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CRATERING

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CRATERING
1.0 DESCRIPTION :
The formation of small bowl shaped depressions
in the paint film. Not to be confused with Cissing.
2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM
Trapped air bubbles which have burst to leave
small craters as the coating dries. The coating has
insufficient time to flow into a uniform film.
3.0 PREVENTION
Improve spray technique to avoid air entrainment.
Add thinners as recommended by the paint supplier.
4.0 REPAIR : Abrade and clean the surface and recoat.
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ADHESION FAILURE

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ADHESION FAILURE
1.0 DESCRIPTION
Paint fails to adhere to substrate or underlying coats
of paint.
2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM
Surface contamination or condensation.
3.0 PREVENTION
Ensure that the surface is clean, dry and free from
any contamination and that the surface has been
suitably prepared. Use the correct coating
specification.
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ADHESION FAILURE

4.0 REPAIR

Depends upon the extent of adhesion failure.

Removal of defective areas will be necessary
prior to adequate preparation and application
of correct coating system to manufacturer’s
recommendations.

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BLISTERING

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BLISTERING

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BLISTERING

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BLISTERING

1.0 DESCRIPTION
Dome shaped projections or blisters in the dry
paint film through local loss of adhesion from the
underlying surface. Blisters may contain liquid,
gas or crystals.
2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM
Localized loss of adhesion caused by contamination
with grease, oil, salts, rust, trapped moisture,
retained solvent, hydrogen vapour pressure, soluble
pigments etc.
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BLISTERING

3.0 PREVENTION
Ensure correct surface preparation and application.
Apply a suitable coating system.

4.0 REPAIR
Depending upon size and type of blistering, remove
blistered areas or entire coating system and repair
or fully recoat.

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BUBBLES OR BUBBLING

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BUBBLES OR BUBBLING

1.0 DESCRIPTION
Bubbles within a paint film appear as small raised blisters.
These may be intact or broken ( to leave a crater ). Can be
found in excessively thick paint films, especially if spray
applied, and also with roller application. This should not be
confused with blistering.
2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM.
Trapped air / solvent within the coating which is not released
before the surface dries. Can be found with factory applied
coatings where application is by dipping, electro-deposition
or roller coating.
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BUBBLES OR BUBBLING

3.0 PREVENTION
Spray application— use airless spray equipment,
adjust viscosity with thinner or modify spray
temperature. Use correct mixing equipment to
ensure air is not stirred in during mixing. Add
de-foaming agent to emulsion paints.

4.0 REPAIR
Depending on severity of bubbling, abrade or
remove the offending coats and recoat.
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SOLVENT LIFTING

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SOLVENT LIFTING

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SOLVENT LIFTING

1.0 DESCRIPTION
Eruption of the surface of the paint film. Wrinkling
and blistering which leads to a weak surface and
ultimate coating breakdown.

2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM

Incompatible paint systems used. Top coats with
a strong solvent blend can attack previous and
weaker solvent blended coatings. Over-coating
before the previous coat has adequately hardened.
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SOLVENT LIFTING

3.0 PREVENTION
Use correct coating specification, over-coating
times and materials. Conduct compatibility trials
with undercoat / topcoats.

4.0 REPAIR
Remove all defective coatings. Abrade, clean and
recoat with correct coating system, following the
recommended over-coating times.

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RUNS OR SAGS

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RUNS OR SAGS

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RUNS OR SAGS

1.0 DESCRIPTION
Downward movement and tears of paint which
appear soon after application to vertical surfaces
due to excessive paint application. In severe
situations it may be described as curtains.
2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM
Over application of paint, excessive thinner, wrong
( lack ) of curing agent or just poor workmanship.
In extreme circumstances,it could be a formulation
problem.
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RUNS OR SAGS

3.0 PREVENTION
Use correct application techniques with suitably
formulated products.

4.0 REPAIR
While the paint is still wet, brush out runs and sags.
When the paint has dried, abrade and clean
defective areas and apply overall coat or spot
repair, as necessary.

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PEELING

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PEELING

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PEELING

1.0 DESCRIPTION
Similar to flaking, although peeling tends to produce
soft and pliable coatings which can be pulled away
from or spontaneously flake away from the substrate
or from between coats, due to loss of adhesion.

2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM

Peeling is the reduction in bond strength of the paint
film due to contamination or incompatibility of coats.

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PEELING

3.0 PREVENTION
Use correct coating system and specification
applied to clean and uncontaminated surfaces.

4.0 REPAIR
Remove all soft and pliable coating back to a firm
edge or total removal. Abrade, clean and apply
suitable coating system to coating manufacturer’s
recommendations.

