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Paint Degradation in Paint Circulation Systems
Paint degradation affects manufacturers – most notably automotive factory paint shops – who use metallic particle paints to produce high quality surface finishes. As metallic flakes move through a paint circulation system, they may get bent or broken. This can damage quality and color match so much that the paint must be discarded.
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Our free white paper, Paint Degradation in Paint Circulation Systems, explains what paint degradation is, how to detect it with color space and measurement, what causes paint degradation, and how to mitigate its effects.
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What is Paint Degradation?
Paint degradation (sometimes called “paint shear”) is the change in light reflection of a finished surface due to changes in the coating’s ability to reflect light.
To achieve the desired appearance of a coated surface, pigments and particles are added to the paint chemistry. These usually include metallic particles or metal flakes that reflect light off a normal flat surface.
When paint particles are deformed through the circulation process, light reflection changes because changes in pigment or flake shape cause a diffused reflection of light.
How Does Paint Degradation or Paint Shear Occur?
Paint degradation or paint shear occurs when metallic particles, meant to reflect light for a desired effect, deform. When the particles bend or break, the light reflected off of the finished surfaced changes, reducing the quality of finish appearance.
As metallic particles pass through a circulation system, they are deformed in particular components (usually a back pressure regulator or pump). The longer the paint circulates, the more deformation or damage occurs.
How to Avoid Paint Waste
There always will be some degree of degradation or shear of paint as it circulates through a system. Lessening the effects of paint degradation involves proper system design and active management techniques. Such steps not only extend the life of the material in circulation, they also help you avoid the high disposal costs of paint that no longer produces the appearance desired.
