Hi.
Metallic paints generally can't be just sanded and clear-coated. Regardless of the applying method.
The particle orientation deeper in the paint layer is not uniform because that orientation is determined and forced by the suface tension in the liquid state to keep the particles flat(ish).
The sunken in particles don't have a specific orientation, so the runs and splatters "jump out" as having less metallic particles when You sand them.
A few tips from a few decades of occasional use of rattle cans.
Do not cheap out, cheap paint/can results automatically a cheap looking paint job unless You can wet-sand it smooth and buff it later.
Un-necessary or easier with quality paints.
PRACTISE:
That may sound ignorant, "everyone can paint with rattle cans", but IMHO as a someone who has painted cars for living at one point, I'd say using rattle cans are at least twice as hard as painting with a gun. Even a cheap gun.
With the new EU regulations, rattle cans are so darn expensive as well that using them for anything other than an occasional use will be very expensive.
A good tip with any rattle can is to warm the paint in warm water before spraying. That usually thins it and makes it to flow more constantly.
It's also advisable to let the can sit upright for a few minutes after shaking it, but on some metallics the particles may separate rather quickly.
If You have to (want to) shake the can while You're painting, clear the pick up tube of the air bubbles before you spray at the surface.
Always start and stop the spray outside the surface being painted.
Good luck, ignore the naysayers and once again, PRACTISE.
Regards
Sam
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