What is the primary effect of humidity on coating applications?

The primary effect of humidity on coating applications is that it significantly affects drying time and adhesion. High humidity levels can slow down the evaporation of solvents in the coating, which leads to extended drying times. This can result in issues like longer wait times for subsequent coats, potential dust or debris settling on the wet coating, and increased difficulty in achieving a uniform finish.

Additionally, humidity impacts adhesion because moisture in the atmosphere can interfere with the chemical bond formed between the coating and the substrate. For instance, if there is excess moisture on the surface when a coating is applied, it can lead to poor adhesion or even cause the coating to lift or peel over time. Understanding how humidity influences these two critical aspects helps inspectors to ensure that coatings are applied under optimal conditions for the best performance.