# Overspray

Source: https://coatmentor.com/defects/overspray/ · Updated 2026-10-14

A rough, sandy or powdery layer of dry spray particles on nearby steel, at the ends of spray passes and on adjacent members.

*Figure: Overspray: the surface as you see it, and a schematic cross-section.*

## Causes

- Spray gun too far from the surface, or atomizing pressure too high.
- Fast-drying solvent, heat or wind.
- Poor access to the area being sprayed.

## Prevention

- Keep the right gun distance and pressure.
- Mask or protect nearby surfaces.

## How it is assessed

Visual and by touch. Overspray landed outside the target; dry spray is the same dry, pebbly texture on the target itself.

## Telling it apart

- **[Dry spray](https://coatmentor.com/defects/dry-spray/):** The same dry, pebbly texture on the target surface itself is dry spray.
- **[Contamination and inclusions](https://coatmentor.com/defects/contamination/):** Inclusions are foreign matter in the film. Overspray is paint, landed where it was not meant to go.

## Repair

Brush and wipe off fresh overspray; sand or abrade cured overspray smooth before the next coat. The specification and the coating manufacturer have the final word on the repair procedure.

**19** practice items in the members area mention overspray (CIP 1: 8 · CIP 2: 2 · FROSIO written: 9).

## Related

- **Concepts:** [Volume solids, wet film and dry film](https://coatmentor.com/learn/volume-solids/)
- **Standards:** [SSPC-PA 1](https://coatmentor.com/standards/sspc-pa-1/)

## About this page

Written from coating practice and the published rating standards, in our own words; the drawing is schematic. Checked on 2026-10-14; errors go in the [corrections log](https://coatmentor.com/method/). CoatMentor is an independent study aid. It is not affiliated with ISO, AMPP, SSPC, NACE International, ASTM or FROSIO.