Common Paint Problems

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

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

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

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