Paint Finishing FAQ
Fluid Transfer Systems (FTS) answers common questions about 2K plural component equipment, spray guns, and finish quality issues like orange peel. We are a third-generation family-owned distributor in Novi, Michigan, specializing in custom paint finishing, sealant/adhesive, and powder systems — including design, build, test, install, parts, and support.
Need help now? Call (248) 348-6700, email info@ftsonline.net, or visit our Contact page.
2K / Plural Component Equipment
Who do I contact for a 2K paint machine?
Contact Fluid Transfer Systems, Inc. — your local authorized distributor for Graco plural component systems and related finishing equipment. Call (248) 348-6700, email info@ftsonline.net, or stop by 22545 Heslip Drive, Novi, Michigan 48375. Start with our Graco Plural Component Mixing category or the Graco ProMix V product page, then reach out so we can size the right system for your line.
What is a 2K (plural component) paint system?
A 2K system meters and mixes two coating components — typically resin/color (A) and catalyst/hardener (B) — at a controlled ratio before they reach the spray gun. Per Graco finishing guidance, electronic proportioners mix on demand so you get consistent on-ratio material, faster color changes, and less wasted mixed paint than hand-mixing large batches. FTS helps you select, install, and support systems such as Graco ProMix for industrial liquid finishing.
When should I use a plural component proportioner instead of hand mixing?
Consider a proportioner when you spray two-component coatings regularly, need tight ratio control for finish quality, want to reduce mixed waste and potlife scrap, or need faster color/catalyst changeovers. Graco notes that meter-based systems such as ProMix V are built for on-demand mixing with high mix accuracy (up to about ±1% on meter packages) and scalable options for multiple colors and catalysts. FTS can walk through your coatings, flow rates, and booth layout to recommend the right package.
What coatings work with Graco ProMix / 2K equipment?
Graco ProMix meter packages are commonly used with solvent- and waterborne paints, polyurethanes, epoxies, and many acid-catalyzed varnishes, depending on the exact package and materials of construction. Always confirm chemical compatibility and ratio range for your coating with FTS before ordering. Quick-setting materials with a very short potlife may need a different system approach — we will help you match the equipment to the chemistry.
What does a ProMix potlife alarm mean?
Per Graco ProMix help guidance, a potlife alarm (for example E-2 on ProMix 2KS) means the mixed material has exceeded the programmed potlife time. Do not leave mixed material sitting in the lines. Typical next steps from Graco include resetting the alarm and then purging with solvent, spraying enough fresh mixed material to restart the timer, or running a color change. If alarms keep returning or you are unsure of the purge sequence, call FTS at (248) 348-6700 — we support Graco proportioners in the field.
Why am I getting ratio high or ratio low alarms on my 2K system?
Graco ratio alarms indicate the measured A:B mix is outside the set tolerance. Common causes Graco documents include too little system restriction (tip too large or worn, fluid regulator settings), unbalanced A and B supply pressures, flow that is too high right after purge/startup, slow dose-valve actuation (low actuator air pressure or restricted air lines), and worn or incorrectly sized tips. Check tip condition, supply pressures, and air to the valves first. For ongoing ratio issues, FTS can diagnose meters, valves, and supply plumbing on your ProMix or other plural component system.
What causes overdose / dose-too-short alarms on a ProMix?
Graco describes overdose alarms (such as E-5) when a dose overshoots and the combined shot is too large for the mix chamber. Causes can include leaking dose-valve seals or needle/seats, a leaking sampling valve, flow-meter fluctuation from supply pressure pulsations, slow valve actuation, or running a high mix ratio at a high flow rate. Graco often recommends checking for pulsations and, if needed, adding inlet regulators or surge capacity — and contacting your Graco distributor. That is us: Contact FTS.
Need a 2K quote or service? Browse Plural Component Mixing or call (248) 348-6700.
Spray Guns
Why does my air-assist spray pattern have tails or streaks?
Per Graco air-assist spray pattern guidance, tails and streaks often mean the tails are not fully atomized, the tip is worn or plugged, or fluid pressure is too low. Typical fixes: clean the tip, check tip wear and flow rate, increase fluid pressure as needed, or try a smaller tip orifice. The goal is an even, blended pattern with consistent film thickness. If the problem persists after tip and pressure checks, FTS can help size tips and air caps for your coating and gun.
What causes fogging, overspray, or dry spray?
Graco finishing guidance points to too much atomization air, fluid pressure that is too high, or an incorrect tip size. Reducing atomizing air and fluid pressure, and increasing tip orifice size when appropriate, usually improves transfer efficiency and booth cleanliness. Hold the gun at a consistent distance and use proper overlap technique. FTS stocks and supports spray guns and tips from Graco and other finishing brands we carry.
Why is my spray pattern uneven or irregular?
