TM55-1500-345-23
Right and Methods of Spraying
the work, the same speed, and as near to a right
poor flow characteristics (such as MIL-C-46168),
angle to the surface as possible throughout the
that the gun is held perpendicular to all surfaces
entire pass. The natural tendency for spray paint-
(flat or contoured as they are passed).
ers, particularly when fatigued or in an uncomfort-
If this is not done, the irregular spray pattern form-
able position, is to arc or wave the gun (figure 3-l).
ed will lay down uneven thicknesses. Uneven
This practice must be avoided at all costs, In gen-
thickness will cause uneven drying when using
eral, wrist movement must be eliminated in strok-
single component paint. Uneven thickness, when
ing. A flexible wrist almost inevitably causes the
MI L-C-46168 paints are used may cause sagging.
gun to describe a curve instead of remaining par-
Protrusions such as screw heads, etc., present
allel to the surface. This causes a thicker coating
surfaces that will require facing the gun in several
to be applied in the middle of the stroke than at
directions to completely coat them. It may be ad-
the end. (An exception to the rules is in spotting
visable to spot paint these in advance. The rate of
during touchup. Here it is permissible to fan the
the stroke should be uniform and such as to lay
gun to lay down a spot which is thinner at the
down a full wet coat of material. Stroking should
edges in order to blend into the larger painted
be in parallel passes with each stroke aimed for a
area.) Touch up here applies only to painting
50 percent overlay, or so that the middle of the
occuring in an approved facility and not open air
spray strikes the wet bottom edge of the previous
touch up, Special pains must be taken, particu-
stroke (figure 3-3.)
larly when applying dense coating materials with
