Cracking

Cracking is the process of the paint film becoming dry and developing visible cracks that can penetrate the surface. There are different types of cracking, ranging from minor to severe. This can include cracks at specific points like welds, as well as mud and stress cracking. Cracking is usually caused by stress and can be attributed to surface movement, ageing, moisture absorption and desorption, as well as a lack of flexibility in the coating.

To provide more detailed information, an interactive visualisation tool called Coating Radar Details is available. It offers tables, information about the quantity and size of cracks, the presence of cracks with or without a preferred direction, examples of cracking, videos, an explanation of how cracking forms, and a brief overview of ISO 4628-4.