Troubleshooting Guide

Unsure about a technical term, looking for a solution for a common finishing problem or easy-to-follow instructions on techniques? Our troubleshooting guide is here for you!

Troubleshooting

Unsure about a technical term, looking for a solution for a common finishing problem or easy-to-follow instructions on techniques? Our troubleshooting guide is here for you!
Search for glossary terms (regular expression allowed)
Term Main definition
A
A
Adhesion - Intercoat

Common
Problem

Delamination between coats

Whitening of film between coats


Chemcraft
Solution

Ensure correct sanding between coats

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

Common
Problem

Delamination to stain

Whitening of film between coats


Chemcraft
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

Common
Problem

Removal of film to substrate

Delamination to substrate when impacted


Chemcraft
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

Common
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


Chemcraft
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

B
B
Bénard Cells

Common
Problem

Cell pattern in finish

Color and surface irregularities


Chemcraft
Solution

Add dispersant

Add silicone additive to reduce surface tension

Increase application viscosity

Lower application thickness

Add thixotrope or thickener

Bleeding

Common
Problem

Color migration from coated substrate

Color in sanding dust

Colored film on surface


Chemcraft
Solution

Avoid bleeding dyes and pigments

Use vinyl sealer to seal color

 

Blocking

Common
Problem

Sticking together of panels when dry


Chemcraft
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

Common
Problem

Hazy deposit on film

Oily or wax-like substance on surface

Reduced gloss

Mottled or non-uniform surface


Chemcraft
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

Common
Problem

Whitening of surface

Lowering of gloss


Chemcraft
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

Common
Problem

Poor coin scratch

Delamination of film when impacted


Chemcraft
Solution

Ensure that brittleness is not lack of adhesion

Check with representative

If a catalyzed system, check ratio

Brown Spots

Common
Problem

Brown spots in film


Chemcraft
Solution

Clean air lines of oil contamination

Drain or repair oil separator

Bumps and Sinks

Common
Problem

Uneven surface appearance

Low depth of image (D.O.I.)


Chemcraft
Solution

Add silicone flow additive

Add thixotrope

C
C
Cold Check

Common
Problem

Cracks in finish


Chemcraft
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

Common
Problem

Depressions in finish with raised edges and material at center


Chemcraft
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

Common
Problem

Formation of beads, islands, craters or pinholes

Poor wetting of substrate


Chemcraft
Solution

Clean substrate before application

Ensure sanding before application

Addition of silicone flow agent

D
D
Discoloration

Common
Problem

Change in color of finished parts

Yellowing of film


Chemcraft
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

Common
Problem

Wet film

Soft film


Chemcraft
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

F
F
Fat Edges and Picture Framing

Common
Problem

Paint build-up on edges

Poor edge coverage


Chemcraft
Solution

Addition of thixotrope

Addition of silicone flow agent

Faster solvent balance

Lower viscosity

Ensure profiles are sanded to remove sharp edges

Fish Eyes

Common
Problem

Depressions in finish with raised edges and uniform material at center

Undispersed droplets in paint


Chemcraft
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

Common
Problem

Mottled, blotchy or streaked appearance

Separation and uneven distribution of pigment

Result of Bénard cell formation


Chemcraft
Solution

Increase application viscosity

Lower application thickness

Add thixotrope or thickener

Add dispersant

Add silicone additive to reduce surface tension

Flooding

Common
Problem

Uniform color change

Surface enrichment of one or more pigments

Different color on disturbed surface/ Rub-up


Chemcraft
Solution

Reduce film thickness

Raise viscosity of coating

Speed drying

G
G
Gloss Variation

Common
Problem

Uneven gloss areas

Incorrect / unexpected gloss

Flat or glossy spots


Chemcraft
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

Common
Problem

Grey areas in deep pores

Poor cleaning of sanding dust from pores

Poor wetting of pores


Chemcraft
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

H
H
Haze

Common
Problem

Dulling of finished surface

Exudation to surface

Fine solvent pops

Microvoids

Fine Bénard cells


Chemcraft
Solution

Use correct thinner

Check current catalyzation

Check the dry of previous coat

Stir material to ensure uniform product

Use retarder solvent

Hiding

Common
Problem

Poor coverage

Show-through of dark lines at edges of profiles


Chemcraft
Solution

Reduce amount of thinner in material

Mix material thoroughly before use

Increase / ensure correct film build

Sand sharp corners of profiles

Increase speed of solvent balance

L
L
Lifting

Common
Problem

Wrinkling of the finish

Unevenness of the ripple effect on surface


Chemcraft
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

M
M
Marring

Common
Problem

Surface damage when scratched


Chemcraft
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

Common
Problem

Fine cracks in surface of waterborne finish


Chemcraft
Solution

Increase temperature of application area

Increase drying temperature

Add coalescing solvent under agitation

Increase substrate temperature

O
O
Orange Peel

Common
Problem

Surface bumpiness or waviness

Orange peel effect

Poor leveling


Chemcraft
Solution

Check and / 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

P
P
Printing

Common
Problem

Marks in finish after stacking


Chemcraft
Solution

Increase dry time

Use freshly catalyzed materials

Do not dry or cure in cool area

Ensure correct catalyzation

R
R
Rub Up

Common
Problem

Color change on disturbed area of finish

Flocculation of pigments


Chemcraft
Solution

Reduce film thickness

Raise viscosity

Add thixotrope or thickener

Speed drying

Add dispersant

Add silicone additive to reduce surface tension

S
S
Sagging

Common
Problem

Gravity driven flow on vertical surfaces


Chemcraft
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

Common
Problem

Small granules in finish

Undispersed or flocculated pigments

Dirt

Resin gel particles


Chemcraft
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

Common
Problem

Partial precipitation from solution

Syneresis or phasing of material

Pigment settling


Chemcraft
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

Common
Problem

Parallel lines of irregularities in finish

Floating problem

Phase separation

Specialized Bénard cells

Incompatibility


Chemcraft
Solution

Add dispersant

Use silicone additive

Increase application viscosity

Add thixotrope or thickener

Skinning

Common
Problem

Skin on surface of paint

Gummy material in bottom of paint


Chemcraft
Solution

Keep containers closed

Check pot-life

Add water / solvent coverage to material

Solvent Trap

Common
Problem

Cracking / crazing of finish after unpacking

Glossy or flat spot after stacking


Chemcraft
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

T
T
Tearing

Common
Problem

Large cracks in waterborne finish

Uneven drying of the surface before the body of the paint film

Poor through cure in waterborne materials


Chemcraft
Solution

Decrease surface heat to finish

Increase substrate temperature

Telegraphing

Common
Problem

Structural or surface features revealed in finish

Show-through of fingerprints, water spots or sanding marks


Chemcraft
Solution

Addition of silicone flow agent

Increase viscosity of coating

Addition of thixotrope

Faster solvent balance

W
W
White Spots

Common
Problem

White spots or contamination in film


Chemcraft
Solution

Ensure flatting agent is completely mixed before application

Filter material before use

Check water separator

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Our extensive wood coatings expertise covers all technologies. From pre-catalyzed to waterborne, nitrocellulose to polyurethane, we deliver a wide range of top-performing products for your business.

View our ranges

Our extensive wood coatings expertise covers all technologies. From pre-catalyzed to waterborne, nitrocellulose to polyurethane, we deliver a wide range of top-performing products for your business.

Need help? Contact our team of wood coating experts.

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