What can result if the surface is not cleaned properly before Liquid Penetrant Testing?

If the surface is not cleaned properly before conducting Liquid Penetrant Testing, it can lead to inconsistent results. Proper cleaning is crucial in this testing method because the presence of contaminants like dirt, grease, oil, or dust can interfere with the penetrant's ability to enter defects or discontinuities. If contaminants remain on the surface, they can mask small cracks or defects, preventing the penetrant from filling them properly. This results in false negatives where defects may be present but not detected due to the contamination layer obstructing the penetrant's effectiveness. Therefore, ensuring a clean surface prior to testing is essential for achieving reliable and accurate outcomes in Liquid Penetrant Testing.