Find general  House Painting problems identified with Solutions

Common Paint Problems and Solutions   

Interior Paint Solutions	Exterior Paint Solutions
Blocking Two painted surfaces sticking together when pressed against the other, such as doors & windows.	Alligatoring Many wide patterned cracks in the paint film with the appearance of an alligator scales.
Coalescence Void Paint not forming a continuous film when surface temperature is too cold, usually below 50º F.	Blistering Dome shaped paint bubbles indicating loss of  of adhesion. Can occur in isolation or groups.
Caulking Failures Loss of the protective moisture seal due to the loss of the initial adhesion and flexibility.	Chalking Excessive and heavy powdering. Paints chalk naturally somewhat over long exposure to sun & weather.
Wrinkling A rough crinkled surface caused by a drying interference and forming a wrinkle	Checking/Flaking Aging, dried paint starts with hairline cracks. Eventually cracking to the surface.
Yellowing Gradual formation of a yellow cast in aging oil based paints sensitive to the lack of UV exposure.	Dirt Staining Excessive collection of dirt and other debris. Sometimes mistaken for mildew.
Stain Resistance Failure Paint soiling with minimal resistance to the absorption of dirt and stains.	Fading/Color Retention Early loss of color or change usually from direct sun exposure. More pronounced with yellows and reds.
Touch-Up Failure A difference in color and appearance between the original paint and the touch-up spots.	Frosting Salty looking discoloration, most visible on darker colors, sometimes mistaken for efflorescence.
Roller Marks A stipple texture pattern from the roller; not desirable or planned.	Galvanized Metal Peeling Is an adhesion loss of the paint due to inadequate surface preparation.
Sagging Paint running down immediately after application leaving an uneven coating appearance.	Gloss Retention An accelerated deterioration of the top coat causing rapid luster loss.
Scrubbing Failure Excessive wearing away of the paint film from repeated scrubbings	Lapping Occurs where wet and dry layers overlap during painting. Avoid with paint area management and technique.
Poor Hiding Failure of the finish coat to cover the previous color or a new substrate.	Mildew Areas of black, gray, brown spots formed on paint and other surfaces, particularly in damp, shady areas.
Mildew Areas of black, gray brown fungus growing on paint and other surfaces, particularly in damp areas	Nailhead Rusting Rust spots come through the paint. Preventable with proper surface preparation and priming.
Mud Cracking Looks like dried mud with deep irregular cracks in the dry paint film.	Paint Incompatibility Causing adhesion loss from a top coat of latex over many layers of old alkyd or oil based primmer
Flow/Leveling Failure Excessive brush or roller marks causing an unsightly non-uniform surface.	Peeling: Hardboard/Wood Paint adhesion is lost and the loose paint starts coming off in single to multiple coats.
Foaming/Cratering Excessive bubbling that doesn't flow out and leaves craters or depressions in the paint film.	Peeling: Masonry/Metal Paint adhesion is lost and the loose paint starts coming off in single to multiple coats.
Lapping Occurs where wet and dry layers overlap during painting. Avoid with paint area management    and technique.	Resisting Alkali Results are color loss and complete deterioration of the paint on fresh masonry.
Burnishing Spots of increased sheen where paint is rubbed. Even a fingernail stro	Tannin Wood Staining Brownish discoloration that will come through prime/finish coats unless properly primed.
Cracking/Flaking Aged paint splitting through at least one coat with flaking occurring in the later stages.	Under Eaves Peeling Occurs in areas in the shade and condensation collects sulfur dioxide from the air.
Flashing Uneven gloss with shiny or dull spots on painted surfaces.	Wax Bleeding Migration of waxy additives used in reconstituted wood products to the surface causing discoloration and possible wetting
More Paint Onsite Help: Kelly-Moore Paint FAQ    Paint Tips House Painting Problems/Solutions	Wrinkling Improper paint application (usually too thick) can cause paint to have wrinkles.
Spattering (Roller) A spray of paint droplets from the roller cover as the paint is being applied.	Efflorescence Crusty, white salt deposits leached form masonry or mortar.