Army Painter Spray Primer/Basecoat Problem

[Targa]

I had a bad result today with the flesh tone. I sprayed it on 28mm Romans and it left a grainy surface. I have used it before -- once with flesh and once with plate mail metal. This is the first problem. I don't believe it is the spraying technique. The can was well shaken. What could cause the graininess? Could it be a bad can of paint? This can was half full and had sat on the shelf for about 6 months since the last usage. I live in a humid location, but it wasn't raining and the humidity was average. Now I have a unit with a grainy texture. I'm hoping the dip and varnish will cover it somewhat.

[Targa]

What the Heck? Did I break an unwritten rule about criticizing Army Painter? I'm just seeking answers, not pointing fingers. I don't think I did anything to cause the problem, but maybe I'm wrong. Anyone else have any similar issues? Is there a humidity issue? Should people in the Tropics not buy Army painter? Help me out here. Thanks,

[mikeland]

What the Heck? Did I break an unwritten rule about criticizing Army Painter? I'm just seeking answers, not pointing fingers. I don't think I did anything to cause the problem, but maybe I'm wrong. Anyone else have any similar issues? Is there a humidity issue? Should people in the Tropics not buy Army painter? Help me out here. Thanks,

Don't worry, I'm sure no unwritten rule has been broken. Sometimes on here you have to wait a few days for an answer, not everyone comes on and posts every day. It may just be as simple as the fact that no one has had a similar problem. I have only used the black base primer, which is has always been good to use, no problems.

I am wondering if perhaps the humid weather over the 6 months has affected the paint.
The other thing to check it that the nozzle was clear.

My suggestion would be to approach the manufacturers directly:
http://www.thearmypainter.com/contact.php

[NTM]

Don't use sprays myself but have read about issues on various forums similar to yours. It generally seem to be a result of weather conditions and the age of the can, so I suspect that is where your problem lies.

[Cubster]

I'm posting to confirm I have read the post but cannot help.

[pbeccas]

Humidity causes the problem. Very common here in West Australia no matter what spray paint brand you use. I have to be careful in summer. Best thing you can do is strip the paint off and start again.

[Targa]

Thanks everyone for the input. The nozzle was clear. I'm in Hawaii and it is very humid. Other spray paints haven't been a problem. I don't spray if it is raining or rain is expected. I had no issues with two other spraying sessions with AP sprays. I am pretty good with an airbrush and have used spray cans numerous times so I don't think technique was the cause. Too late to strip and start again. I just finished painting tonight and just have the dip and varnish to go. I don't think it will be noticeable from 3' away. This may be my last effort with AP spray primers however. It might be that it was a half-full 6 month old can. If I do it again I will test it with one figure first. I'm anxious to see how the dip will flow around the grainy surface. Will it create lots of shadows where they should not be? Or maybe it will cover the graininess? Will know more tomorrow evening.

[Colonel White]

I think moisture in the air will cause the graininess.

Case in point . Brian at the store primes and undercoats all my vehicles for me . He sprayed some of my German tanks just after it had stopped raining and he got very grainy results. This was intentional I must stress as I wanted a" rough" surface to represent zimmerit finish on my tanks . The graniness also makes drybrushing far more easier. Overall , I am pleased with the finished tanks.

I accept this doesn't help your case as I this effect you don't want on the soldiers themselves, however it could be a possible cause.

[Big Al]

Have you tried contacting Army Painter via their website? They might be better equipped to answer your question that we are on here and may be able to help you out.

http://thearmypainter.com/

The email address is at teh very bottom of the page. Personally, I don't think that the 6 months has anything to do with it or everyone would have the problem from a new can. They may be sat on a shop shelf or storeroom for that length of time or longer.

[grant]

I'm posting to confirm I have read the post but cannot help.

I concur.

Although my best guess would be excessive humidity, which I understand many, many islands in Pacific, and not just Hawaii, are subject to.