PAINT DEFECTS (bittiness and bleeding) 1565

Bittiness

Description: Dirt or dust embedded or partially embedded in the paint film

Cause: Application without correct preparation, application on top of dirt, dust

and contamination. Also painting in conditions which allows drifting
foreign particles to land on and contaminate the wet coating.

Remedy: Wait until paint is dry then abrade to remove all surface imperfections
and re-apply the finish coat.
Ensure that all dust and dirt is removed prior to painting and do not
paint in conditions where there is excessive dust in the air.

Bleeding

Description: Brown stains bleeding through the freshly applied coating.

Cause: Painting over reversible coatings, i.e. bituminous and coal tar coatings,
with non-tar coatings, without first applying a barrier coat. It is caused
by the solvent in the fresh paint “re-wetting” the underlying coating.

Remedy: Remove existing reversible coatings or apply a barrier coat prior to the
application of the new system or re-apply a bituminous type coating.

The information in this data sheet is to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of printing.
The company reserves the right to modify data without notice. The issue of a new data sheet will normally follow any change in data. The user should check the date of this sheet and if more
than 12 months have elapsed, then the data should only be used after checking with our nearest sales office to establish that they are still valid. Since condition of application and service may be
beyond our control, no liability can be accepted on the basis of this data.
PAINT DEFECTS (cracking and crazing) 1565

Cracking

Description: Cracks in the substrate that in turn crack the paint film.

Cause: Curing of the substrate at too fast a rate or settling of the building.

Remedy: Remove all loosely adhering paint and “rake” out the crack to an
inverted “V” shape. Remove all dust and contamination and prime, fill,
then re-apply full paint system.

Crazing

Description: The coating cracks in all directions giving the appearance of a

crocodile skin and exposing the underlying substrate.

Cause: Application of hard drying coatings over soft elastic coatings.

Recoating before the undercoat has dried or adding excessive driers.

Remedy: Choose correct paint system.

Allow specified dry times between coats.
If driers are added, only add small amounts.

The information in this data sheet is to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of printing.
The company reserves the right to modify data without notice. The issue of a new data sheet will normally follow any change in data. The user should check the date of this sheet and if more
than 12 months have elapsed, then the data should only be used after checking with our nearest sales office to establish that they are still valid. Since condition of application and service may be
beyond our control, no liability can be accepted on the basis of this data.
PAINT DEFECTS (efflorescence and discoloration) 1565

Efflorescence

Description: Paint blistering or flaking from the substrate with a white powdery
deposit (salts) evident on the substrate.

Cause: Through the natural drying out process or where the substrate is
continually wetted, the moisture evaporates outward through the
concrete, masonry or brick., picking up soluble salts from the alkaline
substrate and depositing them on the surface of the paint or substrate..

Remedy: Ensure that a correct damp proof course has been installed. Remove
sources of moisture where possible. White deposits should be removed
by dry brushing (using a stiff nylon brush) as they appear and the
process repeated every 3 days until they no longer form on the surface.
A final brush down is advised but the surface should not be wetted.
Decoration should not take place until no further deposits are present.
If efflorescence persists, seek advice from Sigma Paints Technical Department.

Discolouration

Description: Colour change in the finish to a lighter or less intense colour.

Cause: Ultraviolet light degradation, using non-lightfast colour or pigment.

Remedy: Repaint with a more UV resistant system.

The information in this data sheet is to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of printing.
The company reserves the right to modify data without notice. The issue of a new data sheet will normally follow any change in data. The user should check the date of this sheet and if more
than 12 months have elapsed, then the data should only be used after checking with our nearest sales office to establish that they are still valid. Since condition of application and service may be
beyond our control, no liability can be accepted on the basis of this data.
PAINT DEFECTS (flaking and grinning) 1565

Flaking

Description: Paint flaking from the substrate.

Cause: Moisture ingress through the end grain in timber.

Painting over underbound coatings or painting over substrates which
have a very high moisture content.

Remedy: Remove all loose and flaking coatings and prepare/re-coat the
substrate when it is dry. Ensure that wherever possible, all end grains
are coated.

Grinning

Description: The showing through of an underlying surface or undercoating

due to the inadequate opacity.

Cause: Overthinning of the paint, overspreading of the paint or applying

a dark/strong colour over a lighter colour base coat.

Remedy: If grinning has occurred, re-apply the finish coat.

Apply all products in accordance with the product data sheet.
Use correct system build.

The information in this data sheet is to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of printing.
The company reserves the right to modify data without notice. The issue of a new data sheet will normally follow any change in data. The user should check the date of this sheet and if more
than 12 months have elapsed, then the data should only be used after checking with our nearest sales office to establish that they are still valid. Since condition of application and service may be
beyond our control, no liability can be accepted on the basis of this data.
PAINT DEFECTS (mechanical damage and mould) 1565

Mechanical damage

Description: Coatings chipped from the substrate.

