What causes "blushing" in coatings?

Blushing in coatings is primarily caused by high humidity and moisture during the application process. When water vapor is present in the air, it can enter the coating as it dries, leading to a cloudy or milky appearance. This phenomenon occurs when moisture condenses on the surface of the coating before it has fully cured. High humidity can significantly affect the drying and curing times of paints and other coatings, leading to improper finish and aesthetic issues like blushing.

While improper mixing of components, low temperature during application, and the presence of contaminants on the surface can cause various problems with coatings, they do not specifically lead to the blushing effect as moisture does. Therefore, understanding the impact of environmental conditions, such as humidity, is crucial for achieving a high-quality finish in coating applications.