What does the term "intercoat adhesion" refer to?

Intercoat adhesion specifically refers to the ability of one layer of paint to adhere effectively to a previously applied layer. This property is crucial in paint systems because proper intercoat adhesion ensures that successive layers bond correctly, which can enhance the durability, appearance, and performance of the overall paint job. Poor intercoat adhesion can result in issues such as peeling, flaking, or separation between layers, ultimately compromising the integrity of the finish. This concept is particularly significant in multi-layer systems, where each layer plays a role in the overall protection and aesthetics of the painted surface.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of intercoat adhesion. The strength of a single paint layer, overall thickness of a paint system, and drying time between coats are all important factors in paint technology but do not specifically address the interaction and bonding between different layers of paint.