Many painting defects stem not from product quality, but from the application method. For a workshop, these errors mean wasted material, lost time redoing the work, and sometimes, a dissatisfied customer. Here are the 5 most common mistakes when painting with a spray gun/aerosol can and how to prevent them.

1. Unprepared Surface

Painting over an insufficiently cleaned, degreased, or sanded surface is the number one cause of adhesion problems — peeling, blistering, or craters that appear shortly after application. No paint quality can compensate for superficial preparation.

2. Applying Too Close to the Surface

Holding the spray gun or aerosol can too close to the part leads to excessive material buildup in a small area, promoting runs ("sags") and an uneven coat. The recommended application distance varies depending on the product and must be maintained consistently across the entire surface.

3. Coats That Are Too Thick

Applying a thick coat in a single pass, instead of multiple successive thin coats, increases the risk of runs and significantly prolongs the through-drying time — even if the surface appears dry on the outside. Thin coats, applied in multiple passes with flash-off time in between, yield a much more uniform and predictable result.

4. Insufficient Shaking Before Application

Pigments and paint components (especially in metallic or pearl products) settle over time. Insufficient shaking before application leads to uneven shades or an inconsistent metallic effect on the surface — a problem immediately visible, especially with partial touch-ups next to the original paint.

5. Lack of Clear Coat or Final Protection Where Needed

Applying a base coat without the appropriate clear coat (where the system requires it) leaves the surface unprotected against UV, scratches, and chemical agents. This is a frequent error in hurried jobs or when underestimating the materials budget — but it costs more in the long run, through rework and complaints.

Conclusion: How to Reduce These Errors in the Workshop

Most of these mistakes are not due to the team's lack of experience, but rather to the process:

• a standard pre-painting checklist (cleaning, degreasing, sanding, product shaking);

• clear training on application distance and technique for each type of spray gun/aerosol can used;

• adherence to the number of coats and waiting times recommended by the manufacturer;

• checking at the time of order that the complete system (base + clear coat + hardener) is included, not just the base color.