What is an effect of excessive wind during a coatings application?

Excessive wind during a coatings application can lead to dry spray formation because the wind can cause the paint particles to dry before they reach the surface being coated. When paint is atomized and sprayed, it needs to remain in a liquid state long enough to adhere properly to the substrate. High winds can accelerate the evaporation of solvents in the paint, resulting in the particles losing their moisture and hardening prematurely in the air. This leads to a poor finish on the surface, with a rough texture and inadequate adhesion. Therefore, understanding the environmental conditions, including wind speed, is critical for achieving a successful coatings application.

The other options provided do not accurately reflect the effects of excessive wind. While wind might affect application speed, it does not improve it; rather, it complicates and may hinder the process. The risk of overrunning relates more to the application technique and control rather than environmental factors like wind. Lastly, surface preparation time typically remains constant regardless of wind conditions, as it is primarily determined by preparation methods and not directly impacted by weather elements like wind.