Adhesion – Intercoat
Problem
- Delamination between coats
- Whitening of film between coats
Solution
- Ensure correct sanding between coats
- Topcoat within recommended time limit after sanding
- Allow correct dry time of sealer coats
- Use correct finishing system
- Ensure no contamination on previous coat
- Apply a wet coat material
- Do not fog or mist coating to apply thinner film builds
Adhesion – Stain
Problem
- Delamination to stain
- Whitening of film between coats
Solution
- Reduce application of stain
- Ensure sufficient wiping of stain
- Allow correct dry time of stain
- Dark stains should be obtained by using toners before stain application
- Avoid heavy shading
- Make sure to use the correct finishing system (sealer/topcoat) to match stain.
- Apply wet coat of sealer or topcoat
- Do not fog or mist coating to apply thinner film builds
Adhesion – Substrate
Problem
- Removal of film to substrate
- Delamination to substrate when impacted
Solution
- Ensure correct sanding of substrate
- Use correct finishing system to match topcoat with primer used
- Ensure no contamination on substrate
- Apply wet coat of material
- Do not fog or mist coating to apply thinner film builds
- Closed grain hardwoods should be well sanded before use
- Higher solids finishes need a better wood profile to anchor to than low solids
- Ensure sand paper is not worn
Air Entrapment / Pinholing
Problem
- Bubbles from pores in the wood
- Air entrapment from preparation of paint
- Air entrapment from application
- Blistering from drying techniques
- Topcoat attacking previous coat
Solution
- Use defoamer
- Use slower solvent balance
- Change airflow during drying, check for drafts
- Reduce air pressure during application
- Spray thin wash coat as first coat
- Ensure adequate flash off before oven
- Reduce viscosity
- Bring lacquer to room temperature
- Use correct thinner
- Use weakest solvent for previous coat to avoid blistering
- Reduce recirculation speed
- Reduce film thickness
Bénard Cells
Problem
- Cell pattern in finish
- Color and surface irregularities
Solution
- Add dispersant
- Add silicone additive to reduce surface tension
- Increase application viscosity
- Lower application thickness
- Add thixotrope or thickener
Bleeding
Problem
- Color migration from coated substrate
- Color in sanding dust
- Colored film on surface
Solution
- Avoid bleeding dyes and pigments
- Use vinyl sealer to seal color
- Change from acid catalyzed material
Blisters / Pinholes
Problem
- Micro bubbles or voids in coating surface
- Unfilled pores on open grain wood I veneer
Solution
- Use a slower thinner if necessary
- Reduce board temperature and minimize applied film thickness
- Check viscosity of the finish
- Ensure that the substrate is not porous
- For open-grain woods use a filler or different primer
Blocking
Problem
- Sticking together of panels when dry
Solution
- Reduce film build applied
- Increase or ensure recommended dry times are followed
- Ensure ovens are at the correct temperature
- Increase or ensure correct airflow during dry
- Ensure correct temperature of substrate
- Decrease or ensure correct temperatures at stacking
Blooming
Problem
- Hazy deposit on film
- Oily or wax-like substance on surface
- Reduced gloss
- Mottled or non-uniform surface
Solution
- Adjust catalyst level – over-catalyzation
- Do not use stearated materials such as lacquers and certain polyesters under acid catalyzed coatings
- Check formula for incompatibility
- Check substrate for contamination
Blushing
Problem
- Whitening of surface
- Lowering of gloss
Solution
- Reduce humidity
- Use richer thinner
- Check water level in equipment
- Warm lacquer to room temperature
- Increase temperature of application area
- Slow dry time
- Dry waterborne stains or sealers
Brittleness
Problem
- Poor coin scratch
- Delamination of film when impacted
Solution
- Ensure that brittleness is not lack of adhesion
- Check with representative
- If a catalyzed system, check ratio
Brown Spots
Problem
Solution
- Clean air lines of oil contamination
- Drain or repair oil separator
Bumps and Sinks
Problem
- Uneven surface appearance
- LOW Depth of Image (D.0.1.)
