What is Grinning Defect in Paint

Hi Vir, I saw you asking about the grinning defect in paint. A grinning defect is a painting goof-up which occurs when any material’s underlying surface can be seen through the paint coating because of the low coating thickness of the paint on the substrate. 

There is something you can do to get over the grinning defect in paint. I will share it below.

How to Overcome Grinning Paint Defects?

Here is how you can get over the grinning defect:

1. Use high quality paint. The paint must have high opacity.

2. A tinted primer is a must have if the surface is darker than the new paint you are using.

3. Apply a sufficient amount of coating between the individual primer and paint coats.

This is all I have to say about the grinning paint effect. Follow the three steps and you’ll be able to overcome the grinning effect. Let me know if it solves your problem. 

I recently got my cupboard and study table painted. The job was done alright. Well, this is what I assumed at first because sometime later, I could see the interior area of the cupboard and study table through the paint. I was angry at the service as the problem took place not too long after the painting was completed. I contacted an expert in the form of NoBroker this time and they told me that this is called grinning in paint. 

They quickly took over the situation and used high-quality paint to treat the issue. Both my pieces of furniture were looking in good condition after they finished painting.

To help you out with what this defect is, I’ve stated the meaning, reasons and preventive measures below. Have a look!

Grinning paint defect

The grinning defect can be understood as one where a material’s internal surface can be seen due to insufficient paint coating over the substance. It can also occur due to the bursting of air bubbles that have accumulated on the paint’s surface. This is mainly considered a coating defect. 

Here, the hiding capacity must’ve been low due to the same reason of improper paint coating. The reasons behind this can be any of the following.

1. Usage of strong colours for the undercoats or primers.

2. A thin coating layer on the material’s surface.

3. Inexperienced working staff.

4. The top coat has a low covering power. 

5. Poor opacity.

6. Low coating volume.

How to prevent grinning defect in paint

Now that you know what the grinning effect is and the causes behind it, a few preventive measures would be helpful. Here they are.

• Applying a coat with a rich opacity

• Using a sufficient amount of coating between the independent coats of the colour and primer.

However, if in case you find grinning over your materials, the way to fix it is to apply a generous amount of coat over the area until satisfied. I hope my answer helps you in understanding grinning in paint.