Waviness Interpretation
Waviness Values and Their Meaning
The Aesthetix waviness scale is highly correlated to Rhopoint TAMS waviness - a measurement parameter derived from multiple human perception trials.
The value quantifies the visual impact of orange peel observed in high gloss coatings at a viewing distance of 1.5m.
This value has been proven effective for quantifying orange peel in sectors such as automotive, yacht Coatings, powder coatings and high quality furniture.
Waviness values and their meanings:
2 WU: Piano Finish - Very smooth with no visible waviness. Imparts a feeling of very high quality.
2-5 WU: Low orange peel - Smooth finish, orange peel is barely visible with a good or neutral impact on judgement of surface finish.
5-10 WU: Standard Orange Peel - Surface with moderate orange-peel which is visible and is a factor when judging finish quality, especially on high contrast colors (black).
10-15 WU: High Orange peel - Surface with prominent orange peel which has a negative impact on surface quality judgement.
Visualizing Waviness Using Appearance Elements
Changing the Waviness of a Surface
To change the waviness of a surface:
Improve Application Technique: Proper spraying distance, angle, and technique can reduce uneven paint distribution that leads to orange peel.
Adjust Paint Viscosity: Use paint with the correct viscosity for better flow and leveling, reducing bumpy finishes.
Control Environmental Factors: Maintain appropriate humidity and temperature during application and drying to prevent uneven drying that can cause orange peel.
Enhance Surface Preparation: Adequate sanding and cleaning of the surface before painting can minimize imperfections that contribute to waviness.
Allow Proper Curing Time: Sufficient drying time between coats can result in a more even surface texture.
Optimize Equipment Settings: Use the correct nozzle size and pressure settings on spray guns for proper paint atomization.
Address Substrate Issues: Improve the underlying material quality, as texture in the substrate can telegraph through the coating layers, causing visible orange peel[^1].
Remember that changing waviness may affect other surface properties, so consider the overall impact on the product's appearance and performance when making adjustments.