Hi Andrew,
Rough texture can often be from too high air pressure, or not enough thinner.
Dope will "dry" before it hits the surface you're spraying sometimes.  Although Dope (lacquer based) products will not be real glossy until rubbed out, they should go on alightly "wet".  Too much thinner will mean extra coats, but I usually thin it out pretty good.  What thinner are you using?

I have had this problem too and wondered if a touch of retarder would help?   

Don Kirmess

Thanks Robert for the tips. I'll try thining the dope more and see what happens. I've been having a problem with overspray. Maybe this will cure it. Sorry Andrew didn't mean to hijack your post.

Don Kirmess

I've had problems with temperature and humidity in my work area. Especially temperature when spraying during the summer. Working during the morning when it's cooler helps. Also I've used retarder when needed, always trying a small amount and hitting a test board. When the mix is o.k. the paint lays down well and does not orange peel. I splash a small amount into a four ounce jar and try it out. Adding a little more, if it still bumps. It took me a while to realize the obvious. The heat in my work area was setting the paint up before it hit the plane. 85 degrees is quite hot for a spraying area. These are my observations. But I'm no expert. For the most part I use colored dope other than white. My bet is the heat of your work area makes the paint temperamental. Thinning in my experience does not slow down the drying that much. Careful use of retarder does help.