Auto body repair & detailing: Runs in first base coat, wet coats, base coats

Question
Hey William, i just read one of your previous responses to paint runs. However, my stituation is a little different. I just finished spraying my first caot of base color, and I have some big curtain runs in the drivers quartes panel. The paint color is a silver metaillic. I would like to know if there is a procedure to remove these runs before adding more paint to the vehicle? What is the best process to end up with a nice paint jobn without these runs?

Thanks- Mike

Answer
Hello Mike! you are WAY over applying the base coat. Base coats aren't meant to be applied shiny, they are meant to be sprayed dry, and sorta corn cobby. The shine comes from the clear coat. Open up the fan on the gun, cut back the fluid, back the gun away, and speed up. Let the base dry for at least an hour, and wet sand the runs off with a sanding block and 600 grit. If they are still to soft to sand without gumming up the paper or rolling the paint into little balls, wait overnight. You may need to power sand them out in the morning with a DA sander and 320. Maybe you should do a test fender before painting an entire car, so you can become familiar with the spray characteristics of the paint and clear. Here is a helpful tip- silver tends to mottle if clear coat is over applied. Do your first coat of clear sort of dry, not with that heavy glossy shine. Then, follow with 2 medium wet coats of clear. It will prevent streaking, and help prevent sags and runs.