Technical Why Does My Paint Look Like Drywall?

Once you get the material the correct viscosity, and the gun set right, it's practice, practice, practice.

 

Was impressive orange peel.
Remember, it don't rust where the runs are.

 

The posted pic looks good to me.

 

Maybe you held the gun too far away and it was starting to dry before it 'landed' on the car!?
6sally6

 

Try sanding with 400 for solid and 600 wet for metallic paints. 220 is not for color coat prep. Glad your'e moving in the right direction. Lots of good info on the internet, check out "Paint Society" on You Tube.

 

Sounds like and looks like you are getting the hang of it.
Having a bit extra paint allows for 'cutting and buffing'.
Plenty of text and videos to guide you through that process, but one thing to keep in mind is to flatten first (coarser grades), then each further step smooths and increases shine. Use one supplier (3M, Meguier's, etc.) so you know they are compatible.
This site has a ton of resources, read until you are itching to start work.
https://www.autogeekonline.net/

Also, if you block sanded the parts before paint, make sure to use a backer to cut the paint. Add a couple drops of dish soap to the water. If not, you can try this but it may end up showing all the peaks and valleys that blocking would have got out.

 

The guy who taught me to paint years ago said "If you don't have any runs, you didn't put enough paint on" . I agree, we try not to, but since I always cut and buff anyways, a small run or two is part of the game

 

your link says suitable for fibreglass or aluminium, - maybe it doesn’t like metal…….?
the proper prep may not suit metal ?
I would be curious to hear some experts comment on this.
Also, (as you know), says for brushing on, to me this suggests bigger particles in the paint, so perhaps not suitable for spraying.
Again, I would be interested to hear from the experts on this.

Nice to know that you were trying to be considerate to your neighbours though………

 

From my limited experience most orange peel comes from the paint being to dry by the time it hits the car and it won't flow out try using a higher temp reducer or lowering the air pressure.

 

If you are holding the gun only 3-5 inches away you are putting paint meant for a 10 -12 inch (holding the gun 10-12 inches away), pattern on a surface only a few inches in pattern, in other words twice the paint on the surface ( extra thick)

 

Too thick and too dry, add more thinner next time and test shoot something til it's looking right.