Latte art fades or has no contrast
A pattern appears while pouring and blurs into the surface within seconds, or never shows clearly against the crema.
Applies to: Espresso machine, Latte, Flat white
Likely causes and adjustments
Try one adjustment at a time so you know what actually changed the result. Start with the first cause below — if it doesn't help, reveal the next.
Cause 1 of 3 · Reported, not independently verified
Under-aerated milk with too little foam to sit on the surface
Add slightly more air at the start, keeping the texturing phase the same.
Related issues
Learn the technique
Step-by-step guides to the skills this problem comes from.