Problem Solver – 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.