Selected Answers

From Michael Quaranta of OPERATIONS 40 on August 6, 2015:
I thought the basis for applying another coat of p ...read more I thought the basis for applying another coat of paint or coatings was to properly prepare the surface. It  seems there is a problem repainting unless you know the original application process. Other than a quick chip investigation, I'd paint only once over the original coat, but it is difficult to prescribe what preparation for that additional coat would be necessary.

From Warren Brand of Chicago Corrosion Group on July 30, 2015:
The answer is largely a cosmetic one and also depe ...read more The answer is largely a cosmetic one and also depends largely on the type of coating that has been applied. We inspected a lighthouse on the coast of Lake Michigan last month that had many coats of paint on it. In some cases, the top layers of paint were cracked and peeling, but from a distance, the surface looked uniform. In this case, from a technical perspective, the paint system is failing. However, there were no signs of rust, which means that the system is performing its primary task of corrosion prevention. Looking closely at the paint, you could see it was cracked and slightly peeling; however, it was, in the owner's eye (and pocketbook), acceptable.