Cold Check

Problem

Cracks in finish

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

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

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

Wet film

Soft film

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 / 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 edges

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 / 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