Finding cracks on newly painted industrial coatings is not only frustrating, but also means costly repairs. Coating failure is not just an aesthetic issue; it exposes the substrate directly to a corrosive environment. PZSSS believes that identifying the root cause is the first step to thoroughly solving the problem. The following are the main causes of coating cracking and preventive measures:
1. Coating film too thick (mud cracking phenomenon) If a single coat is applied too thickly, the surface will dry faster than the bottom layer. As the solvent evaporates, internal stress is generated, and the coating cracks like dried-up mud.
- PZSSS Recommendation: Strictly follow the recommended dry film thickness (DFT) specified in the product technical manual.
2. Improper substrate pretreatment Oil, grease, or old paint film will hinder adhesion. When the coating shrinks during the curing process, it will pull away from areas with weak adhesion, causing cracks.
- PZSSS Recommendation: Perform professional sandblasting or chemical cleaning before construction.
3. Coating system mismatch Applying a hard, brittle topcoat over a soft, flexible primer can lead to "alligator cracking." The topcoat cannot move in sync with the underlying layer, resulting in fractures.
- PZSSS Recommendation: Use the companion PZSSS Coating System to ensure chemical compatibility between layers.
4. Extreme Temperature Fluctuations Construction under intense sunlight exposure or extremely cold environments can disrupt the curing mechanism.
- PZSSS Recommendation: Monitor the ambient and substrate temperature to ensure work is carried out within the safe application window.