Solution
- Add silicone flow additive
- Add thixotrope
Cold Check
Problem
Solution
- Decrease dry film build
- Ensure minimum room temperature during cure
- Use only freshly catalyzed material
- Ensure correct catalyzation
- Ensure profiles are sanded to reduce sharp angles
Cracking
Problem
- Cracks and checks in film
Solution
- Applied coating is too thick. Use wet mil gauge during application (Refer to Product Information Sheet)
- Reduce the moisture ratio
- Check the mixing ratio
- Check suitability of surface and coating
- Check the drying and storage conditions
- Check suitability of surface and coating
Cratering
Problem
- Depressions in finish with raised edges and material at center
Solution
- Remove source of contamination
- Clean substrate before application
- Clean equipment before application
- Filter material
- Clean air system and ventilation control
- Addition of silicone flow agent
Crawling
Problem
- Formation of beads, islands, craters or pinholes
- Poor wetting of substrate
Solution
- Clean substrate before application
- Ensure sanding before application
- Addition of silicone flow agent
Cracking
Problem
- Cracks and checks in film
Solution
- Applied coating is too thick. Use wet mil gauge during application (Refer to Product Information Sheet)
- Reduce the moisture ratio
- Check the mixing ratio
- Check suitability of surface and coating
- Check the drying and storage conditions
- Check suitability of surface and coating
Discoloration
Problem
- Change in color of finished parts
- Yellowing of film
Solution
- Check age of coating
- Check contamination from drum liner
- Check iron or aluminum contamination from application equipment
- Check for presence of foreign vapors or fumes
- Check to ensure presence of UVA, if required
- Check to ensure material not stored at excessive heat
- Check for tannin bleed
Dry
Problem
Solution
- Decrease humidity during application
- Increase temperature in drying and curing area
- Clean wax or oil contamination from substrate
- Mix catalyst and thinner well into material
- Ensure correct ratio of catalyst
- Reduce I ensure correct addition of retarder solvent
Fat Edges and Picture Framing
Problem
- Paint build-up on edges
- Poor edge coverage
Solution
- Addition of thixotrope
- Addition of silicone flow agent
- Faster solvent balance
- Lower viscosity
- Ensure profiles are sanded to remove sharp edge
Fish Eyes
Problem
- Depressions in finish with raised edges and uniform material at center
- Undispersed droplets in paint
Solution
- Remove source of contamination
- Remove source of incompatibility
- Clean substrate before application
- Clean equipment before application
- Clean air system and ventilation control
- Addition of silicone flow agent
Floating
Problem
- Mottled, blotchy or streaked appearance
- Separation and uneven distribution of pigment
- Result of Bénard cell formation
Solution
- Increase application viscosity
- Lower application thickness
- Add thixotrope or thickener
- Add dispersant
- Add silicone additive to reduce surface tension
Flooding
Problem
- Uniform color change
- Surface enrichment of one or more pigments
- Different color on disturbed surface/ Rub-up
Solution
- Reduce film thickness
- Raise viscosity of coating
- Speed drying
Gloss Variation
Problem
- Uneven gloss areas
- Incorrect I unexpected gloss
- Flat or glossy spots
Solution
- Ensure correct drying or oven temperatures
- Ensure correct film build
- Apply seal coat to eliminate absorbent areas on substrate
- Reduce solvent strength to reduce exudation of resins from wood
- Ensure clean substrate
- Addition of silicone flow agent
Grey Pores
Problem
- Grey areas in deep pores
- Poor cleaning of sanding dust from pores
- Poor wetting of pores
Solution
- Blow out sanding dust from pores on sanded panels
- Reduce viscosity of sealer
- Add non-contaminating silicone to improve wetting of sealer ·
- Change sealer to improve wetting and shrink-back
- Change to urethane sealer
Haze
Problem
- Dulling of finished surface
- Exudation to surface
- Fine solvent pops
- Microvoids
- Fine Benard cells
Solution
- Use correct thinner
- Check current catalyzation
- Check the dry of previous coat
- Stir material to ensure uniform product
- Use retarder solvent
Hiding
Problem
- Poor coverage
- Show-through of dark lines at edges of profiles
Solution
- Reduce amount of thinner in material
- Mix material thoroughly before use
- Increase I ensure correct film build
- Sand sharp corners of profiles
- Increase speed of solvent balance
Lifting
Problem
- Wrinkling of the finish
