What causes paint to crack?

What causes paint to crack?

• A. Too Thick
• B. Not Stirred
• C. Inadequate Primer
• D. Too Much Water

Answer: (A)

Cracking happens mainly when the paint is applied too thick. A thick film dries from the outside in, so the top layer forms a hard, brittle skin while the inner portions are still wet and shrinking. As those inner layers dry and pull away, the brittle surface can’t flex, so cracks appear. This is even more likely if the coat traps solvents and doesn’t cure evenly, but the root issue is the excessive thickness of the film. To prevent it, apply thin, even coats and allow adequate drying time between applications.

Cracking happens mainly when the paint is applied too thick. A thick film dries from the outside in, so the top layer forms a hard, brittle skin while the inner portions are still wet and shrinking. As those inner layers dry and pull away, the brittle surface can’t flex, so cracks appear. This is even more likely if the coat traps solvents and doesn’t cure evenly, but the root issue is the excessive thickness of the film. To prevent it, apply thin, even coats and allow adequate drying time between applications.