Identifying and Resolving Common Paint Problems
The Paint Quality Institute Problem Solver is a comprehensive guide that provides detailed information on most types of paint problems. Organized into interior and exterior categories, each paint problem includes a photo for better identification. The ’cause’ and ‘solution’ information enables you to address the situation and prevent it from reoccurring.
Depending on your paint issue, select from the ‘Interior’ or ‘Exterior’ links and start the process to obtain a quality paint finish.
- INTERIOR
- EXTERIOR
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BLISTERING
Bubbles resulting from localized loss of adhesion, and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface.
possible causes
- Applying oil-based or alkyd paint over a damp or wet surface.
- Moisture seeping into the home through the exterior walls (less likely with latex paint).
- Exposure of latex paint film to high humidity or moisture shortly after paint has dried, especially if there was inadequate surface preparation.
recommendations
- If blisters do not go all the way down to the substrate: Remove blisters by scraping, and sanding, and repaint with a quality acrylic latex interior paint. If blisters go down to the substrate: Remove the source of moisture, if possible. Repair loose caulking; consider installing vents or exhaust fans. Remove blisters as above, remembering to prime before applying the top coat.
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BLOCKING
Undesirable sticking together of two painted surfaces when pressed together (e.g., a door sticking to the jamb).
possible causes
- Not allowing sufficient dry time for the coating before closing doors or windows.
- Use of low quality semigloss or gloss paints.
recommendations
- Use top quality semigloss or gloss acrylic latex paint. Low quality latex paints can have poor block resistance, especially in warm, damp conditions. Follow paint label instructions regarding dry times. Acrylic latex paints generally have better early block resistance then vinyl latex paints or alkyd or oil-based paints; however, alkyds develop superior block resistance over time. Application of talcum powder can relieve persistent blocking.
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BURNISHING
Increase in gloss or sheen of paint film when subjected to rubbing, scrubbing or having an object brush up against it.
possible causes
- Use of flat paint in highly trafficked areas, where a higher sheen level would be desirable.
- Frequent washing and spot cleaning.
- Objects (furniture, for example) rubbing against the walls.
- Use of lower grades of paint with poor stain and scrub resistance (see Poor Stain Resistance and Poor Scrub Resistance).
recommendations
- Paint heavy wear areas that require regular cleaning (e.g., doors, window sills and trim) with a top quality latex paint, because this type of paint offers both durability and easier cleaning capability. In high traffic areas, choose a semigloss or gloss rather than a flat sheen level. Clean painted surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge and non-abrasive cleansers; rinse with clean water.
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CAULK FAILURE
Loss of caulk's initial adhesion and flexibility, causing it to crack and/or pull away from the surfaces to which it it applied.
possible causes
- Use of lower quality caulk.
- Use of wrong type of caulk for a particular application (e.g., using latex or vinyl caulk in areas where there is prolonged contact with water or considerable movement of the caulked surfaces).
recommendations
- Use a top quality water-based all-acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk if prolonged contact with water is not anticipated. These caulks are flexible enough to adapt to minor fluctuations in the substrate, stretching in gaps that widen slightly over time. They also adhere to a wide range of interior building materials, including wood, ceramic tile, concrete, glass, plaster, bare aluminum, brick and plastic. Note: Silicone caulk should not be painted.
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ALLIGATORING
Patterned cracking in the surface of the paint film resembling the regular scales of an alligator.
possible causes
- Application of an extremely hard, rigid coating, like an alkyd enamel, over a more flexible coating, like a latex primer.
- Application of a top coat before the undercoat is dry.]
- Natural aging of oil-based paints as temperatures fluctuate. The constant expansion and contraction results in a loss of paint film elasticity.
recommendations
- Old paint should be completely removed by scraping and sanding the surface; a heat gun can be used to speed work on large surfaces, but take care to avoid igniting paint or substrate. The surface should be primed with high quality latex or oil-based primer, then painted with a top quality exterior latex paint.
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BLISTERING
Bubbles resulting from localized loss of adhesion, and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface.
possible causes
- Painting a warm surface in direct sunlight.
- Application of oil-based or alkyd paint over a damp or wet surface.
- Moisture escaping through the exterior walls (less likely with latex paint than with oil-based or alkyd paint).
- Exposure of latex paint film to dew, high humidity or rain shortly after paint has dried, especially if there was inadequate surface preparation.
recommendations
- If blisters go down to the substrate: try to remove the source of moisture. Repair loose caulking; consider installing vents or exhaust fans. Remove blisters (see Below).
- If blisters do not go all the way down to the substrate: remove them by scraping, then sanding, prime bare wood and repaint with a quality latex exterior paint.
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CHALKING
Formation of fine powder on the surface of the paint film during weathering which can cause color fading. Although some degree of chalking is a normal, desirable way for a paint film to wear, excessive film erosion can result from heavy chalking.
possible causes
- Use of a low-grade, highly pigmented paint.
- Use of an interior paint for an outdoor application.
recommendations
- First, remove as much of the chalk residue as possible, scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush (or wire brush on masonry) and then rinse thoroughly; or use power washing equipment. Check for any remaining chalk by running a hand over the surface after it dries. If noticeable chalk is still present, apply a quality oil-based or acrylic latex primer (or comparable sealer for masonry), then repaint with a quality exterior coating; if little or no chalk remains and the old paint is sound, no priming is necessary.
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CHALK RUN-DOWN
The washing down of chalk from an excessively eroding paint onto another area below (a brick foundation, for example), ruining its appearance (see Chalking).
possible causes
- Use of a lower quality, highly pigmented paint.
- Use of an interior paint for an outdoor application.
- Erosion of factory-finished metal siding.
recommendations
- Remove as much of the chalk residue as possible (see Chalking). Scrub any stained areas with a stiff brush, using a detergent solution; rinse thoroughly. In cases of severe staining, an acid wash may be necessary. Either way, if the affected area dries to a different color, consider painting it with a quality latex paint. Eroding aluminum siding should be thoroughly cleaned (power washing recommended) before painting with a quality exterior latex paint.
