cracking after exposure to the off-gassing from painting another nearby surface.
- it really sucks and you basically have to start over.

 

[Synchrony Pedalworks]

So, I am not waiting long between coats. Sounds like I should wait longer and see if it cures better.

 

[carlinb17]

So, I am not waiting long between coats. Sounds like I should wait longer and see if it cures better.

It’s a fine line between how long it drys and the thickness of the coat. Obviously the longer you wait the better but if you’re like me, you want to box and rock….