What is the orange peel effect and how can you avoid it?
- What is the orange peel effect?
The name of this defect is given by the resemblance of the final paint finish to an orange peel.
This problem is caused by the lack of stretching or levelling of the paint, resulting in a deformed surface and in an increased thickness of the final coat.
- Causes and how to prevent the orange peel effect
Cause 1: Incorrect or insufficient thinner.
Prevention 1: Use the solvent recommended by the manufacturer for each paint and in the proportions indicated in the technical data sheet.
Cause 2: Excessively high or low pressure.
Prevention 2: Adjust the pressure of the paint spray gun and adjust the selected nozzle to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Cause 3: Short distance from the application.
Prevention 3: Maintain a minimum of 25 cm between the support and the spray gun when painting.
Cause 4: Incorrect primer preparation.
Prevention 4: Respect the times set by the manufacturer to repaint the primer in order to obtain a good leveling of the primer. Keep in mind that the enamel "marks" those roughness defects of the primer. If this is not achieved, a light sanding of the primer is recommended to remove the roughness.
Cause 5: Very high surface temperature.
Prevention 5: It is recommended that the surface be at a temperature between 10 and 25ºC to obtain the best leveling results.
Cause 6: The paint or catalyst is too cold.
Prevention 6: Temperature control of the products to be used in a room suitable for such use. Heat-insulated jackets are available to heat the paint cans to application temperature.
Cause 7: Excess coat.
Prevention 7: Adjust the application viscosity and nozzle to the specifications indicated in the data sheet. Use wet measuring combs to check that the thickness applied is the recommended thickness.