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FLAKING

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FLAKING
1.0 DESCRIPTION
A form of adhesion failure where paint literally
flakes from the substrate. A familiar sight on wood
substrates and on galvanizing coating.
2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM
Incorrect paint system used. Either none or incorrect
pretreatment used for certain substrate i.e. non-
ferrous or galvanized. Also poor application techni-
ques. May also be attributed to differential expansion
and contraction of paint and substrate e.g. wood.
Can be the result of ageing of the paint system.
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FLAKING

3.0 PREVENTION
Use correct coating system and pre-treatment.

4.0 REPAIR
Remove all flaking coating until a firm edge can be
achieved. Abrade, sweep blast and clean overall and
recommendations.

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MUD CRACKING

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MUD CRACKING

1.0 DESCRIPTION
The dried paint film has the appearance of a
dried-out mud bath. Cracks vary in size and
amount but form a network of cracks.

2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM

Generally over application of heavily pigmented
primers such as inorganic zinc silicates or water
based coatings, although can occur with other over
thick systems.
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MUD CRACKING

3.0 PREVENTION
Only apply the recommended coating thickness.
Use recommended application techniques with
suitably formulated products.

4.0 REPAIR
Remove all cracked and flaking paint back to a
sound base. Abrade and clean surface. Re-apply
coating to manufacturer’s recommendations.

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CISSING

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CISSING
1.0 DESCRIPTION
Surface breaks in a wet paint film, where the paint
has receded to expose the underlying substrate.
Sometimes known as crawling or fisheyes. The
paint is unable to wet-out the substrate. Can be
very large.
2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM
Surface contamination by either moisture or foreign
matter such as oil, grease, silicone etc. Also known
to happen when incorrect solvent blends have been
used.
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CISSING

3.0 PREVENTION
Ensure surface is clean and free from grease,
oil and foreign contaminates prior to application
of coating.

4.0 REPAIR
Abrade and thoroughly clean the contaminated
surface or remove the coating to achieve a clean
surface. Reapply the coating system to the coating
manufacturer’s recommendations.
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DRYSPRAY

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DRYSPRAY

1.0 DESCRIPTION
Rough and uneven finish to the surface of the paint
film where the particles are insufficiently fluid to
flow together and are often poorly adhered.

2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM

Incorrect spray application i.e. gun distance. Also
associated with fast drying products and too high
an application temperature.

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DRY SPRAY

3.0 PREVENTION
Use correct coating application equipment and
techniques. Use a slower drying solvent or solvent
blend, Follow recommended application procedures.

4.0 REPAIR
Abrade and remove any loose dryspray and
re-apply coating or topcoat.

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IMPACT DAMAGE

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IMPACT DAMAGE

1.0 DESCRIPTION
Cracks which radiate from a point of impact.
2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM
Impact damage to a relatively brittle coating. Often
it has been seen on glass fiber reinforced plastics.
3.0 PREVENTION
Prevent impact damage.
4.0 REPAIR
Abrade all damaged areas and recoat.

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WRINKLING

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WRINKLING

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WRINKLING

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WRINKLING

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WRINKLING
1.0 DESCRIPTION
The development of wrinkles in the paint film
during drying, wrinkling, swelling and blistering
of the coating.

2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM

Usually due to the initial formation of a surface skin
with solvent based paints. Also swelling of the
coating from solvent attack. Can arise from over
coating before the previous coat has adequately
hardened.
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WRINKLING

3.0 PREVENTION
Use correct coating specification and materials.
Adequate mixing, application and curing of
materials. Follow the paint suppliers recommended
over-coating times.

4.0 REPAIR
Remove defective coatings. Abrade, clean and
recoat.

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PINHOLES

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PINHOLES

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PINHOLES

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PINHOLES
1.0 DESCRIPTION
The formation of minute holes in the wet paint film
during application and drying, due to air or gas bubbles
which burst, giving rise to small craters or holes which
fail to coalesce before the film dries.
2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM
Solvent or air entrapment within a paint film. A common
common problem when coating porous substrate such
as zinc filled primers, zinc silicates and metal sprayed
coatings etc. Pinholes can also be caused by incorrect
spray application or incorrect solvent blend.
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PINHOLES

3.0 PREVENTION
Use correct application techniques with suitably
formulated products. Correct solvent blends and
environmental conditions. Check spray equipment
and distance of spray gun from the surface.

4.0 REPAIR
Abrade, clean overall and apply suitable undercoat
and topcoat as necessary.

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SOLVENT POPPING

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SOLVENT POPPING
1.0 DESCRIPTION
Solvent ( clear ) bubbles on the surface of the paint
film soon after application.
2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM
Incorrect solvent blends, porous surfaces and
wrong environment conditions.
3.0 PREVENTION
Use correct coating specification and material.Correct
application techniques and environmental condition.
4.0 REPAIR : Lightly abrade and clean the surface and
apply undercoat / topcoat.
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BLOOM

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BLOOM

1.0 DESCRIPTION
A hazy deposit on the surface of the paint film
resembling the bloom on grape, resulting in a loss
of gloss and a dulling of colour.

