Common Paint Problems & Solutions

Efflorescence consists of soluble salts formed on the surface of plaster or brick work by the evaporation of water. .

Subjective term used to describe the lightening of the color of a pigmented paint following exposure to light, heat, time, temperature, chemicals, etc.

Appearance of a denser color or increased gloss where wet and dry layers overlap during paint application.

A white, salt-like substance on the paint surface.  Frosting can occur on any paint color, but it is less noticeable on white paint or lighter tints. On masonry, it can be mistaken for efflorescence (see Efflorescence and Mottling).

Formation of bubbles (foaming) and resulting small, round concave depressions (cratering) when bubbles break in a paint film, during paint application and drying.

Normally this is caused due to insufficient cement being mixed into the plaster. It can also been caused by too much moisture in the substrate that has not been allowed to escape.

The most widespread cause of flaking is moisture, either in the surface or deposited during painting.

This is a major cause of coating de-elaminating in moist, damp and poorly ventilated areas. It can appear as green, black or brown/red. The only way to remove it is to ensure that the fungal spores (roots) are killed. Solution: Dilute fungal wash as stated on the...

Accumulation of dirt, dust particles and/or other debris on the paint film; may resemble mildew.

The main cause of damp is due to porous building materials. Pores act as a passageway for water in the form of rising damp and direct water penetration.

Patterned cracking in the surface of the paint film resembling the regular scales of an alligator.

Blistering may occur as a result of moisture absorbed into the old paint.

Undesirable sticking together of two painted surfaces when pressed together.

Increase in gloss or sheen of paint film when subjected to rubbing, scrubbing or having an object brush up against it.

Chalking occurs when paint deficient in binder or vehicle is used on surfaces exposed to the attack of weather.