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Troubleshootings

Car Coating Problem Guide (28 issues)

issue #1

  • Problem: Air Entrapment / Craters (Small holes made by the “explosion” of air bubbles in or on the paint film).
  • Cause: 1-Blow-speed too slow. 2-Spray gun distance too short. 3-Air pressure too low.
  • Repair: 1-Sand with 1200 grit treated sandpaper, then polish. 2-Or, sand smooth and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1- Maintain the correct spray gun speed and distance. 2- Maintain a suitable air pressure for the spray gun.
  • issue #2

  • Problem: Bleeding (Discoloration in the new finishing color).
  • Cause: Solvent in the new finishing coat dissolves soluble dyes or pigments in the original coat.
  • Repair: Remove original coat and refinish.
  • Prevention: Apply AC2 primer / surfacer (black) or EPX02 Black to isolate the bleeding coat.
  • issue #3

  • Problem: Blistering (Swelling in the topcoat film appears months after application due to the effect of pressure from either solvent or moisture under a paint film).
  • Cause: 1-Spraying over humid substrate. 2-Trapped solvents due to application of wet heavy coats with short flash time between coats. 3-Coating over grease, oil or rust.
  • Repair: 1- Remove affected area and refinish. 2- In some cases remove paint to bare substrate before coating.
  • Prevention: 1-Allow sufficient time for moisture evaporation before coating. 2-Allow additional flash time between coats.
  • issue #4

  • Problem: Blushing (Milky appearance of a finishing coat).
  • Cause: Spraying in humid conditions, water condenses in or on the finishing coat.
  • Repair: 1-Allow the finishing coat to dry then polish. 2-Or, sand and refinish
  • Prevention: 1-Allow additional flash time between coats.
  • issue #5

  • Problem: Chemical Etching (Discoloration on the paint film)
  • Cause: Exposure to extreme environmental conditions such as acid rain, tree and bird ashes for a long period of time.
  • Repair: 1-Clean damage surface (water and detergent washing, solvent clean, washing with sodium bicarbonate solution “one spoon of sodium bicarbonate for one liter of water”, rinse thoroughly) then polish. 2-Or, wet sand with 1500-2000 grit treated sandpaper, then polish. 3-Or, sand smooth and wash with sodium bicarbonate solution then rinse and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Wash regularly with detergent and hot water. 2-Polish periodically. 3-Use Basecoat/Clearcoat system (RNC Basecoat /LAC2K clearcoat) to provide the maximum protection.
  • issue #6

  • Problem: Color Mismatch (Difference in color between the original finishing coat and the repair coat viewed under the same conditions).
  • Cause: 1-Inaccurate mixing of the color formula. 2-Oxidation of the old finishing coat. 3-Basic colors not properly stirred. 4-Incorrect spray conditions. 5-Adjusting color of Basecoat before applying Clearcoat. 6-Color evaluation occurs under an electric light.
  • Repair: Repair by blending color.
  • Prevention: 1-All color must be viewed under the same conditions “equal gloss, polished, and viewed from the same angles”. 2-Stir well materials and colors to be sure that all pigments and metallics are dispersed. 3-Clearcoat must be applied over Basecoat before matching color.4-Color evaluation must occur under daylight.
  • issue #7

  • Problem: Cracking(Lines of various lengths and widths in the finishing coat).
  • Cause: 1- Primer / surfacer and / or finishing coat too thick. 2-Finishing over cracked coat. 3-Short flash time between coats. 4-Force drying primer / surfacers by fanning with spray gun air. 5-Excessive exposure to sunlight with extreme variation of temperature.
  • Repair: Remove cracked coat and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Remove cracked coat before refinishing. 2-Do not force drying primer / surfacers using spray gun air.
  • issue #8

  • Problem: Dust contamination (Fine particles appearing in the finishing coat surface).
  • Cause: 1-Surface not properly prepared before coating. 2-Unsuitable spraying environment. 3-Dirty spraying booth filter.
  • Repair: 1-Sand with 1200 grit treated sandpaper, then compound and polish. 2- Or, sand smooth and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Clean well and wipe the surface to be coated with a clean dry cloth. 2-Spray in a clean environment. 3-Changing filter of the spraying booth. periodically
  • issue #9

