Hello all,
I did the last modelling act of the summer (leaving for a short holiday tomorrow) a couple of days ago spraying Tamiya's acrylic X-22 on Airfix's Spit PRXIX.
I worked as with any other paint: thinner in the cup first, then paint. I get nice, smooth, even coats with flat colours, but X-22 behaves quite strange: it's smoother on the curved areas (i.e. the fuselage) while it's rough (though remaining glossy) on plain surfaces such as the wings (AKA "orange-peel effect").
I think the colour was diluted correctly and the pressure was around 10psi... how can avoid this in the future?

That's weird. Was it a very humid day? Sometimes the weather can create strange results on your paint work. Try upping the psi to10-15. How old is the clear? If its old stock it may be starting to go bad. Have you tried using Future? Its cheaper and is self leveling.

Thanks for answering!
Yes, it was a VERY VERY VERY humid day, but the paint was almost brand new!
I'll try spraying it next month when the temperature will be lower.
I know Future is somewhat magic, but unfortunately it's not available in Italy, and there is no equivalent either!

I for one have not experienced this problem but have heard of different people spraying on very humid days and getting the same results as you. I'll bet you the humidity is the causing factor. And again, I would also bring up the pressure to 15-20's psi. Experimentation with the pressure may give you better results.

Orange peel is caused by the solvent evaporating before the paint hits the surface. You probably sprayed the flat areas from further away than the curved areas. Try spraying closer and see if that cures the problem.

Thanks Gentlemen!
I'll retry when I go back home!