What are the defects that occur in coated, or sealant products?

At Men@WorX we do our utmost to assure that the products we represent, and use for application purposes are sampled, and tested on application before we recommend to our clients as a sealing, or waterproofing option.

With the influx of many companies infiltrating the marketplace with offering liquid rubber sealants, and such - we urge our clients to do background checks on company registrations, product guarantees and data testing sheets which should give the client the indication, and assurance that the product is not comprised, or the quality thereof, and that the company will outlast their guarantees they issue which should be in written format on the product, and also readily available on request along with the data testing sheets to valid the product efficiency.

For our client’s awareness - Men@WorX is listing a few important aspects of comprised, or defects that should NOT occur on a product, or application.

Some of the most prevalent coating defects include blistering, orange peel, runs and sags, fish eyes, pinholes, and cracking. Blistering occurs when pockets of air or solvent become trapped within or beneath the coating, leading to raised areas that can weaken the coating's structure.

The most common causes of manufacturing defects are poor material quality and negligence. If an item is made with cheap material, it is more likely to malfunction, placing the consumer at greater risk.

Polyurethane is commonly used in the manufacture of plastics, insulation, and coatings. Polyurethane is also used in the production of adhesives, sealants, and elastomers.

Blistering is a defect when bubbles form in the exterior decorative paint film that has been applied to a surface or primer and has failed to settle effectively. The subsequent lifting of the existing paint film from the underlying surface causes bubbles or blisters to show.

The following are the common defects that occur in painting, and sealing:

• Blistering and Peeling
• Fading
• Grinning
• Chalking
• Running
• Sagging
• Flaking
• Blooming
• Wrinkling
• Flashing
• Saponification
• Alleygating
• Checking
• Mildew

Blistering and Peeling:

Blistering and peeling are defects characterised by the swelling of the paint film caused by the presence of moisture, oil, or grease matter. Peeling, resulting from moisture, and blistering, caused by oil or grease, can occur due to imperfect seasoning of timber, excessive oil usage in the final coat, or trapped gases between paint, or sealing coats. These issues can be addressed by opting for porous paints like emulsion paints instead of non-porous alternatives such as oil and enamel paints.

Fading:

Fading refers to the discolouration of the paint surface, primarily caused by atmospheric factors like sunlight and moisture. It is crucial to use weather-resistant pigments in the paint composition to prevent fading.

Grinning:

Grinning occurs when the paint film lacks sufficient opacity to cover the background surface, leading to the visibility of the background even after the final coat. Adequate capacity and coverage are essential to prevent this defect.

Chalking:

Chalking involves the formation of a powdery residue on the painted surface due to insufficient oil in the primer. To prevent chalking, it is important to use an adequate amount of oil in the primer and apply paint at the recommended spreading rate.

Running:

Running occurs when a thin layer of paint on a glossy and smooth surface causes the paint to run back, leaving small uncovered areas. This defect can be mitigated by careful application on such surfaces.

Sagging:

Sagging results from applying a thick layer of paint that runs downward, forming a thick sag of paint. While similar to running, sagging involves a more substantial thickness of the paint film.

Flaking:

Flaking is the detachment of the paint film from the surface, usually due to poor bonding. Preventive measures include thorough cleaning and abrasion of the surface before applying paint.

Blooming:

Flooding, caused by improper ventilation, weathering, or defective paint, forms dull patches on the painted surface.

Wrinkling:

Wrinkling occurs when a thick layer of paint shrinks, develops, and crawls on the surface, emphasising the importance of allowing the undercoat to dry completely before applying the final coat.

Flashing:

Flashing involves the formation of glossy patches on the painted surface, often caused by poor-quality paint, adverse weather conditions, or suboptimal workmanship.

Saponification:

Saponification occurs when the painted surface is exposed to alkalis, forming soap patches and peeling off the paint film.

Alleygating:

Alleygating presents as pattern cracking resembling the scales of an alligator and is caused when a hard paint coat is applied over a softer or existing coat. Using a high-quality oil-based primer can prevent this issue.

Checking:

Checking is similar to alleygating, with cracks limited to a small area, often caused by painting during very cold weather or applying paint before the undercoat dries.

Minor Defects 

If a defect is classified as minor, that means the item does not comply fully with the product specs but is still usable. The defect does not affect the product’s marketability and functionality and only has minimal issues with its appearance. A minor defect is typically insignificant, so the end-users might not even notice it. And even if they do, they are not likely to return the item, request a refund, or decide against buying it. 

Major Defects

Major defects are considered much more serious than minor ones. Not only do major defects cause your product to depart significantly from the buyer’s specs, but they could also negatively impact the appearance, performance, or function of the defective item. Additionally, end-users are highly likely to notice major defects and return the item or ask for a refund. Any issues related to the product’s performance can be classified as major. 

Critical Defects

Critical defects are the most serious defect type and typically mean that the product is completely unusable. Items with critical defects can also be a health and safety hazard to your customers or anyone who will use them. And if your goods are a risk to people’s health, that means you are at risk of potential lawsuits and product recalls, which can poorly affect your reputation as a brand. This quality issue is almost always classified as a critical defect and can result in the item failing inspection. 

These are rough guidelines Quality Control professionals typically follow for defect classification. It is a vital step in the inspection process. A well-thought-out defect categorization can greatly improve quality control, cut down losses, and boost customer satisfaction. But as the buyer, always consider the severity of different defect types and their effect when setting tolerances. 

Quality Assured is key for product and application at Men@WorX in the best interest of our company, and most importantly our clients.

Call or Whatsapp 063 193 3939 www.men-at-worx.co.za Email : [email protected]