Persistent Orange Peel and Cratering? It May Be a Levelling Problem- Suzhou Qingtian New Material Co., Ltd.

Persistent Orange Peel and Cratering? It May Be a Levelling Problem

2026/06/23

In industrial coating application, the flatness of the cured film surface has a direct bearing on perceived product quality — particularly in large-area spraying and vertical surface application, where insufficient levelling capability is more likely to produce visible defects such as orange peel, cratering, and surface waviness. Beyond application parameters, the choice of levelling agent is one of the most influential factors in determining the final surface outcome.

Four Recurring Surface and Performance Issues

Insufficient Film Flatness

Orange peel and waviness frequently appear on the surface, affecting the overall visual impression of the finished part.

Recurring Cratering Defects

Localised shrinkage creates discontinuities on the surface, reducing the yield of acceptable finished product.

Unstable Intercoat Bond on Recoat

Some surface additives can compromise adhesion performance when a subsequent coat is applied over them.

Floating and Flooding in Colour Coats

Uneven pigment distribution affects colour consistency across the finished surface.

Why Process Adjustment Alone Has Limited Effect

In many production settings, the first response to these defects is to adjust viscosity, increase solvent ratio, or extend the levelling time before cure. These measures often provide limited improvement, since they do not address the coating's intrinsic surface tension behaviour.

This limitation becomes particularly significant in baking coating systems, where an unsuitable choice of levelling agent can also affect intercoat adhesion or subsequent recoat performance. Levelling performance and system compatibility need to be considered together, not in isolation.

DH-3187 — Acrylate Levelling Agent

DH-3187 is an acrylate-type levelling agent suitable for a wide range of coating systems. It helps improve the spreading behaviour of the coating during application, supporting the formation of a smoother, more uniform film surface.

Performance Area	Effect of DH-3187	Application Context
Cratering & Orange Peel	Helps reduce defects arising from surface tension differences across the wet film	Effective in large-area and vertical surface application
Baking System Compatibility	Silicone-free formulation, with limited impact on subsequent recoat and intercoat adhesion	Particularly relevant for baking-cure industrial coating systems
Anti-Foam Assistance	Provides a degree of supporting defoaming effect	Helps maintain overall system stability alongside levelling performance
Floating / Flooding Resistance	Offers supporting resistance to colour floating and flooding	Relevant for pigmented and tinted coating systems

Applicable Coating Systems

Industrial Baking Coatings Large-Area Spray Coatings Vertical Surface Application Systems Pigmented & Tinted Coatings General Industrial Topcoats

Formulation Notes

Parameter	Guidance
Addition Stage	Let-down stage with normal agitation
System Compatibility	Suitable for a broad range of coating systems; confirm performance in the specific resin and cure schedule used
Recoat Evaluation	Since the product is silicone-free, intercoat adhesion impact is generally limited, but confirming with a recoat trial in baking systems is recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do silicone-based levelling agents sometimes cause recoat problems in baking coatings?

Silicone-based levelling agents can migrate to the film surface and, depending on the specific chemistry and dosage, may interfere with the wetting and bonding of a subsequently applied coat. This is particularly relevant in baking systems with multiple coating layers, where recoat adhesion is an important performance requirement.

Can a levelling agent fully replace correct application technique?

A levelling agent improves the coating's intrinsic ability to spread and flow, but it works alongside correct application technique rather than replacing it. Spray distance, pressure, and film build still influence the final surface outcome, and the best results come from optimising both the formulation and the application process together.

Is DH-3187 suitable for both clear and pigmented coatings?

Yes, DH-3187 is formulated for use in a broad range of coating systems, including both clear and pigmented formulations. In pigmented systems, it also offers supporting resistance to colour floating and flooding, which is a relevant consideration alongside its primary levelling function.

Key Takeaway

Surface appearance problems in industrial coatings are closely linked to levelling performance. Optimising the levelling system can support better application performance, help reduce surface defects, and contribute to more consistent overall coating quality — providing a more stable appearance outcome for industrial coated products.