Common Painting Problems

Alligatoring

An incomplete form of peeling where the paint cracks into large segments. The edges of which break away from the surface while the center remain attached. Usually due to repeated application of new coats over old coats no longer adherent.

Bleeding

Discoloration of a coating often caused by soluble color in the underlying surface. May be prevented by applying an impermeable coating.

Blistering

Formation of blisters or pustules on a coating. May be due to underlying spots of grease, sap or moisture, to excessive heat or direct exposure to sun during the process of drying.

Chalking

Progressive powdering from the surface inward commonly caused by use of low-cost paint, aging or weathering.

Corrosion

The gradual destruction of materials (usually metals) often as a result of poor surface preparation and unsuitable environment.

Cracking

Cracks on surfaces may be the result of excess moisture on wood, expansion / contraction or structural movements.

Deadening

Loss of luster that may be due to insufficient or defective under coats.Most frequently to improper filling of wood.

Efflorescence

Crystalline or powdery deposits found on concrete surfaces often due to improper surface preparation and excess moisture.

Fading

Gradient effect of paint color due to the ultra-violet (UV) light exposure of colors that are not lightfast. May also be due to the use of too much colorant.

Flaking

Flaking of paint is often caused by incompatible topcoat or the use of interior paints for outdoors.

Incompatible Paints

May be caused by wrong combination of paint systems and/or its application.

Lap Marks

Roller or brush marks are often caused by wrong termination techniques and/or paint dilution.

Mildew

Fungal growth found on surfaces usually caused by changes in climate, improper surface preparation and excessive moisture.

Moisture Blush

Clouding of the lacquer film through precipitation of moisture in the film. Constant temperature and constant low humidity in the finishing room will prevent such trouble.

Peeling

Indicates imperfect attachment to the surface. Common cause of peeling is poor surface preparation, blistering and absence of primer.

Pinholing

The term describes the appearance. Common causes are changes in atmospheric conditions during drying, application over sweating or incompletely dried undercoats.

Runs and Sags

Irregularity of surface due to uneven flow of varnish or paint. Most frequent causes are wrong application technique and/or paint dilution.

Saponification

Chemical reaction that occurs when oil-based products come in contact with alkaline surfaces. An example of this would be enamel or lacquer over concrete or fiber cement boards.

Tackiness

The sticky-feel of a film often as a result of insufficient drying of previous layers of paint.

Wrinkling

This may be a result of painting during extreme temperature conditions, system incompatibility, and/or uneven application thickness.

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