Which term describes a textured paint surface resembling an orange skin?

• A. Fisheye
• B. Runs
• C. Overspray
• D. Orange peel

Answer: (D)

Orange peel is the texture where the cured paint forms tiny bumps and valleys, giving a surface like the rind of an orange. This happens when the paint film doesn’t flow out smoothly before it hardens—often due to too-viscous coating, improper atomization, or spray settings that aren’t right (distance, air and fluid pressures, nozzle size). To reduce orange peel, thin the paint to the proper viscosity, adjust the spray gun setup, use the correct nozzle, maintain an appropriate spraying distance, and control surface temperature and cleanliness. If needed, a light recoat after scuffing can help achieve a smooth finish. Fisheye are crater-like defects from surface contaminants, runs are sagging drips from too-heavy application, and overspray is paint deposited where it shouldn’t be. Those don’t describe the textured, orange-skin look.