In this post, we will discuss the different factors that can affect your coating and how to achieve better results when carrying out the wetting out process. We will also cover dry film thickness and how to prevent sub-surface corrosion.
There are so many images online that show super-amazing results that look flawless. These images can set you on edge, thinking you are not doing enough to get better results. Please note that it does take a lot of work and expertise to do it right. Also, don’t believe every advert you see because some of the images have been enhanced!
Wetting out a Coating
Many professionals will confirm that it is almost impossible to achieve a wetted out coating that looks perfect. So don’t beat yourself up if the results are not exactly what you expected.
Here are some tips to help you get better results when you are wetting out a coating…
Avoid Spraying Too Fast
You can achieve an even coating if you take your time to patiently spray over the surface gently. These tasks should never be done in a rush if you want to get the best results.
An even coating will also improve the wetting out process and a finer coat in the end.
Follow the Right Steps During Thinning
If your thinning process is too extensive, you can compromise the outcome after the job is done. There are standard ways to perform thinning.
Avoid Brushing Out Too Much
The brushing out process is essential, but doing it too much can lower the quality of your results. Please try not to brush out too much.
Following the tips above will help you prevent air and moisture from being caught under the coating, which can cause blistering.
Dry Film Thickness and Sub-Surface Corrosion
As the coating dries, it can become porous and cause defects in the job. To avoid this situation, you should identify areas of high and low DFT. Then use high-quality thinners to achieve an even thickness.
It is important to repair areas with high DFT because the thickness can cover signs of sub-surface corrosion, which will be much more difficult to repair later.
Sub-surface corrosion is identified as one of the situations that can ruin a coating that has taken so much effort to complete. This is why it is essential that you must follow the right process during wetting out to ensure that moisture and air are not trapped beneath the coating surface.
The best tip I will give in this post is that you should never compromise on quality when buying the products you plan to use for wetting out and coating.
All metal surfaces have different peaks and valleys, if a peak is left uncovered, it can ruin the job. However, high-quality products can be used to achieve an appropriate thickness that will cover the peaks, and hold firmly to the metal surface and around the edges.
For more information, check out https://www.buzzweld.co.uk/blog/dry-film-thickness-wetting-out-and-subsurface-corrosion.html.
