Absence of Gloss

APPEARANCE:
Dried paint film appears satin or even matte; does not provide gloss characteristics expected of a new finish.

CULPRITS:
While all paints will lose some degree of gloss over time due to everyday weathering, there are several reasons why new paint may dry to a satin or matte finish. They are:

• Insufficient film thickness: If the final coat of single-stage paint or a clearcoat is applied too thin, finished paint film will not exhibit full gloss potential. This also may occur when material is applied too dry, causing orange peel.
• Insufficient flash time between coats: If solvent does not have adequate time to flash between coats, the result may be loss of gloss in finished paint film.
• Excessive film thickness: Applying too much material in full wet coats can prevent the finished paint film from exhibiting its full gloss potential.
• Poor choice in reducer: The wrong grade or the wrong temperature reducer for the conditions can cause solvents to evaporate too fast, allowing the paint film to dry too quickly, leaving a satin or matte finish. This also may occur if too much solvent is used. Also worth noting: too strong of a reducer or other material can cause the topcoat to lift certain components of the previously applied material, which can cause a less than desirable gloss.
• Insufficient time between different materials: Gloss may be compromised if a topcoat or clearcoat isapplied too soon, or in some cases, before the previously applied material has achieved a full cure.
• Insufficient cross ventilation: It is important to maintain air movement even after application. Closing a paint booth to allow materials to dry too soon can impede the overall gloss development.

TO FIX:
Once paint film is cured, compound and polish to restore gloss or scuff sand and reapply paint material.