Problem Solver

Paint problem is unavoidable due to improper surface preparation, life span and usage of low quality and inappropriate paint.

INTERIOR

Below are the most common problems in interior painting.

Crazing. Characterized by a thin line hair-like cracking or fine breaking of paints often occurs on wood surfaces. Using of low quality paint is mostly the cause of crazing. Others are insufficient surface preparation that involves left-over old paint, unclean surface of dirt, cobwebs, mildews and other form of algae. Also a mistake is painting thick coats or several layers are applied that gives uneven coverage.

To avoid crazing, use suitable and high quality paint. Use the rule “oil over water”, best to apply oil-based paint after the water-based paint. For repairs or repainting, scrape paint off from the surface. If necessary, use power wash to remove majority of old paints. You can sand surface for finer texture and repaint it with high quality type of paint.

Peeling. A common problem in interior painting. It is characterized by cracking or crazing and f unattended, will lead to peeling as moisture penetrates paint film resulting to loss of paint adhesion to surface.

Possible cause of peeling is the presence of high moisture or dampness common to areas such as bathroom, hot tub, laundry room and kitchen. It also includes basement and other areas with minimal or no proper ventilation.

To avoid paint peeling, use high quality paint with excellent resistance to moisture.

Blistering. Is identified as bubbles or blisters present in hot surfaces which dries paint quickly trapping solvent vapor under the paint film. The application of paint on wet surfaces common among wood or saturated wood surfaces trapping moisture which expand paint film is also the reason for blistering. Inadequacy of surface preparations and using of low quality paint are one of the minor causes.

To prevent blistering, avoid application of paint on hot surfaces. For damp or saturated wood surfaces, scrub the surface or power wash to discard degraded woods on the surface. Provide proper ventilation to eliminate moisture from the inside of your home.

Blocking. Is characterized by sticking of two freshly painted surfaces due to collision or inadequate time for paint to dry. This is common among shutters and door jams.

Blocking can be avoided if you will use quality acrylic paint which possesses the block resistant characteristic in painting. Allow paint to dry thoroughly especially among prone to blocking areas.

EXTERIOR

Exterior parts of our home needs a tough quality paint for these areas are prone to different weather conditions and element. Common exterior problems are the following:

Peeling. Is caused by moisture penetrating paint film, thus, leading to lose of paint adhesion to the surface.

Possible solution for peeling is choosing the right and suitable type of paint that is high in quality. It should be tough and durable to withstand weather changes. Attend to necessary repairs on your roof and exterior ceilings. Ensure proper drainage of gutter and downspouts.

Chalking. Is the most common problem among exterior paints. Characterized by a fine chalky substance or powder that forms on the surface of paint. Sometimes, it is the natural paint’s way of self-cleaning when exposed to sun and rain. While excessive chalking is due to paint failure.

Choice of low quality paint that contains high amount of paint extenders lead to excessive chalking or the over thinning of paint.

Possible solution is to repaint. Remove old paint by scrubbing with trisodium phosphate cleaning solutions and rinse with water or power wash if necessary. Use high quality type of paint to ensure better result and to avoid chalking.

Blushing. Is characterized by a milky white haze that appears beneath the paint surface. Usual cause of blushing is the application of paint in a hot or humid weather. Droplets get caught in the paint and the air current from spray gun. Thinner, among oil-based paints evaporates quickly. Excessive air pressure is released when using high amount of thinner.

To avoid blushing on paints, try applying or do painting on a good weather condition. Use only the right amount of thinner. If it does necessarily needs repainting, add a retarder to the thinned color and apply additional coats.

Lifting. Is the distorted or shriveling of the surface while the topcoat is being applied or on the process of drying. Common cause of lifting is the incompatibility of used materials or paint (ex. lacquer over enamel). It is also caused by insufficient time for undercoat to dry.

To prevent lifting, apply only compatible materials with the existing surface. Don’t pile top coats. Allow sufficient time for undercoat to dry thoroughly before applying top coats.

Thoroughly clean the surface to be painted before and after sanding. Be sure that the surface is completely dry before applying undercoat or topcoat. And lastly, use only compatible and suitable thinner to the existing surface conditions.

Rust Discoloration. Is characterized by a yellow or brownish stain appearing outside the paint. It is caused by exposure of the metal to different weather changes and use of a non-galvanized iron. Acid used for preserving woods also contributes rust discoloration.

Prevention of rust includes usage of galvanized steel irons. Advisable remedy for this problem is priming of the exposed nails to bear metal and best be applied with a primer. Nail replacement is necessary if this won’t help. You may use water proof sealants to the exposed area before repainting.