What it looks like: Fine thread-like strands of paint on the surface
Spider webbing is a defect where paint forms fine filaments — like tiny spider webs or threads — rather than atomizing into a smooth mist. The result is thread-like strands of paint scattered across the surface.
Causes:
- Paint viscosity too high (most common cause — too thick to atomize properly)
- Air pressure too low for the paint’s viscosity
- Contamination with oil or silicone (can affect surface tension)
- Paint beginning to skin over in the cup
Fix:
- Thin the paint further. This solves spider webbing in the vast majority of cases.
- Increase air pressure slightly.
- Clean the cup and nozzle thoroughly.
Spider webbing is almost always a viscosity/pressure mismatch. When in doubt, thin more.
Related: Viscosity · Atomization · PSI · Orange Peel