Precision Painting Company-Problems Solver

Alligatoring ... many wide patterned cracks in the paint film with appearance of alligator scales.

Alligatoring probable causes ... usually multiple coats of naturally aged oil based paints that have become brittle and start cracking. Topcoats inability to bond smoothly to glossy undercoat. A hard coating over soft primer.

Alligatoring solutions ... Remove excessive paint in affected areas by scraping and sanding. Sand smooth and remove sanding dust before repainting.

Mildew ... Areas of black, gray brown fungus growing on paint and other surfaces, particularly in damp areas.

Mildew probable cause ... Warm humid conditions with poor air circulation. Painting over mildew without removal/treatment. Poor surface preparation. Hidden moisture sources, such as a leaky roof

Mildew solutions ... Remove all mildew by scrubbing with a solution of household bleach (1 part) and water (3 parts)-wear rubber gloves and eye protect ion. Thoroughly rinse with water.

Blistering ... dome shaped paint babbles indicating loss of adhesion. Can occur in isolation or groups.

Blistering probable cause ... Painting in direct sunlight on a hot substrate (surface being painted) which traps solvent vapor as the paint dries too quickly. Dew, rain or very high humidity after latex paint has dried if the latex paint is of lower quality or the substrate surface preparation was inadequate. House moisture escaping through the walls due to improper house ventilation

Blistering solutions ... Scrape away blistered paint and sand to bare wood. Let wood completely dry. Sand, prime and paint in non-direct sunlight and non-humid conditions. Use high quality latex paint.

Chalking ... excessive and heavy powdering. Paints chalk naturally somewhat over long exposure to sun and weather.

Chalking probable cause ... Use of a low-grade, highly pigmented paint. Use of an interior paint for an outdoor application.

Chalking solutions ... 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.

Nail head rusting ... rust spots come through the paint.

Nail head rusting probable cause ... Non-galvanized nails have begun to rust, causing bleed-through to the top coat. Non-galvanized nails have not been countersunk and filled over. Galvanized nail heads have begun to rust after sanding or excessive weathering.

Nail head rusting solutions ... When painting new exterior construction where non-galvanized nails have been used, countersink the nailheads, spot-prime with an oil-based metal primer, then fill with a top quality, water-based all-acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk. When repainting exteriors where nailhead rusting has occurred, wash off the rust stains, sand the nailheads, then follow the same priming and filling procedure as above.