Common Paint Problems

Recognise the problems of your paint so that you can tackle them accordingly!
 
 
 
   

Peeling

Flaking of paint film that is usually caused by poor preparation prior to painting done.
 
 
Possible causes:
  Excessive dryness of paint
  Incompatible surfaces: latex paint applied over a pre-painted, oil-based paint
  Lack of curing time: 2nd or 3rd coat applied before the previous coat dries completely
  Low quality paint resulting in inadequate adhesion of paint from the surface
  Paint becoming brittle with time (no paint last forever)
  Poor surface preparation like scraping and sanding
 
 
 
   

Cracking

Extreme patterned cracking of paint resembling the scale of an alligator.
 
 
Possible causes:
  Application of an extremely hard rigid coating (e.g. oil enamel) over a soft flexible coating
  Application of a coating over a glossy finish
  Lack of curing time: 2nd or 3rd coat applied before the previous coat dries completely
  Natural aging of oil-based paints due to temperature changes
 
 
 
   

Chalking

Formation of a white chalky powder on the surface of the paint film
 
 
Possible causes:
  Excessive dilution of paint
  Exposure to moisture and sunlight
  Low quality paint resulting in inadequate adhesion of paint from the surface
  Poor surface preparation like scraping and sanding
 
 
 
   

Discoloration

Caused by water from the rain and dew that penetrates a porous paint coat
 
 
Possible causes:
  Moisture on the wall surface that penetrates through the paint film will result in discoloration
 
 
 
   

Fungus

Fungus feeds and grows on paint and it can be identified by its dark and black splotchy spots.
 
 
Possible causes:
  Common in humid climates
  Formed on areas with poor ventilation and high moisture
  Fungus were formed prior to paint being applied on surface
 
 
 
   

Blistering/ Bubbling

Formation of bubbles in the paint film
 
 
Possible causes:
  Applying solvent-based paint over a damp or wet surface
  Exposure to moisture and high humidity after paint has dried
 
 
 
   

Running/ Sagging

Downward ‘dripping’ movements of paint from walls
 
 
Possible causes:
  Applying paint during humid or cold weather
  Over spreading or over thinning the paint
  Painting of excessively thick film layer at one time
  Poor surface preparation like scraping and sanding
 
 

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