What Does
Mud Cracking Mean?
Mud cracking is a coating flaw that occurs on the surface of a wall that looks similar to deep and irregular mud cracks on the surface of the earth. This phenomenon occurs when an over coating is applied on curved surfaces and unprepared surfaces. It is common along corners where there might be an accumulation of paint.
On metallic substrates, this can also be an indication of a growing corrosion or stain which was not properly rectified during sanding and scraping off of irregularities.
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Corrosionpedia Explains Mud Cracking
Mud cracking is related to heavy painting, such that the inner coats do not have ample time to dry. This may also occur when trying to cover up a low-quality paint by thickly painting on top of it. To rectify this problem one must follow the proper procedures of repainting:
- Preparation (scraping and sanding)
- Priming or sealing
- Repainting
- Allowing ample dry time
Additionally, the technique used in applying the paint determines if it spreads thickly or evenly; most painting is done by use of rollers, thus applying the paint uniformly on the surface of the wall. One should apply one coat at a time, giving time for each coat to dry, as giving the paint time to dry reduces the chances of mud cracks forming on the wall’s surface. Water-based paints can stimulate corrosion on metallic substrates, thus increasing the mud cracking effect over a period of time.