Cause: Physical damage by abrasion or impact.

Remedy: Remove all loose and flaking coatings and prepare/re-coat the
damaged areas.

Mildew (mould growth)

Description: Black, blue, green or red fungal growth on the surface of the paint film.

Cause: Microorganisms growing on or under a paint film due to a damp, dark

and humid environment.

Remedy: Clean sound areas using a weak bleach solution. Flaking paint and
damaged wallcoverings should be removed and burnt to ensure that
mould spores do not become airborne and re-settle on paint surfaces.
After initial washing with bleach, leave for some time to see if mould
reappears. If it does repeat bleaching until it no longer appears.
Wash surface down with clean sweet water, allow to dry completely
before recoating with a recommended system.

The information in this data sheet is to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of printing.
The company reserves the right to modify data without notice. The issue of a new data sheet will normally follow any change in data. The user should check the date of this sheet and if more
than 12 months have elapsed, then the data should only be used after checking with our nearest sales office to establish that they are still valid. Since condition of application and service may be
beyond our control, no liability can be accepted on the basis of this data.
The information in this data sheet is to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of printing.
The company reserves the right to modify data without notice. The issue of a new data sheet will normally follow any change in data. The user should check the date of this sheet and if more
than 12 months have elapsed, then the data should only be used after checking with our nearest sales office to establish that they are still valid. Since condition of application and service may be
beyond our control, no liability can be accepted on the basis of this data.
PAINT DEFECTS (misses and moisture damage) 1565

Misses/skips

Description: Bare/missed patches on an otherwise coated surface that were not

painted with one or more coats of the material/system.

Cause: Incorrect application technique. Applications in conditions of bad lighting.

Remedy: Ensure adequate lighting during application. Apply methodically with

correct application techniques.

Moisture damage

Description: Peeling, flaking and cracking of the paint film due to underlying
moisture.

Cause: Excessive moisture that has been trapped under a paint coating
with no means of escape.

Remedy: Provide forms of ventilation (if possible). Do not paint surfaces

with excessive moisture content. Source of moisture should be
ascertained and stopped from entering substrate. If problems
persist, contact Sigma Paints Technical Department.

The information in this data sheet is to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of printing.
The company reserves the right to modify data without notice. The issue of a new data sheet will normally follow any change in data. The user should check the date of this sheet and if more
than 12 months have elapsed, then the data should only be used after checking with our nearest sales office to establish that they are still valid. Since condition of application and service may be
beyond our control, no liability can be accepted on the basis of this data.
PAINT DEFECTS (orange peel and overspray) 1565

Orange peel

Description: Hills and valleys in the paint resembling the skin of an orange.

Cause: Spraying defect caused by applying paint which is too thick,

holding the spray gun too close to the surface, solvent
evaporated too fast or air pressure too low for proper
atomization of the paint. Can also be caused by poor paint
roller application or using wrong type of roller.

Remedy: Before cure brush out excess paint. Spray methods/equipment

should be modified. After cure, abrade and apply another coat.

Overspray

Description: Also called dry spray. Dry, flat, rough finish on the surface of a paint
finish.

Cause: Spray defect caused by atomized paint particles reaching the surface
and not wet enough to flow out because of rapid solvent evaporation,
holding the gun too far from the surface, or paint particles falling
outside the spray pattern. Too high air pressure is also a cause.

Remedy: After cure, abrade where necessary and apply another coat. Adjust
fluid and air output from the spray gun to correct balance.

The information in this data sheet is to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of printing.
The company reserves the right to modify data without notice. The issue of a new data sheet will normally follow any change in data. The user should check the date of this sheet and if more
than 12 months have elapsed, then the data should only be used after checking with our nearest sales office to establish that they are still valid. Since condition of application and service may be
beyond our control, no liability can be accepted on the basis of this data.
PAINT DEFECTS (peeling and pinholes) 1565

Peeling

Description: Coating peeling away from the substrate or underlying coating.

Cause: Poor adhesion of the paint to the substrate caused by poor preparation,
damp or dirty substrates. Painting over smooth surfaces which have not
been abraded to provide a key.

Remedy: Remove loose paint and ensure proper preparation of the

substrate then re-apply full system to repair areas.

Pinholes

Description: The formation of tiny, deep holes in the coating which exposes the
underlying substrate.

Cause: The flow of the applied paint is not continuous due either to poor
mixing of two pack materials or insufficient agitation after thinning
leading to insufficient wetting of the substrate. Over mixing with a
mechanical mixer causing air to become trapped in the coating can also cause this problem.
Overthinning of the material should also be avoided.

