6. How do I stop orange peel, and how do I get rid of it if it happens?
Orange peel is usually caused by the clearcoat not flowing out properly before it begins to cure. To minimize orange peel, make sure you're applying the correct amount of clearcoat on each coat, using proper air pressure, and spraying wet enough for the clear to level out without running.
For your final coat, you can typically add up to 10% urethane reducer to help the clear flow out smoother and improve leveling.
If you end up with minor orange peel, it can often be corrected through color sanding and polishing after the clear has fully cured.
However, if the orange peel is excessive, the best solution is often to allow the clear to cure, scuff the surface thoroughly, and apply an additional 2–3 coats of clearcoat. This usually produces a better result than trying to aggressively sand and buff severe texture out of the finish.
Proper gun setup, air pressure, reducer selection, temperature, and spray technique all play a role in achieving a smooth, glass-like finish.