- Unevenness of the ripple effect on surface
Solution
- Ensure correct system
- Do not use weaker films under stronger
- Apply thinner coat of topcoat
- Apply heavier coat of sealer
- Use weaker reducer
- Ensure correct air movement and dry
- Allow longer dry on previous coat
- Ensure correct catalyzation
- Use freshly catalyzed materials
Marring
Problem
- Surface damage when scratched
Solution
- Use freshly catalyzed material
- Increase dry and cure of finish
- Increase cure area to room temperature
- Allow 14 days to obtain full cure with acid cure materials
- Add silicone anti-mar additive
- Follow manufacturers recommended shelf life
- Add coalescing solvent to waterborne material to ensure good film formation
Mud Cracking
Problem
- Fine cracks in surface of waterborne finish
Solution
- Increase temperature of application area
- Increase drying temperature
- Add coalescing solvent under agitation
- Increase substrate temperature
Orange Peel
Problem
- Surface bumpiness or waviness
- Orange peel effect
- Poor leveling
Solution
- Check and I or lower viscosity
- Apply correct or thicker film build
- Reduce dry spray or overspray
- Increase atomizing air
- Reduce fluid pressure
- Check correct air cap
- Use retarder solvent or rich thinner
- Eliminate excessive air movement
- Add silicone flow agent
- Apply even stroke with spray gun at the correct distance from the substrate
Printing
Problem
- Marks in finish after stacking
Solution
- Increase dry time
- Use freshly catalyzed materials
- Do not dry or cure in cool area
- Ensure correct catalyzation
Rub Up
Problem
- Color change on disturbed area of finish
- Flocculation of pigments
Solution
- Reduce film thickness
- Raise viscosity
- Add thixotrope or thickener
- Speed drying
- Add dispersant
- Add silicone additive to reduce surface tension
Sagging
Problem
- Gravity driven flow on vertical surfaces
Solution
- Speed up solvent balance
- Control or reduce application of material
- Increase application viscosity
- Correct spray application, avoid overlap, use correct gun angle, speed gun movement
- Apply several thinner coats
- Reduce drafts and application in direct sunlight
- Increase temperature of application area
- Reduce application nozzle size
- Reduce fluid pressure
Seeds
Problem
- Small granules in finish
- Undispersed or flocculated pigments
- Dirt
- Resin gel particles
Solution
- Check to confirm dirt and not small air bubbles
- Clean environment
- Clean application equipment
- Filter material
- Use correct thinner
- Store and apply material at room temperature
Separation
Problem
- Partial precipitation from solution
- Syneresis or phasing of material
- Pigment settling
Solution
- Change solvent for reduction
- Store at room temperature
- Ensure good adhesion
- Lower amount of reduction
- Slower addition of reducer
- Keep container sealed to reduce oxidation
Silking
Problem
- Parallel lines of irregularities in finish
- Floating problem
- Phase separation
- Specialized Bénard cells
- Incompatibility
Solution
- Add dispersant
- Use silicone additive
- Increase application viscosity
- Add thixotrope or thickener
Skinning
Problem
- Skin on surface of paint
- Gummy material in bottom of paint
Solution
- Keep containers closed
- Check pot-life
- Add water I solvent coverage to material
Solvent Popping /Pinholing
Problem
- Formation of holes, craters, dimples and volcano-like bumps
- Visual appearance of seeds
- Visual appearance of low gloss
Solution
- Increase flash time
- Use of retarder solvent
- Use of slower solvent blend
Solvent Trap
Problem
- Cracking I crazing of finish after unpacking
- Glossy or flat spot after stacking
Solution
- Decrease or ensure correct film application
- Ensure correct air movement and dry times
- Do not store in cold environment before complete cure
- Increase cure before stacking or packing
- Ensure correct catalyzation
Tearing
Problem
- Large cracks in waterborne finish
- Uneven drying of the surface before the body of the paint film
- Poor through cure in waterborne materials
Solution
- Decrease surface heat to finish
- Increase substrate temperature
Telegraphing
Problem
- Structural or surface features revealed in finish
- Show-through of fingerprints, water spots or sanding marks
Solution
- Addition of silicone flow agent
- Increase viscosity of coating
- Addition of thixotrope
- Faster solvent balance
White Spots
Problem
- White spots or contamination in film
Solution
- Ensure flatting agent is completely mixed before application
- Filter material before use
- Check water separator