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How to Eliminate Orange Peel in Clear Coat

The appearance of orange peel in lacquer clear coat finishes occurs when the sprayed clear coat dries too quickly. The orange peel effect leaves the surface of the clear coat looking dimpled and slightly raised similar to the skin of an orange. The orange peel effect must be removed from the clear coat in order for the finished product to have that smooth glass appearance that everybody likes to see and touch.

Things You'll Need

Lacquer thinner
Pressurized air sprayer

Instructions

- 1
  Place the lacquer thinner in the bottom half of the sprayer and replace the lid and the pressurized air can.
- 2
  Spray an even mist of lacquer thinner over the top of the clear coat that has reached the tacky stage of the curing process. Make sure that the mist stays light because too much thinner will cause the clear coat to start to run.
- 3
  Watch the clear coat after the first application of thinner to determine if enough thinner has been applied. You will know enough thinner has been applied as the orange peel effect disappears and the clear coat appears smooth and glossy. Additional layers may be needed if the orange peel effect is still present.
- 4
  Allow the clear coat to dry completely, and the clear coat will be free of the orange peel effect. Finish the process by buffing the surface of the clear coat.

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