As manufacturing in Austin and Central Texas continues to grow, so does the need for consistent, high-performance industrial coatings. Even minor defects in powder coating or wet painting can lead to equipment failures, corrosion problems, warranty claims, and production delays. For OEMs, the quality of your coating partner directly affects the reliability of your products in the field.
At CMT Finishing, we specialize in precision coating systems that reduce risk and deliver industrial-grade performance. Below is a clear overview of the most common coating defects manufacturers encounter, what causes them, and how to prevent these issues by choosing a trusted finishing partner.
What Causes Industrial Coating Defects
Industrial coating defects typically come from one of three areas:
- Surface contamination or improper surface preparation
- Application issues in spray technique, equipment settings or environmental control
- Incorrect curing temperatures or inconsistent oven performance
These challenges are preventable with the proper process in place. Austin manufacturers often seek coating partners who can meet strict quality requirements, maintain controlled finishing environments, and deliver consistent results across large or complex production runs.
Common Industrial Coating Defects
Industrial Coating Orange Peeling
What it looks like:
A textured, uneven finish that resembles the surface of an orange.
Causes:
- Improper spray gun settings
- Incorrect viscosity in wet paint
- The curing temperature is too low or too high
Prevention: Correct spray technique and controlled curing ensure a smooth, professional finish. CMT uses calibrated equipment and consistent oven profiles to eliminate orange peel on both powder-coat and wet-paint jobs.
Fisheyes in Industrial Coatings
What it looks like:
Small circular craters or holes in the coating film.
Causes:
- Oil, silicone or moisture contamination
- Improper cleaning before coating
Prevention: A thorough degreasing process and cleanroom packaging improve surface purity. CMT’s controlled prep line and inspection process help prevent contamination before any coating is applied. Learn more about our precision processes here.
Coating Pinholes
What it looks like: Tiny holes in the finish that appear after curing.
Causes:
- Trapped solvents or moisture in the substrate
- Over-application of powder
Prevention: Preheating metal parts removes moisture and reduces outgassing. Our powder coating team uses controlled electrostatic settings and correct film builds to achieve an even, durable finish.
Poor Adhesion of Equipment Coating
What it looks like: Flaking or peeling paint or powder.
Causes:
- Improper surface preparation
- Incorrect pretreatment or lack of pretreatment
- Coating is applied before the parts are fully dry
Prevention: Adhesion failures are avoided through correct pretreatment chemistry and verified dry-off times. CMT offers complete turn-key coating solutions that include preparation, coating, and final assembly. Explore our full capabilities here.
Color or Gloss Inconsistency
What it looks like: Parts that do not match in shade or gloss level.
Causes:
- Improper mixing of wet paint
- Uneven film thickness during application
- Variations in oven cure cycles
Prevention: Color consistency requires precise application and accurate cure timing. CMT uses controlled batch processes, documented settings, and trained technicians to ensure a uniform appearance for production runs of any size.
How Austin Manufacturers Can Prevent Coating Defects
Work With a Full-Service Finishing Partner
When powder coating, wet painting, silk screening, and cleanroom packaging occur in a single facility, communication errors happen less frequently and turnaround times improve. CMT’s one-stop process helps eliminate defects caused by multiple vendor handoffs. Learn more about our services.
Require Documented Process Control
A reliable finishing partner should maintain consistent settings for:
- Pretreatment
- Spray equipment calibration
- Oven profiles
- Part handling
These controls prevent most defects before they happen.
Use a Partner Experienced in Industrial and OEM-Grade Coatings
Manufacturers in electronics, robotics, HVAC, and commercial equipment rely on coating providers who can manage precision finishes with tight tolerances. With over 25 years of experience, CMT supports complex industrial parts that demand consistency and durability.
When Coating Defects Are a Sign You Need a New Industrial Coating Vendor
If your parts regularly come back with finish issues such as poor adhesion, rough surfaces, uneven gloss or unexpected color variation, it may be time to reassess your finishing partner. Frequent rework increases costs and delays production. CMT offers quality control steps throughout the finishing process to protect your production timeline and deliver a clean, durable finish every time.
Get Precision Coating Results for Your Next Project with CMT
Whether you need Austin powder coating, industrial wet painting, or high-performance finishes for OEM production, CMT provides the expertise and quality controls required for dependable results. If you are experiencing frequent coating defects, let us review your project requirements. Our team can help identify the issue and recommend the best finish for your application.
