What is the most common reason for the failure of shop applied finishes?

The most common reason for the failure of shop-applied finishes is over-application. When a finish is applied too thickly, it can lead to several problems. These include prolonged drying times, which can result in the finish never fully curing and leading to issues such as sagging or running. Over-application can also create a finish that is prone to chipping, peeling, or flaking due to the stress placed on the thicker layers during the drying process. Additionally, overly thick finishes may not adhere well to the substrate, creating an increased likelihood of delamination or poor performance in terms of durability and wear resistance.

Understanding the characteristics of the finishing process, such as the recommended thickness of a finish and the application technique, is crucial in preventing failures. Other choices, such as under-application or uneven application, certainly can lead to subpar results, but over-application is more frequently problematic in a shop environment, where finishes are applied in controlled conditions but may still be mismanaged in terms of volume and layering.