why did my paint wrinkle?

[NMike]

i sprayed the engine compartment last saturday. came out ok, just a couple of light spots where the primer showed through.

i scuffed it up lightly on thrusday and sprayed it with the same paint today.

after just seconds the paint started to wrinkle. WTF? how long do you have to wait for a second coat?

now do i sand it all down and spray it again? when?

it is just a single stage paint.

[Silver R/T]

You need to read product data sheet, it has all the info there.

[bill440rt]

Sometimes, if you respray over it too soon without leaving ample time for the paint to chemically cure, it can & will wrinkle as you've found out.
Question: Did you add hardener to the paint, or did you just thin it using reducer? Enamels without hardeners will take longer to cure. What kind of "single stage paint" did you use?

Even some spray paints, such as Rustoleum, are notorious for wrinkling if they are not allowed to dry long enough. It even states this on the can.

You've answered your own question. Sand it down completely & start over again. Sorry...

[Silver R/T]

You should always try a small spot to see if it lifts. Best bet is to use sealer over it and then shoot paint on top of sealer

[AKcharger]

Area prep...you you used a degreaser and make sure the paint you were using was compatable with the exisitng paint?

[hemi-hampton]

Sounds like no Hardener/catalyst was used. LEON.