What does humidity refer to in the context of surface preparation?

Humidity in the context of surface preparation refers to the presence of moisture in the atmosphere. When preparing surfaces for painting or coating, understanding humidity is critical because it affects the curing and adhesion of coatings, as well as the application process itself. High humidity can lead to issues such as condensation on the surface being painted, which can impede adhesion and eventually lead to coating failure. Conversely, very low humidity can cause coatings to dry too quickly, leading to defects such as cracking or insufficient leveling.

In most surface preparation scenarios, it is essential to monitor humidity levels to ensure optimal conditions for applying paint or coatings. This helps to achieve the best performance and longevity of the coatings applied.