Lifting

Also known as: wrinkling, rippling, raising

Description : Surface distortion or shriveling, while the topcoat is being applied or while drying.

  • ORIGIN AND POTENTIAL CAUSES

    » Use of incompatible materials. Solvents in new topcoat attack old surface which results in a distorted or wrinkled effect.


    » Insufficient flash time. Lifting will occur when the paint film is an alkyd enamel and is only partially cured. The solvents
    from thecoat being applied cause localized swelling or partial dissolving which later distorts final surface.

    » Improper dry. When synthetic enamel type undercoats are not thoroughly dry, topcoating with lacquer can result in lifting.


    » Effect of old finish or previous repair.Lacquer applied over a fresh air-dry
    enamel finish will cause lifting

    » Improper preparation or surface cleaning. Use of enamel-type primer or sealer over an original lacquer finish
    which is to be topcoated with a lacquer will result in lifting due to a sandwich effect.


    » Wrong thinner or reducer. The use of lacquer thinners in enamel increases the amount of substrate swelling and distortion which can lead to lifting,particularly when two-toning or re-coating.


    » Application of coats too heavily


    » Excessive film build

  • PREVENTION TECHNIQUES

    » Avoid incompatible materials such as a thinner with enamel products, or incompatible sealers and primers.


    » Don’t pile on topcoats. Allow sufficient flash and dry time. Final topcoat should be applied when the previous coat is still soluble or after it has completely dried and is impervious to topcoat solvents.


    » Select thinner or reducer that is correct for the finish applied and suitable for existing shop conditions.


    » Solvent test and remove or isolate solvent-sensitive substrates.


    » Avoid excessive film thickness

  • REMEDY

    » Remove finish from affected areas and refinish. In very severe cases the whole paint system must be removed to the substrate

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