PAINT PROBLEMS

ALLIGATORING

BLISTERING

Problem : Patterned cracking in the

surface of the paint film resembling the

regular scales of an alligator.

Possible Causes : Application of a top

coat before the undercoat is dry, or

natural aging of oil based paint as

temperatures fluctuate.

Solution : Old paint should be

completely removed. The surface should

be primed with a latex or oil based

primer, and then painted with an

exterior latex paint.

Problem : Bubbles resulting from localized loss

of adhesion and lifting of paint film from the

underlying surface.

Possible Causes :

Painting a warm surface in direct sunlight. Application of oil-based or alkyd paint over a wet or damp surface. Moisture escaping through exterior walls.

Solution :

If blisters go down to the substrate try to remove the source of moisture. If blisters do not go down to the substrate remove them by scraping and sanding. Prime any bare wood

and repaint.

BLOCKING

Problem : Undesirable sticking together

of two painted surfaces when pressed

together. Door sticking to the jamb.

Possible Causes : Not allowing sufficient

drying time before closing doors and

windows – Use of low quality paint.

Solution : Use top quality paints as lower

quality paints can have low block resistance. Follow paint instructions on drying times. Application of talcum powder can relieve persistent blocking.

BURNISHING

Problem : Increase in the gloss or sheen when subject to rubbing, scrubbing, or having an object brush up against it.

Possible Causes : Using a flat paint in high traffic areas – Frequent washing and cleaning - Lower quality paints.

Solution : Paint heavy traffic areas that require regular cleaning with top quality paints for durability. Clean painted areas with a soft cloth and non abrasive cleaners.

CHALK - RUN DOWN

Problem : The washing down of chalk from an excessively eroding paint onto another area below.

Possible Causes : Use of low quality, highly pigmented paint.

Solution : Remove as much of the chalk

residue as possible. Scrub any stained areas with a stiff brush, using a detergent solution. In cases of severe staining an acid wash may be necessary.

CHALKING

Problem : Formulation of fine powder on the

surface of the paint film during weathering, which can cause colour fading.

Possible Causes : Using a flat paint in high traffic areas – Frequent washing and cleaning - Lower quality paints.

Solution : Paint heavy traffic areas that require regular cleaning with top quality paints for durability. Clean painted areas with a soft cloth and non abrasive cleaners.

CRACKING & FLAKING

Problem : The splitting of a dry paint film. Initially as hairline cracks, later, flaking of paint chips occur.

Possible Causes : Use of low quality paints with

poor adhesion and flexibility. Poor surface

preparation and the excessive hardening of

alkyd paints as they age.

Solution : Remove the loose flakes with a scraper or wire brush, prime any bare spots and repaint. If the cracking goes down to the substrate remove all paint with a heat gun.

DIRT PICKUP

Problem : Accumulation of dirt, dust

particles and debris on the paint film.

Possible Causes : Use of low quality paint – soil splashing – air – pollution car exhaust, dust.

Solution : Wash off all surface dirt before

priming and painting. Use scrubbing brush and detergent solution and wash thoroughly. Repaint with a sheen finish paint. Higher gloss paints are more resistant to dirt pick up.

FADING POOR COLOUR RETENTION

Problem : Premature and excessive

lightening of the colour. Often occurs on

surfaces with sunny exposure.

Possible Causes : Use of an interior paint

for an exterior application. - Low quality paint leading to chalking - A paint colour that is vulnerable to UV - The over tinting of a paint base.

Solution : Remove the chalking and repaint with a quality top coat for exterior application.

FADING POOR COLOUR RETENTION

Problem : Premature and excessive

lightening of the colour. Often occurs on

surfaces with sunny exposure.

Possible Causes : Use of an interior paint

for an exterior application. - Low quality paint leading to chalking - A paint colour that is vulnerable to UV - The over tinting of a paint base.

Solution : Remove the chalking and repaint with a quality top coat for exterior application.

GALVANISED METAL

Problem : Paint that has lost its adhesion

to a galvanised metal substrate.

Possible Causes : Improper surface preparation and failure to apply a primer before the application of a top coat.

Solution : A metal primer should always be applied to unpainted galvanized steel before applying an oil based or latex top coat.

LAPPING

Problem : Appearance of a denser colour or higher gloss where wet and dry layers overlap during paint application.

Possible Causes : Failure to maintain a

‘wet edge’ when applying paint.

