Painting Problem

[Guest imported_JPIndusi]

I am refinishing a small part on my 48 Special. I have the surface smooth with a little original black paint remaining but gloss removed by sanding. There are two spots where the primer will not stick; little circular areas about the size of pin heads. I have cleaned the part with lacquer thinner twice but still get these little circles that will not take paint. Do I need to go to bare metal or is there something else I can try?

Joe, BCA 33493

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

Joe is it possible you have silicone on the piece.Silicone can give you fits. I don't know how big the piece is but I'd suggest taking it all the way down to the metal and using a self etching primer. The problem with painting over existing paint is just what you are experiencing, you never know what the previous paint is or what contaminants may exist.

[Bhigdog]

The dreaded FISH EYE. There is a contaminant, most likely silicone, in/on the surface. If you can't get a primer compatable fish eye killer additive, sanding to metal is your best bet. BTW, a common source of fish eyes is underarm deodorant.........Bob.

[NTX5467]

Might not be something on the prior painted surface itself, but something airborne in the area too. Seems like there is a paint additive that can remove some of this sensitivity, but this would be for "mixed" paint rather than "pre-mix" paint.

You'll need to determine the source of the "airborne contamination" before proceeding further, even if you clean the part to "bare metal" and start over with the primer and such. It could be something already on the coated surface, but IF it's from airborne sources, the fisheyes will start all over again with the newly-cleaned part when any topcoat finishes are applied to it.

Just some thoughts,

NTX5467

[Guest imported_MrEarl]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Might not be something on the prior painted surface itself, but something airborne in the area too </div></div>

Them pesky lil aliens again.

[Bhigdog]

Fish eye killer is added, by the user, to the paint. You would have to make sure it is compatable with whatever primer you are using. I never spray a top coat without adding it to the paint. It only takes a very small amount added to the paint to eliminate fish eyes. One of the biggest causes of fish eyes is almost microscopic airborne dried underarm deodorant particles. Shower before you paint and do not use deodorant or wear short sleeves. A cheap dispossible tyvec painters coverall also helps...........Bob.

[Guest imported_JPIndusi]

Thanks for all the responses. I went down to bare metal on this small part that is next to the stream board (interior running board) on my 48 Special. This part contacts the rubber door gasket and as I remember, I gave these a coating of dressing, probably containing silicone, the remains of which may have contributed to the fish eye problem. Now for this touch-up I was using Krylon primer and gloss black from spray cans.

What do you fellows recommend in spray can paints for engines, small parts, etc.?

I have used Kryklon and Plasticote in the past.

Jeo, BCA 33493

[Guest COMPACTBC]

Laquer thinner is not a good cleaner to use before painting it often leaves a residue. I would suggest that you use metal prep. I have had good success with Krylon and Plasticote products.