Term: wrinkling

In painting, "wrinkling" refers to a surface defect where the paint film develops a wrinkled, crinkled, or shriveled appearance after drying. This issue typically occurs when the top layer of paint dries too quickly while the underlying layers remain wet or soft, causing the surface to contract and form wrinkles.

Common Causes of Wrinkling:

• Applying paint too thickly
• Re-coating before the first coat has dried properly
• Painting in very hot or humid conditions
• Using incompatible paint types or poor-quality products
• Insufficient surface preparation

Prevention:

• Apply paint in thin, even coats
• Allow adequate drying time between coats
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying
• Ensure proper surface preparation and environmental conditions

Wrinkling not only affects the appearance but can also compromise the durability and adhesion of the paint film, often requiring sanding and repainting to correct.