What action should be taken if crows feet or checking is observed on a surface?

When crows feet or checking is observed on a surface, stripping the finish is the appropriate action to take because these defects indicate a breakdown of the original paint or coating. Crows feet or checking result from various factors, including age, improper application, or environmental exposure, and signify that the protective layer has deteriorated significantly.

Stripping the finish effectively removes the damaged layer, allowing for a clean and smooth substrate. This prepares the surface for applying a new finish, which is essential for achieving a durable and aesthetically pleasing result. The stripping process ensures that any underlying issues are addressed and that the new material adheres properly without being compromised by the failures of the previous coat.

Applying a new layer of paint or touching up the affected areas would not resolve the underlying issue, as the defects would likely resurface through the new finish. Buffing the surface would only affect the top layer and not address the cause of the checking, leading to an ineffective and potentially short-lived fix. Thus, stripping the finish is necessary to restore the surface properly.