  • Problem: Featheredge Lifting (lifted edges in the paint film outlining featheredges).
  • Cause: The solvent of the finishing coat penetrates into a soluble primer / surfacer causing swelling, then when drying causing lifting or wrinkling that outline the featheredge
  • Repair: 1-Sand with 320-400 grit treated sandpaper. 2-Surface the affected area with AC2 primer / surfacer and refinish
  • Prevention: If the solvent of the finishing coat will swell the primer / surfacer, then surface with AC2 primer / surfacer and sand with 320-400 grit treated sandpaper.
  • issue #10

  • Problem: Fisheyes (Small round ring like craters appear directly on the paint film after application).
  • Cause: Applying paint over contaminants such as oil, grease, wax, etc….
  • Repair: 1-If the paint film is wet, remove the paint film using thinner. Then clean the surface and refinish. 2-If the paint film has dried, sand smooth the affected area and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Wash the surface with detergent and hot water. 2- Clean the surface with thinner then wipe the surface thoroughly with a clean dry cloth. 3-Spray in a clean environment.
  • issue #11

  • Problem: Lifting (The previous coat wrinkles during or after application of the finishing coat).
  • Cause: The solvent of the finishing coat penetrates into a soluble previous coat causing swelling, then when drying causing the finishing coat to wrinkle.
  • Repair: Remove affected area and refinish.
  • Prevention: Do not exceed maximum flash time between coats when applying the finishing coat.
  • issue #12

  • Problem: Loss of Gloss (The gloss is reduced as the finishing coat dries and / or ages).
  • Cause: 1-Finishing coat applied over wet and excessive primer / surfacer thickness. 2-Insufficient flash time between coats. 3-Insufficient film thickness of finishing coat.
  • Repair: 1-Allow the finishing coat to dry then polish. 2-Or, sand smooth and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Apply the finishing coat over dry primer / surfacer. 2-Allow sufficient flash time between coats.3-Apply several coats to obtain sufficient film thickness.
  • issue #13

  • Problem: Mottling (Marks of metallic particles in a paint film).
  • Cause: 1-Inhomogeneous distribution of metallic flake. 2-Applying Clearcoat over undried Basecoat. 3-Mixing more thinner than recommended 4-Improper application of Basecoat.
  • Repair: 1-Allow Basecoat to flash then apply a low pressure mist basecoat. 2-Or, sand smooth and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Adjust the air pressure to obtain the best atomization.2-Allow Basecoat to dry before applying Clearcoat.3-Use the correct ratio of thinner4-Follow Basecoat application procedures.
  • issue #14

  • Problem: Orange Peel(Uneven surface of a finishing coat which resembles the peel of an orange).
  • Cause: 1-Air pressure too low. 2-Mixing insufficient amount of thinner 3-Fast evaporation of thinner. 4-Excessive film thickness.
  • Repair: 1-Sand with 1200 grit treated sandpaper, then polish. 2-Or, sand smooth and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Adjust the air pressure to obtain the best atomization. 2-Use the recommended thinner ratio. 3- Use a slow evaporation thinner 4-Avoid excessive film thickness.
  • issue #15

  • Problem: Peeling (Loss of adhesion between coats or between the paint film and the substrate).
  • Cause: 1-Incorrect surface preparation. 2-Using incompatible primer to a specific substrate such as plastic. 3-Insufficient flash time between coats. 4-Insufficient film thickness of the finishing coat.
  • Repair: Remove affected area and refinish
  • Prevention: 1-Clean well and wipe the surface to be coated with a clean dry cloth. 2-Use the recommended primer for plastic parts. 3-Apply several coats to obtain sufficient film thickness. 4-Apply the compatible system over the recommended surfacer.
  • issue #16

  • Problem: Pin holing in Filler (Small holes in or on top of putties or fillers).
  • Cause: Small holes appear on the top of the repair area after sanding dry and filled surface caused by: 1-Air bubbles trapped inside the putty during mixing. 2- Gas bubbles produced by the heat generated during curing when applying heavy thick coats.
  • Repair: Sand smooth and apply a thin coat of polyester putty.
  • Prevention: 1-Mix slowly putty components and press down to prevent air bubbles entrapment. 2-Do not apply putty in heavy thick coats.
  • issue #17

  • Problem: Sags and Runs (Excessive amount of coating failing to adhere uniformly thus flowing causing droplets, or slippage over the paint film).
  • Cause: 1-Mixing more thinner than recommended. 2-Insufficient flash time between coats. 3-Spraying excessive wet coats due to incorrect spray conditions.
  • Repair: 1-If the paint film is wet, remove the paint film using thinner. Then clean the surface and refinish. 2-If the paint film has dried, sand with 1200 grit treated sandpaper and polish. 3-Or, sand smooth and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Use the recommended thinner ratio. 2-Allow sufficient flash time between coats. 3-Adjust the spray gun to obtain the best atomization.
  • issue #18

