Paint Flooding problems

This section is about Paint Flooding problems includes floating, mottling and shadowing. To repair while film is still wet, apply a thin mist coat of colour. If film is dry, respraying or refinishing is going to be necessary.

Cause
Most colours are made from a combination of different pigments which have varying densities and particle sizes, giving them a natural tendency to separate when the film is in a liquid state. Under normal conditions this tendency is small in magnitude and cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Certain conditions which may aggravate this to a point where the separation of the pigments become visible are:

1. Use of thinner which dries too slowly, allowing the pigment particles to migrate.
2. Applying the colour on a cold surface, or in a cold room.
3. Applying too heavy films of colour.

Prevention
1. Apply undercoats in normal recommended film thickness, and allow to dry thoroughly before application of colour coat.
2. Use thinner as recommended by the paint manufacturer.
3. Avoid extremely heavy coats.
4. Do not spray on a cold surface or in a cold room.
5. Iridescent colours may require a final light coat to avoid flooded appearance.