Ensuring a Defect-Free Finish

Mistakes in the manufacturing and application process can cause a paint job to display unwelcome defects.

At Spectrum Metal, we work hard to make sure that flaws often seen as the result of a less careful approach will never affect your paint job.

PROBLEM	WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE	WHY IT HAPPENS	WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN WITH SPECTRUM PAINTS
Pops	Blister-like swollen areas Cratering when blisters burst Finish will have pinpoint holes	Solvent is trapped due to film build Baking begun too quickly, without sufficient flash-off time	SOP’s and automated equipment allows for controlled application Flash-off time closely monitored Temperature is increased gradually via multi-zone oven controls
Adhesion failure	Paint peels or flakes	Surface is contaminated with grease, oil, etc. Surface has not been properly prepared.Paint has not been properly cured.	Pre-treatment processes to ensure optimum chemical composition. Monthly sampling to test for proper coating weight.Close control of ovens to assure proper curing.
Light coverage	Substrate surface shows through paint.	Inadequate film build.Electronic fields (Faraday cage effect) may interfere with adhesion.	Discuss project parameters with customer to ensure all areas of part are covered. Basecoat applied to difficult-to-reach areas using automated equipment.Recessed areas are hand-sprayed.
Inconsistent color	Color varies from job-to-job or part-to-part	Variations in paint quality from batch to batch. Inadequate agitation during production. Burnt material, over baking.	Full inspection of all paints, whether from outside sources or blended in-house. Consistency assured by proper agitation.Ovens under tight control to prevent burning or over baking.
Rack marks	Some areas on part get less than full coverage, or no paint at all	Racks directly contacting or in close proximity to part result in light coverage areas, or no paint. Blotchy sections on part caused by excessive paint build-up on rack softening in the oven; the part then sinks into the rack.	Minimal contact between part and rack due to carefully designed racks. Racks kept clean, with minimal build-up, due to aggressive maintenance schedule.
Wet mill marks	1½-inch indentations on an exposed surface	Wet mil measurements taken to determine the thickness of a coating.	Automated, controlled application results in consistent paint film thickness, so wet mil testing can be done less frequently. Hand-spray sweep after measurements minimizes wet mil marks.