By Jim Hingst
There
is only one solution for wrinkling paint. You must first scrape off the
wrinkled paint and then sand the affected area, blending it in with the
surrounding unaffected paint. Then you must repaint the problem area. In some
cases, you may need to use a primer, especially if you sanded down to the
substrate.
is only one solution for wrinkling paint. You must first scrape off the
wrinkled paint and then sand the affected area, blending it in with the
surrounding unaffected paint. Then you must repaint the problem area. In some
cases, you may need to use a primer, especially if you sanded down to the
substrate.
These
corrective actions, though necessary, waste time and materials, cutting into
your shop’s profit. Nobody makes money on rework. Below is a list of probable
causes for wrinkling paint as well as suggestions for preventing problems.
corrective actions, though necessary, waste time and materials, cutting into
your shop’s profit. Nobody makes money on rework. Below is a list of probable
causes for wrinkling paint as well as suggestions for preventing problems.
● Thick applications of paint can cause paint to form a skin
and wrinkle. Be sure that paint is thinned properly according to the
manufacturer’s instructions and applied in thin coats. Multiple thin coats of
paint are preferable to one heavy coat.
and wrinkle. Be sure that paint is thinned properly according to the
manufacturer’s instructions and applied in thin coats. Multiple thin coats of
paint are preferable to one heavy coat.
● Painting in extreme heat can cause the surface of the
paint to form a skin before the interior of the coating dries. The dried skin
can then crinkle as it shrinks over the undried paint underneath it.
paint to form a skin before the interior of the coating dries. The dried skin
can then crinkle as it shrinks over the undried paint underneath it.
● High humidity can slow down the curing process and also
contributes to wrinkling. When painting in a humid environment, allow
additional time for paint to fully cure.
contributes to wrinkling. When painting in a humid environment, allow
additional time for paint to fully cure.
● Wrinkling can also result if a coating is painted on
another coat of paint which has not cured sufficiently. To prevent wrinkling paint, make sure that the lower coats are dry before painting a top coating.
another coat of paint which has not cured sufficiently. To prevent wrinkling paint, make sure that the lower coats are dry before painting a top coating.
● Make sure that primer and top coats are matched for
compatibility. Ideally primer and top coat should be tested and evaluated prior
to use.
compatibility. Ideally primer and top coat should be tested and evaluated prior
to use.
● Wrinkling also occurs after painting on a surface
contaminated with grease, waxes or dirt. Follow proper surface cleaning
procedures before painting.
contaminated with grease, waxes or dirt. Follow proper surface cleaning
procedures before painting.
Even if
you follow every precaution, the unexpected can occur. The best that you can do
to avoid wrinkling paint problems is follow my suggestions and always read and follow
the information that the paint manufacturer provides.
you follow every precaution, the unexpected can occur. The best that you can do
to avoid wrinkling paint problems is follow my suggestions and always read and follow
the information that the paint manufacturer provides.
About Jim Hingst: Sign business authority on vehicle wraps, vinyl graphics, screen printing, marketing, sales, gold leaf, woodcarving and painting.
After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.
Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer. Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.
Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 190 articles for publications, such as Signs Canada, SignCraft, Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 500 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published. Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon.
© 2019 Jim Hingst, All Rights Reserved.