Fish Eye Eliminator?

[Clatter]

Gearing up for my first complete spray adventure...

Why/when would one buy fish-eye eliminator?
Seems that this would be something that they would just include in their product...


I have had massive fish-eye issues in the past, but never understood why or how.

Any wisdom is appreciated.
Thanks
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[Northof49]

I have experienced fish eyes from contamination of the surface being painted, and from oil or water in the air supply. Just a couple of causes to watch out for.
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[Dauz]

If you saturate a cloth towel with grease and wax remove and wipe off with a microfiber towel while its still wet, you shouldn't have fish eyes. Also, when you tack rag, do not apply too much pressure.

[supersuk]

I've had issues with fisheyes before when I would paint using a small 15gal oil less compressor. Since it was running the entire time I was painting, it would have a lot of water in the tank/air line. The water shot out with the paint and caused the fisheye. Once I moved up to a 60 gal compressor with the exact same air line setup, the water was eliminated. I do get a lot less water in my oil water separator. I still use that small plastic bulb thingy that attaches to your gun to filter out whatever contaminant gets missed. Worked for me well ever since the huge compressor upgrade. Now my compressor only goes on twice when spraying epoxy on two front fenders on my fasty.

I make sure I have a clean surface.
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[chrisflstf]

Im not a paint guy, but I just read that fisheyes can come from too small a compressor. The paint doesnt get atomized well enough. Seems to make sense to me

[Dauz]

Fish eyes are caused pre-existing oil, wax, or grease on the surface.

If the paint doesn't atomize, it'll run.

edit: oh, and I'm not a paint guy either. It's just the things you learn as a DIY'er.

[marklaken]

So the question is why are there fisheye eliminator products in the first place? I've wonder the same thing - Is it just for lazy people, or paranoid people, or do they really improve the paint job, or are there painting conditions that require them?

I've never used them and have had no issues with fisheyes in my dusty greasy garage spraying single stage paints. I do all the best practices to prevent fisheyes (drain tanks/lines, use a large inline filter, wax/grease remover and tack cloth prior to sealer & single stage topcoat)
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[jspbtown]

I was having some issues on a project way back and I did buy some and used it effectively.

However I have found that if you use a good water filter at the gun (and change it if really humid or your compressor is running alot) and clean the surface really well beforehand then you can really eliminate them entirely.

You need to wear gloves while cleaning the car with wax/grease remover. The oils from your skin can cause problems. Lately I have been giving the car a final wipe down with denatured alcohol. I read it somewhere and since I have been doing that I have had zero problems. I still use the wax/grease remove but the final wipe down is alcohol.

And I am FAR from a pro...but have painted a few garage paint jobs.

[eyetzr]

Fish eyes are from contamination on the substrate that is being painted. Filters on spray guns, compressors, tools all help, but one must wash the surface before priming & painting. The painter is also partially to blame, having a cheeseburger & beer for lunch & not washing hands after will net the same result. I was told only the painter/prepper should touch the surface before painting. Glove up, wet rag one hand dry rag in the other. Change frequently. Fish eye eliminator (some of them) are nothing but pure silicone, just allows the paint to flow over the contaminates. Hope this helps