What is a common result when a hard coating is applied over a softer one?

When a hard coating is applied over a softer one, alligatoring is a common result that can occur. Alligatoring refers to the cracking pattern that resembles the skin of an alligator, which typically results from stress and differences in the physical properties between the two coatings. The softer underlying coating can expand and contract with temperature and moisture changes, while the harder coating cannot flex in the same way, leading to the formation of cracks in a pattern similar to alligator skin.

In contrast, improved durability or better adhesion is not a guaranteed outcome when applying a hard coating over a softer one. The hard coating may suffer from adhesion issues if the softer coating does not provide a suitable bonding surface. Additionally, while a uniform appearance can be desirable, the differences in flexibility and stress handling between the two coatings can lead to surface irregularities rather than a smooth finish. Therefore, while other options might seem beneficial, alligatoring is a recognizable and common consequence of this specific scenario.