  • Problem: Sanding Marks (Marks resemble sand scratches in the paint film).
  • Cause: Sanding metallic Basecoat prior to applying LAC2K Clearcoat.
  • Repair: Allow the finishing coat to dry, then sand and refinish.
  • Prevention: Avoid sanding metallic Basecoat prior to applying LAC2k Clearcoat.
  • issue #19

  • Problem: Sand Scratches (Marks in the paint film following sanding direction).
  • Cause: 1- Sanding primer / surfacer occurs before its dry to sand time. 2- Sanding with rough sandpaper.
  • Repair: 1- Allow the finishing coat to dry, then sand smooth and polish. 2- Or, sand and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Allow primer / surfacer to achieve its dry to sand condition before sanding. 2-Use the recommended grit treated sandpaper.
  • issue #20

  • Problem: Seediness (Insoluble particles of various sizes roughing the paint film).
  • Cause: 1-Material not stirred well before application. 2-Using poor grade thinner. 3-Material’s shelf life surpassed. 4-Using materials after the potlife time.
  • Repair: 1-If the paint film is wet, remove the paint film using thinner. Then clean the surface and refinish. 2-Or, sand smooth and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Stir well material before application. 2-Use the recommended thinner. 3-Use materials before their shelf life and containers should be kept tightly closed.4-Do not mix material that can not be used within the potlife time.
  • issue #21

  • Problem: Shrinkage (Shrinkage of paint film as solvent evaporates showing visible marks in the repaired area).
  • Cause: 1-Applying finishing coat before the primer / surfacer has dried. 2- Spraying excessive wet primer / surfacer with insufficient flash time between coats.
  • Repair: Allow the coated surface to dry, surface when required then sand smooth and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Apply the finishing coat over dry primer / surfacer. 2-Allow sufficient flash time between coats.
  • issue #22

  • Problem: Soft Film (The paint film dries slowly and will fingerprint for a period after application).
  • Cause: 1-Spraying excessive wet primer / surfacers or finishing coats 2-Insufficient flash time between coats. 3-Incorrect spraying conditions. 4-Mixing ratio of two component system not respected. 5-Spraying in excessive ventilated area.
  • Repair: 1-Force dry (at higher temperature) or allow additional time to dry. 2-Or, remove the soft film and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Apply several coats and allow sufficient flash time between coats. 2-Adjust the spray gun to obtain the best atomization. 3-Use the recommended mixing ratio for two component system. 4-Avoid spraying in excessive air movement.
  • issue #23

  • Problem: Solvent Popping (Small bubbles like craters appear in or on the paint film).
  • Cause: 1-Excessive wet primer / surfacers or finishing coats. 2-Insufficient flash time between coats. 3-Spraying in excessive ventilated area causing the surface to skin over too quickly. 4-Force drying “heat drying” after excessive flash time.
  • Repair: Allow the finishing coat to dry, then sand and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Apply several coats and allow sufficient flash time between coats. 2-Avoid spraying in excessive air movement. 3-Force drying “heat drying” immediately after spraying.
  • issue #24

  • Problem: Staining (A brownish discoloration in the finishing coat appears in areas where polyester putty is applied).
  • Cause: 1-Material not mixed well before application. 2- Mixing ratio of two component system not respected. 3-Applying excessively wet primer / surfacers or finishing coats.
  • Repair: Allow the finishing coat to dry, then sand the affected area then surface with AC2 primer / surfacer and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Mix well material before application. 2- Use the recommended mixing ratio for two component system.3-Apply several coats and allow sufficient flash time between coats.
  • issue #25

  • Problem: Tape tracking (Line mark appears when using masking tape to prevent paint from being applied where it is not wanted).
  • Cause: 1-Taping before the finishing coat has dried 2-Using bad quality or non-automotive masking tape.
  • Repair: 1-Sand with 1500-2000 grit treated sandpaper then polish. 2-Or, sand smooth and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Allow the finishing coat to dry before masking. 2-Use automotive masking tape.
  • issue #26