Remedy: Before cure, brush out evenly, allow to dry and if required,
apply another coat of paint. After cure, abrade and apply the recommended touch up system.
The information in this data sheet is to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of printing.
The company reserves the right to modify data without notice. The issue of a new data sheet will normally follow any change in data. The user should check the date of this sheet and if more
than 12 months have elapsed, then the data should only be used after checking with our nearest sales office to establish that they are still valid. Since condition of application and service may be
beyond our control, no liability can be accepted on the basis of this data.
PAINT DEFECTS (ropiness and rusting) 1565

Ropiness

Description: An appearance of lines resembling rope texture running through

the paint surface.

Cause: Under or over brushing during application. Application of products

with insufficient thinners added. Application of paint in cold
conditions causing the paint to drag during application, or hot
conditions where the paint dries before brushing out is possible.

Remedy: Abrade and recoat the surface ensuring the correct ratio of thinners is
added to the paint. Use correct brush techniques during application and
use only good quality brushes.

Rusting

Description: Rust spotting or staining on iron and steel.

Cause: Salt contaminated substrate. Pinholes or porous surface coating,

grit inclusions in the paint, too high a surface profile for applied
coating thickness or wrong paint system or paint system with
insufficient thickness applied.

Remedy: Ensure all surface contamination is removed prior to painting. After

the coating has cured, use a holiday detector to check for pinholes in
the coating and abrade and apply additional coats as required. Ensure
correct thickness of paint is applied. Ensure the system is suitable

The information in this data sheet is to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of printing.
The company reserves the right to modify data without notice. The issue of a new data sheet will normally follow any change in data. The user should check the date of this sheet and if more
than 12 months have elapsed, then the data should only be used after checking with our nearest sales office to establish that they are still valid. Since condition of application and service may be
beyond our control, no liability can be accepted on the basis of this data.
 for the condition for which it is intended.

The information in this data sheet is to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of printing.
The company reserves the right to modify data without notice. The issue of a new data sheet will normally follow any change in data. The user should check the date of this sheet and if more
than 12 months have elapsed, then the data should only be used after checking with our nearest sales office to establish that they are still valid. Since condition of application and service may be
beyond our control, no liability can be accepted on the basis of this data.
PAINT DEFECTS (sags and skinning) 1565

Sags/runs

Description: Also called curtains. An excess flow of paint.

Cause: Too heavy application of paint and failure to brush out evenly.
Spray gun held too close to the surface or using the wrong spray
equipment setup, failure to maintain correct speed of spray
application (moving the gun too slowly) or adding excessive thinners
to the paint.

Remedy: Before cure, brush out excessive paint. If being applied by spray,
modify spray setup or technique. After cure, abrade and apply
another coat of paint.

Skinning

Description: Paint skin or lumps of material normally found on the inside

of a previously opened paint tin.

Cause: Improper storage of paint where container lids have not been
properly and securely closed leading to air entering the tin and
causing the contents to cure and skin over.

Remedy: Store indoors in a cool environment and ensure paint containers

are fully closed after opening. Where skinning does occur, carefully
cut around skin and remove completely. If contamination of paint
is suspected, straining of paint should be done.

The information in this data sheet is to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of printing.
The company reserves the right to modify data without notice. The issue of a new data sheet will normally follow any change in data. The user should check the date of this sheet and if more
than 12 months have elapsed, then the data should only be used after checking with our nearest sales office to establish that they are still valid. Since condition of application and service may be
beyond our control, no liability can be accepted on the basis of this data.
PAINT DEFECTS (disbondment and wrinkling) 1565

System disbondment

Description: Paint system has no adhesion to the substrate and starts to peel off after some time

Cause: Surface has not been properly prepared prior to application

of the paint system. Can also be caused by application of the
wrong paint system, wrong choice of primer or no primer application.

Remedy: Remove all loose and flaking paint and thoroughly prepare the
surface before applying new/correct paint system. Depending on
extent of breakdown, it may be better to remove all existing coatings
completely and re-apply a full system.

Wrinkling

Description: Uneven and wrinkled appearance on the surface of the paint film.

Cause: Surface skinning over uncured paint because of overthick application.

Solvent evaporates from the surface of the paint film first, normally
due to warm conditions, stopping the underlying paint from curing
properly and preventing full cure.

Remedy: Allow all coatings to dry. Scrape off wrinkles, abrade and apply
paint in thinner coats allowing the solvents to evaporate from the film.

The information in this data sheet is to the best of our knowledge correct at the date of printing.
The company reserves the right to modify data without notice. The issue of a new data sheet will normally follow any change in data. The user should check the date of this sheet and if more
than 12 months have elapsed, then the data should only be used after checking with our nearest sales office to establish that they are still valid. Since condition of application and service may be
beyond our control, no liability can be accepted on the basis of this data.