Solution : Brush from wet to dry and not visa versa will help produce a smooth uniform appearance. It is also wise to minimise the area being painted and plan for interruptions and breaks.

MILDEW

Problem : Black, grey or brown spots on

the surface of the paint.

Possible Causes : Forms most on areas that tend to be damp and receive little or no direct sunlight. Lower quality paint and the failure to prime a bare wood surface.

Solution : Test for mildew by applying a few drops of bleach. If it disappears it is probably mildew. Clean thoroughly and repaint with a quality topcoat.

MOTTLING

Problem : Crusty, white salt deposits leached from mortar or masonry as water passes through it.

Possible Causes : Bad preparation –

Excess moisture escaping through the

exterior walls from the inside

Solution : Find the cause of moisture

escaping. Remove the loose material with a wire brush. Apply a solvent based masonry sealer and coat with top quality exterior paint.

MUD CRACKING

Problem : Deep, irregular cracks resembling dried mud in dry paint film.

Possible Causes : Paint is applied too thickly, usually over a porous surface or to improve poor hiding power of an inferior product.

Solution : Remove coating by scraping and sanding. Prime and re-paint. Quality paints have a higher solid content, which reduces the tendency to mud crack and also have better hiding properties.

NAIL HEAD RUSTING

Problem : Reddish brown stains on the paint surface.

Possible Causes : Non galvanised iron

nails have begun to rust.

Solution : Counter-sink the nail-heads and cover them with an acrylic or siliconized filler. Each nail head should be spot primed then painted with a latex topcoat.

PAINT INCOMPATIBILITY

Problem : Loss of adhesion where many old coats of alkyd or oil based paint receive a latex top coat.

Possible Causes : Water-based latex paint over old alkyd and oil based paint will probably cause the old paint to lift off the substrate.

Solution : Completely remove existing paint and prepare the surface. Sand and spot prime where necessary.

PEELING

Problem : Loss of paint due to poor adhesion on either primer or top coat.

Possible Causes : Seepage of moisture

through roofs or walls – Inadequate surface preparation – Use of low quality paints Applying enamels over a wet surface – Earlier blistering of paint.

Solution : Try to identify and eliminate cause. Use scraper, wire brush and sandpaper. Apply primer to bare wood and re-paint top coat.

PICTURE FRAMING

Problem : The effect of a wall that is painted with a roller and brushed in the corners. Also sprayed areas may be darker than those brushed or rolled.

Possible Causes : Brushing will generally result in lower spreading rates than a roller, producing a thicker film and more hiding power.

Solution : Make sure the spread rates with brushes and rollers are similar. Work in small sections of the room to keep a ‘wet edge’.

POOR FLOW / LEVELING

Problem : Failure of paint to dry to a smooth film, resulting in unsightly brush and roller marks.

Possible Causes : Application of additional

paint to ‘touch up’ partially dried painted areas. Use of wrong roller brush.

Solution : Use top quality paints that will

enhance paint flow. When using a roller

be sure to use a cover with the recommended nap length for the type of paint being used. Poor paint brushes can result in bad flow.

POOR GLOSS RETENTION

Problem : Deterioration of the paint film,

resulting in excessive or rapid loss of lustre to the top coat.

Possible Causes : Use of an interior paint

outdoors – Use of low quality paint – Use of alkyd paint in direct sunlight.

Solution : Direct sunshine can degrade the binder and pigment of a paint causing it to chalk and lose its gloss. The binder in top quality acrylic paints is especially resistant to UV radiation.

POOR HIDING

Problem : Failure of dried paint to obscure or hide the surface to which it is applied.

Possible Causes : Use of low quality paints and poor quality tools. Improper combination of tinting base and colour. Using paint that is lighter than substrate.

Solution : If the substrate is darker it should be primed before a topcoat is used. Use a top quality paint with good hiding power together with the correct tint base.

POOR PRINT RESISTANCE

Problem : Tendency of paint film to take on the imprint of an object that is placed on it - shelf with books, dish, and other objects.

Possible Causes : Low quality enamels or putting a painted surface back into use before the paint has dried.

Solution : Use top quality paints. Make sure the recommended ‘curing’ time is allowed before it is put into service. Cool or humid conditions require more curing.

POOR SCRUB RESISTANCE

Problem : Wearing away or removal of the paint film when scrubbed with a brush, sponge or cloth.