Dirty or plugged air-cap holes, a worn or partially plugged tip, and operator technique are common causes Graco lists for uneven or irregular patterns. Clean or replace the air cap and tip, verify tip wear, and review gun angle, distance, and 50% overlap. Testing a different air cap can also help when the pattern will not settle. Call FTS if you need the correct tip/air-cap combination for your materials.
How do I choose the right spray tip?
Graco tip guidance: the tip code combines fan width and orifice size. For example, a 515 tip sprays about a 10-inch fan (first digit × 2, at 12 inches from the surface) with a 0.015-inch orifice. Lighter coatings generally need smaller orifices; heavier coatings need larger ones. Always stay within your sprayer’s tip rating. Replace tips when the fan narrows and the orifice wears larger — worn tips waste paint and labor. FTS can help you match tip and filter size to your coating.
What spray pressure should I use?
Graco consistently recommends using the lowest pressure that still produces a complete, well-atomized pattern. Excess pressure wastes coating, increases overspray and tip wear, and can contribute to finish defects (including orange peel on some systems). For air-assist guns, increase atomizing air only until tails blend into the pattern. If you are fighting the gun to get a good pattern, contact FTS — the tip, air cap, or fluid setup may be wrong for the job.
Why am I getting paint runs or heavy film?
Per Graco air-assist troubleshooting, runs and heavy coverage often come from too much fluid flow, a worn tip, an oversized tip, or spray technique (too close, too slow, or excessive overlap). Check tip wear and flow, consider a smaller orifice, and review gun speed and overlap. FTS can help tune fluid delivery for even mil build.
Spray gun help: See our Equipment page or contact FTS at (248) 348-6700.
Orange Peel & Finish Quality Issues
What causes orange peel in sprayed paint?
In industrial liquid finishing, orange peel is a textured, uneven dried film. Graco air-assist troubleshooting lists common contributors such as paint coverage that is too thick and too much atomization air; testing a different air cap is a frequent next step. Graco fine-finish guidance also notes that spraying at higher pressure than necessary can produce an orange peel finish. Other shop factors often include material that is too thick for the setup, clogged air filters, or a spray pass that is too slow. FTS can help you separate equipment settings from coating and technique issues.
How do I fix orange peel?
Start with the basics Graco emphasizes: use the lowest pressure that still atomizes well, verify the air cap and tip match the coating, thin only per the coating manufacturer’s instructions if viscosity is too high, clean air filters and the air cap, and adjust gun speed and distance so the film levels without going on too wet or too dry. If orange peel continues across colors or shifts, the proportioning, fluid heat, or gun setup may need a line review — that is a good time to call FTS.
What causes a rough, speckled, or “sugary” finish?
Graco air-assist guidance associates rough/specking finishes with too much atomization air, aggressive fan adjustment, or too much gun-to-part distance (material drying before it flows). Entrained air / “champagne” or sugary finishes are often linked to excess atomizing air or over-agitation of the paint supply; reducing air pressure, trying another air cap, and easing agitation are typical corrective steps. Bring photos or sample panels when you contact FTS — it speeds diagnosis.
Why does my finish look thin, cloudy, or like dry mist?
Graco troubleshooting for thin/cloudy or dry-mist finishes often points to coating that is too thick for the atomization available, a spray pass that is too fast or too far from the surface, or insufficient fluid flow. Slow down slightly, move closer within recommended distance, increase fluid delivery if appropriate, and confirm tip size. For electrostatic or specialty guns, FTS can also check charging and grounding as part of a finish-quality visit.
Can my 2K mix ratio cause finish problems?
Yes. Off-ratio material can show up as poor cure, soft film, gloss issues, or other defects — not only as proportioner alarms. Graco ratio and overdose alarms exist to protect mix quality; ignoring them risks scrap. If finish quality drifts and your ProMix is alarming or trending near tolerance limits, have FTS check meters, valves, tips, and supply balance before you chase the gun alone.
Finish quality support: Call (248) 348-6700 or email info@ftsonline.net. We help shops across the region get back to a sellable finish.
Getting Help / About FTS
Who is Fluid Transfer Systems?
Fluid Transfer Systems, Inc. is a third-generation family-owned distributor founded in 1971 and based in Novi, Michigan. We specialize in custom paint finishing, sealant and adhesive, and powder systems — and we design, build, test, and install equipment, then back it with parts and support. Learn more on our About Us and Services pages.
What brands does FTS stock and service?
We stock and service finishing equipment and parts from Graco, Sames, Nordson, Binks, DeVilbiss, Kremlin, and SATA, among others used in industrial coating and fluid transfer. Browse Equipment for category hubs, or tell us what you spray and we will point you to the right product line.
How do I get a quote, parts, or on-site help?
Call (248) 348-6700, fax (248) 348-8203, email info@ftsonline.net, or use the form on our Contact FTS page. Our address is 22545 Heslip Drive, Novi, Michigan 48375. Whether you need a new 2K paint machine, spray gun tips, or help with orange peel on the line, we are ready to help.
