What It Looks Like
The surface appears:
uneven or dimpled
slightly rough instead of smooth and glossy
reflective, but distorted (not crisp)
Why It Happens
1. Paint applied too heavy
Thick coats don’t level properly and trap texture as they dry.
2. Poor spray technique
Spraying at an angle (not perpendicular)
Holding the can too close
Moving too slowly
In professional spray systems, orange peel can also be caused by pressure, viscosity, or evaporation factors (see Advanced section below).
3. Low temperature
Cold conditions reduce can pressure and affect atomization.
4. Improper paint flow-out
Paint droplets don’t fully level before drying.
With aerosol cans, viscosity, pressure, and nozzle are already optimized—so orange peel is more likely caused by technique or conditions.
How to Prevent It
Apply multiple thin, even coats (not heavy coats)
Keep the spray perpendicular to the panel
Maintain consistent distance and motion
Paint in 65°F / 18°C + conditions when possible
Always spray a test card before painting your vehicle
How to Fix Orange Peel
If the finish already has texture:
Do not attempt to fix while soft.
Light: 1000 grit
Moderate: 600–800 grit
Heavy: 300–500 grit (then refine back up to remove sanding marks)
Use thin, controlled coats following proper technique.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Trying to fix orange peel by spraying more paint
This extra paint usually makes it worse.
The surface needs to be leveled first, then repainted.
Advanced: Other Causes of Orange Peel
In more technical scenarios, orange peel can also be caused by:
Improper paint atomization
Low air pressure (spray gun systems)
Incorrect nozzle size
Paint viscosity issues
Paint too thick or not properly reduced
Solvent evaporation timing
Thinner flashing too quickly before the paint levels
Spray angle
Not spraying perpendicular to the surface
Excessive paint application
Overloading the surface with material
Note: With ScratchesHappen aerosol cans, these variables (pressure, viscosity, nozzle) are pre-set and optimized—so orange peel is usually caused by application technique or environmental conditions, not the product itself.
FAQ
Is orange peel caused by humidity?
Not directly. Humidity affects drying, but orange peel is mainly caused by application technique and paint thickness.
Is orange peel the same as a soft finish?
No.
Orange peel = texture issue
Soft paint = curing issue (often humidity or heavy coats)
Can I polish it out instead of repainting?
Only very minor orange peel can be polished. Most cases require sanding and repainting.