Paint Wetting Impairment Substances - Harmful to Paint Structures

What are Paint wetting impairment substances (generally abreviated as LABS)?

Contamination with substances that interfere with varnish or paint flow impairs the uniform distribution of paint and leads to defects in the new surface, the so-called craters.

These craters occur when the surface tension of the varnish is higher than that of the paint wetting impairment substance (LABS). For this reason, the industry places high demands on cleanliness.
Whether a substance can be described as disturbing the paint flow depends on its interaction with the paint system and its place of use.

According to the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association of Germany (VDMA) typical sources of LABS are:
• lubricants
• release agents and plasticizers from plastic components of plant engineering or workpieces
• drawing and lubricant residues
• hoses and sealing compounds
• contaminants that are distributed via room air technology, process air technology or a compressed air system
• carry-overs from other production areas
• operating and auxiliary materials such as cleaners, cleaning cloths, abrasives and polishing agents, adhesive tapes, gloves, work clothing or assembly devices

Employees can also introduce LABS contamination into production:
• cosmetics, skin care products, shampoo, hairspray, hair gel and dyes, eyeglass cleaner, deodorant, lipstick, after shave lotion, make-up and skin protection cream
• clothing (for example via impregnation) and shoe care products
• eating and drinking: fatty acid esters are contained in butter and fats, for example, drinking cups can carry release agents from the coffee machine, and
• plastic bracelets or jewellery, fitness trackers or smartphone cases