How to Fix Common Paint Issues: Orange Peel, Brush Marks, and More

Quick Answer

To fix orange peel, sand the surface with fine grit sandpaper and apply a thin, even coat of paint. For brush marks, thin your paint and use a soft brush with smooth, overlapping strokes. Always let each layer dry completely before assessing the result.

Paint issues like orange peel and brush marks can ruin an otherwise great build. But with the right diagnosis and a few corrective steps, you can achieve a smooth, professional finish. This guide walks you through the most common problems and how to fix them.

Whether you're using a spray can or a brush, understanding the cause is half the battle. Let's dive into the symptoms, causes, and solutions for the most frequent paint problems on model kits.

Orange Peel: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

Orange peel looks like the texture of an orange skin—bumpy and uneven. It usually happens when paint is applied too thick, from spraying too close, or when the paint doesn't have time to level out. This is common with spray cans and airbrushes.

To fix it, wait until the paint is fully cured, then wet-sand with 1000-2000 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. After sanding, apply a thin, even coat of paint, holding the can about 15-20 cm away. If the orange peel is severe, you may need to strip the paint and start over.

• Always test spray on a scrap piece first to check the distance and flow.
• Use a mist coat first, then a wet coat for better leveling.

Brush Marks: Causes and Smoothing Techniques

Brush marks appear as visible streaks or ridges in your paint. They happen when the paint is too thick, the brush is too dry, or you go over the same area repeatedly. Using a low-quality brush can also leave bristle lines.

The fix is to thin your paint slightly and use a soft, high-quality brush. Apply paint in one direction with smooth, even strokes, and avoid going back over wet areas. For best results, let each coat dry completely before adding another. If brush marks persist, sand lightly between coats.

• Thin your paint with the appropriate thinner until it flows like milk.
• Invest in a good sable or synthetic brush for smoother application.

Other Common Paint Issues: Runs, Sags, and Cracking

Runs and sags happen when you apply too much paint at once, causing it to flow downward. Cracking usually occurs when the paint is applied too thickly or when incompatible layers are used. These issues can be frustrating but are fixable.

For runs, wait for the paint to dry, sand the area smooth, and reapply in thin coats. For cracking, you may need to strip the paint entirely and repaint. Prevention is key: always use thin coats and let each layer dry properly.

• If you see a run, stop painting and let it dry before fixing.
• Use a primer to create a good base and prevent cracking.

Diagnosis Guide: Identify and Fix Your Paint Issue

• Symptom: Orange peel texture: The surface looks bumpy like an orange skin. Sand with fine grit and apply a thinner coat.
• Symptom: Visible brush strokes: Streaks or ridges left by the brush. Thin your paint and use a softer brush.
• Symptom: Runs or sags: Paint drips or flows downward. Let it dry, sand, and repaint in thin layers.

Products That Help

• AK-1016 Fine Metal Primer Spray 150ml: 150 ml. Product in spray with a grey tone special for priming metal parts featuring a high opacity once dry. This spray primer can be applied directly over metal, is ultra-resistant and with the best adherence. A good primer helps paint adhere and reduces the chance of issues like cracking or peeling, giving you a smooth base for your topcoat.
• AK10010 Watercolor Pencil Sepia: Weathering pencils are water-based pencils with 17cm semi-grease paint specially for use in modeling. They are very easy to control, clean, and of course they are not toxic. If you have small brush marks or uneven spots, a weathering pencil can help you add subtle details and blend imperfections without repainting.

Fixing paint issues is all about patience and the right technique. By diagnosing the problem and applying the correct solution, you can achieve a smooth, professional finish on your model kits. Remember to always test on scrap material and take your time.