Possible Causes : Use of low quality paints, wrong sheen, inadequate drying time before washing. Aggressive scrubbing resulting in ‘Burnishing’.

Solution : High traffic areas may require a high sheen rather than a flat paint to provide good scrub resistance. Allow good drying time for the paint to fully cure.

POOR SHEEN UNIFORMITY

Problem : Shiny or dull spots on a painted surface.

Possible Causes : Uneven spread rate –

Failure to prime a porous surface –

poor application resulting in ‘Lapping’.

Solution : Prime all porous surfaces. Often a second coat will even out sheen irregularities.

POOR STAIN RESISTANCE

Problem : Failure of the paint to resist absorption of dirt and stains.

Possible Causes : Use of lower quality paint that is porous in nature. Application of paint to un-primed substrate.

Solution : Higher quality latex paints contain more binder which helps prevent stains from penetrating the painted surface, allowing for easy removal.

SAGGING

Problem : Downward ‘drooping’ movement

of the paint film immediately after application resulting in a uneven coating.

Possible Causes : Application of a heavy

coat of paint – Application in cold or humid conditions – Over thinned paint – Spraying too close to the substrate.

Solution : If the paint is still wet, immediately brush out and redistribute the excess evenly. If the paint has dried, sand and repaint. Consider removing doors to paint horizontally.

STIPPLE

Problem : Unintentional textured pattern left in the paint by the roller.

Possible Causes : Incorrect roller – Low quality paint – low quality roller– incorrect rolling technique.

Solution : Use quality rollers to ensure adequate film thickness and uniformity. High quality paint tends to roll on more evenly. Do not let paint build up at the roller ends.

SURFACTANT LEACHING

Problem : Concentration of water soluble ingredients on the surface of a latex paint, typically on a ceiling surface in rooms that have high humidity Bathrooms/Kitchens.

Possible Causes : All latex formulas will

exhibit tendency if applied in humid areas.

Solution : Wash the affected area with soap and water and rinse. Remove all staining before painting.

TANNIN STAINING

Problem : Brownish or tan discoloration on the paint surface due to migration of tannins from the substrate through the paint film. typically occurs on staining woods.

Possible Causes : Failure to adequately prime and seal the wood – Excess moisture escaping through the exterior wall.

Solution : Correct any possible sources of excess water. Apply a stain resistant primer. In extreme conditions apply two coats.

ROLLER SPLATTERING

Problem : Stains that come from waxy

substances in the reconstituted wood products used to make hardboard. These staining substances bleed through the paint.

Possible Causes : Failure to apply a proper

primer before applying the top coat. Allowing the hardboard to weather before applying paint.

Solution : Apply a top quality exterior acrylic latex primer. Low quality highly pigmented flat paints are more prone towax bleed than higher quality paints.

VINYL SIDING WARPING

Problem : Warping or buckling of vinyl siding panels that have been re-painted.

Possible Causes : Most likely re-painted with a darker colour than the original paint. Dark paint tends to absorb the heat of the sun, transferring it to the substrate. When Vinyl siding expands dramatically it is not able to contract to its original dimensions.

Solution : Paint in a shade no darker than the original . Use a good quality paint that has plenty of flexibility. Best colours are whites and pastels.

WAX BLEED

Problem : Stains that come from waxy

substances in the reconstituted wood products used to make hardboard. These staining substances bleed through the paint.

Possible Causes : Failure to apply a proper

primer before applying the top coat. Allowing the hardboard to weather before applying paint.

Solution : Apply a top quality exterior acrylic latex primer. Low quality highly pigmented flat paints are more prone to wax bleed than higher quality paints.

WRINKLING

Problem : A rough, crinkled paint surface, which occurs when uncured paint forms a ‘skin’.

Possible Causes : Paint applied too thickly

– Painting during high, low temperatures or damp conditions exposing uncured paint to high humidity

– Applying top coat to uncured primer.

Solution : Scrape and sand to remove

climatic conditions.

YELLOWING

Problem : Developing of a yellow cast in aging paint; most noticeable in the dried films of white paints or clear varnish.

Possible Causes : Oxidation of the paint

– Heat from stoves radiators etc.

– Lack of light, behind pictures or appliances etc.

Solution : Latex paints do not tend to yellow. Solvent paints tend to yellow because of their curing system.