Building a BC-1 guitar for my son

[Barno]

I have had the dust/pebble effect before. As TD said, could be distance. Could also happen when it's really hot and/or dry out. Either way it's generally caused by some of the paint drying before hitting the surface. You could try getting closer. I'd also check the temperature ranges it's supposed to be painted in, and if it cares about humidity.

It may not matter with a primer coat, since you may not care much what it looks like once you sand flat. With a color coat I have had decent luck with MTN 94 spray paints. I have gotten the dust effects or occasional blotches when the nozzle gets a little old, but they have sanded out well. I am not sure what a hammered look spray paint looks like--although I am looking forward to seeing one here ;-) The primer I had pebbles with was Duplicolor. Although it sanded out well, I no longer use Duplicolor because the colored spray paint does not react well to the heat and humidity of the place I live. The primer did fine though.

Morning all - yes Fender3x and Trevor - I think you hit the nail on the head. I did a light sand to take the "dust" off and re-sprayed a fair bit closer. It is much smoother and feels "right". Good call. I'll give it a light 400 sand, and another coat of primer at the better distance. Thanks.

I've attached a couple of pics of a hammered copper paint I used for a turntable pre-amp I made. It's quite a nice effect.