2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM

Paint film exposed to condensation or moisture
during curing. Incorrect solvent blend can also
contribute to blooming.

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BLOOM

3.0 PREVENTION
Apply and cure coating systems under correct
environmental conditions and follow the
manufacturer’s recommendations.

4.0 REPAIR
Remove bloom with clean cloth or suitable solvent
cleaners. If necessary, apply undercoat / topcoat
following manufacturer’s recommendations.

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FADING

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FADING

1.0 DESCRIPTION
Discolouration or gradual decrease in colour of a
paint when exposed to sunlight / weather. May be
accompanied by loss of gloss. In some situations it
may resemble chalking but without the powdery
surface. Fading tends to accelerate in the presence
of moisture.
2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM
Incorrect pigmentation; use of organic pigments;
atmospheric contamination; porous substrate.
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FADING

3.0 PREVENTION
Use correct coating systems which resists U V light
and fading. Use a coating with light stable pigments.

4.0 REPAIR
Abrade and clean the surface and apply a light
stable coating system.

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CHECKING

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CHECKING

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CHECKING

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CHECKING
1.0 DESCRIPTION
Fine cracks which do not penetrate the topcoat of a paint
system. Some checking can be so minute that it is
impossible
to see without magnification.
2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM
Typically a formulation and / or a specification problem. As
with cracking, stresses are developed which cause the
surface of the paint film to become brittle and crack. Limited
paint flexibility.
3.0 PREVENTION:Use a correct formulated coating system
4.0 REPAIR: Abrade and clean surface & apply undercoat /
topcoat to suit. 61
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ORANGE PEEL

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ORANGE PEEL

1.0 DESCRIPTION
The uniform pock-marked appearance, in particular
of a sprayed paint film in which the surface of the
paint film resembles the skin of an orange.

2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM

Failure of the paint film to flow out. Usually caused
by poor application techniques or by incorrect
solvent blend.
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ORANGE PEEL

3.0 PREVENTION
Use correct application techniques with suitably
formulated products.

4.0 REPAIR
Where aesthetics are of concern, abrade overall,
clean and recoat.

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GRINNING

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GRINNING
1.0 DESCRIPTION
The underlying surface is visible through the paint
film due to inadequate hiding power of the coating
material. This is sometimes called “ Grinning-
Through “. Often seen where dark colours are
over coated with lighter colours.

2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM

Low film thickness of penultimate coat. Poor opacity
and covering power of topcoat.Strong colour of
primer / undercoat. 66
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GRINNING

3.0 PREVENTION
Apply adequate dry film thickness between
individual coats. Use opaque coatings with good
covering properties.

4.0 REPAIR
Apply additional compatible coats to clean surface.

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EROSION

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EROSION

1.0 DESCRIPTION
Selective removal of paint films from areas or high
spots.

2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM

The wearing away of the paint film by various
elements such as rain, snow, wind, sand etc.
Found to be mire prominent on brush applied
coatings because of the uneven finish.
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EROSION

3.0 PREVENTION
Use a suitable coating system with resistance to
surface erosion / abrasion.

4.0 REPAIR
Clean surface free from contamination and apply
a coating system formulated and tested for the
specific environment.

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CHALKING

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CHALKING

1.0 DESCRIPTION
A friable, powdery layer on the surface of a paint
film. A change of colour or fading is also seen.
Chalking rates vary with pigment concentration and
choice of binder. Chalking is a known characteristic
of certain paints e.g. epoxy paints.

2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM

Disintegration of the paint binder on exposure to
weathering and / or UV light .
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CHALKING

3.0 PREVENTION
Apply a suitable topcoat with high resistance to
chalking and UV resistance.

4.0 REPAIR
Remove all powdery deposits by abrasion or light
sweep blast cleaning, wipe loose material off and
apply a chalk resistant topcoat.

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TACKINESS
1.0 DESCRIPTION
Soft film of applied coatings.Although beyond the
wet and liquid stage, the paint film remains as a
tacky and soft surface. Sometimes only apparent on
touching the substrate.
2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM
There are various reasons why a paint will remain
tacky :
a) Over thickness.
b) Excessive thinner.
c) Wrong ( lack ) curing agent.
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TACKINESS

2.0 ROOT CAUSES OF PROBLEM

d) Low drying / curing temperature.
f) Use of coating beyond pot life or shelf life.
3.0 PREVENTION
Use correct coating specification and materials.
Ensure two-pack materials are correctly mixed.
Follow paint supplier’s recommendations.
4.0 REPAIR
Remove defective costing. Abrade, clean and
recoat.
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