  • Problem: Transparency (Poor hiding of the finishing coat).
  • Cause: 1-Color not well stirred. 2-Unsuitable surfacer color. 3-Spraying insufficient number of finishing coat.
  • Repair: 1-Spray additional number of finishing coat. 2-Or, sand and surface with a suitable primer / surfacer color.
  • Prevention: 1-Stir well color. 2-Use a suitable surfacer color. 3-Spray several coats to obtain opacity.
  • issue #27

  • Problem: Water Mark (Circle like spots having the shape of water droplets appear on the surface of the paint film).
  • Cause: 1-Exposure of the finishing coat to water contact before it is completely dried. 2-Washing of the new finishing coat under direct sunlight.
  • Repair: 1-Wipe thoroughly with a clean dry cloth, then polish. 2-Or, sand smooth and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Prevent water to come into contact with new finishing coat before drying is completed. 2-Wash the new finishing coat in the shade. Then, wipe the surface thoroughly with a clean dry cloth.
  • issue #28

  • Problem: Wrinkling (Small ridges appear on the surface of the paint film).
  • Cause: 1- Excessive film thickness. 2- Drying of the finishing coat occurs at extreme hot conditions and under direct sunlight. 3- Spraying in hot humid weather.
  • Repair: Allow the finishing coat to dry, then sand and refinish.
  • Prevention: 1-Avoid excessive film thickness. 2-Avoid drying of the finishing coat under direct sunlight. 3-Use the recommended thinner ratio.
  • Defects which can appear when applying a coating (13 issues)

    issue #1

  • Defects: Bleeding
  • Definition: Discoloration in the new finishing color
  • Cause of defects: Soluble dyes or pigments in old finishes dissolved by solvents in new color and bleed through to the new finish color.
  • issue #2

  • Defects: Blistering
  • Definition: Bubbles caused by solvent or moisture droplets in a paint film.
  • Cause of defects: Coating in hot sunlight, the surface of the film dries too rapidly and traps solvents in the underlying film. Application of an excessively thick coat of paint.
  • issue #3

  • Defects: Blushing
  • Definition: Milky appearance of a finishing coat
  • Cause of defects: Inhomogeneous solvent evaporation in nitrocellulose coatings due to application at low temperatures
  • issue #4

  • Defects: Chalking
  • Definition: A white powder appearance on a paint film
  • Cause of defects: Weathering of a paint film exposed to direct sun light.
  • issue #5

  • Defects: Cracking
  • Definition: Lines of various lengths and widths in the finishing coat.
  • Cause of defects: Paint film is too thick may be due to the heavy application of a single coat.
  • issue #6

  • Defects: Craters
  • Definition: Forming of holes in a film.
  • Cause of defects: Applying paint over gel particles, dirts, fibres, undissolved silicone, oil droplets.
  • issue #7

  • Defects: Crawling
  • Definition: Retraction of the coating from a large area of the substrate.
  • Cause of defects: A surface that has not been thoroughly cleaned from wax, oil, grease, silicone, residue from detergent or soap solution and other contaminants that are left on the surface. Moisture on or in the surface due to dew.
  • issue #8

  • Defects: Fisheye
  • Definition: Small round ring like craters appears on the paint film
  • Cause of defects: Applying paint over dust particles and / or contamination.
  • issue #9

  • Defects: Lifting
  • Definition: The previous coat wrinkles during or after application of the finishing coat
  • Cause of defects: Application of a coating containing solvents that penetrates into a soluble previous coat or undercoat causing swelling, then causing the finishing coat to wrinkle. Application of a finish coat before the previous coat is thoroughly dry.
  • issue #10

  • Defects: Peeling
  • Definition: Loss of adhesion of the paint film.
  • Cause of defects: Inadequate cleaning and preparation of the surface before coating. Failure to dull glossy surfaces by sanding Exterior coating over a chalky surface.
  • issue #11

  • Defects: Sagging
  • Definition: Flow of a paint film.
  • Cause of defects: Occur during application of a low viscous paint or when excessive thinning has occurred. Application over hard and / or glossy finish that should have been sanded to ensure good adhesion of the new coating. Application of too much paint.
  • issue #12

  • Defects: Staining
  • Definition: Spots or discoloration appears on areas of finish paint.
  • Cause of defects: Coating over contaminants such as air pollution, oil, grease.
  • issue #13

  • Defects: Wrinkling
  • Definition: Small ridges appears on the surface of the paint film.
  • Cause of defects: Application of too much paint. The surface of the film dries, but the bottom layer remains soft. Application of a second coat before the first is thoroughly dry. Coating in hot sun light.