Flaking

Description

The paint lifts from its underlying surface in smooth flakes. These flakes may be easily broken, with a tendency for the edges to peel away from the surface.

Cause

Loss of adhesion between a layer of paint and its underlying surface.

This may be caused by:

1. Contamination of the underlying surface by wax, grease, silicone, oil, release agents, water, corrosion or soap.
2. Insufficient preparation and degreasing of substrate. 
3. Inadequate keying of the surface.
4. Surface too hot or too cold when sprayed.
5. Use of the wrong primer process, primer not properly dry.
6. Incorrect viscosity of paint, use of wrong or poor quality thinner, compressed air pressure too high.
7. Paint film applied too thickly.
8. Build up of stress between two adjacent layers of paint.

Prevention

1. Ensure that substrate is correctly and thoroughly prepared, abraded and degreased, removing all contamination. 
2. Ensure that the surface is within the recommended temperature range during spraying and drying.
3. Use the correct primer process, and ensure that the primer is properly dry before continuing painting.
4. Thin the paint to the correct viscosity, using only recommended thinner. Set compressed air pressure as low as possible consistent with proper atomisation.
5. Apply paint in thin, wet layers.
6. Use a range of products by a single paint manufacturer.
7. Thin the paint to the correct viscosity, using only recommended thinner. Set compressed air pressure as low as possible consistent with proper atomisation.
8. Apply paint in thin, wet layers.
9. Use a range of products by a single paint manufacturer.

Prevention

Remove the detached paint from the affected area. Prepare the underlying surface correctly and repaint.