PCS Coating Failure Analysis and Remediation

Question 1

What is the most common root cause of coating delamination from a steel substrate?

Accepted Answer

Inadequate surface preparation

Answer

Inadequate surface preparation is the leading cause of coating failures because contaminants and poor anchor profile prevent proper adhesion.

Question 2

Which type of coating failure is characterized by dome-shaped hollow projections rising from the coating surface?

Accepted Answer

Blistering

Answer

Blistering appears as dome-shaped hollow projections caused by moisture, soluble salts, or osmotic pressure beneath the coating film.

Question 3

Which coating defect results from UV degradation of the organic binder, leaving loose pigment particles on the surface?

Accepted Answer

Chalking

Answer

Chalking is caused by UV degradation of the binder, which releases pigment particles that remain loosely on the surface and can be wiped away.

Question 4

Which condition most commonly causes pinholes (holidays) to form in an applied coating?

Accepted Answer

Solvent entrapment during curing

Answer

Solvent entrapment during curing creates small voids or pinholes as trapped solvents escape through the drying film, leaving holiday defects.

Question 5

What is the term for a coating failure in which paint separates from the substrate or underlying coat in large continuous sheets?

Accepted Answer

Delamination

Answer

Delamination refers to the separation of a coating film in large sheets from the substrate or between coats, often exposing bare metal.

PCS - Protective Coatings Specialist Certification Practice Test