Common painting problems

Common Paint Problems
Sometimes, things just don't go to plan. Listed below are some of the most common problems that can happen when you paint along with an explanation of why they occur and advice on how to rectify them.

1. Cracking and Flaking
This problem may start as just hairline cracks but as time passes, it can develop into peeling and flaking off of paint in large amounts.

Causes
Use of lower quality paint Over thinning of paint Poor surface preparation Painting under cool or windy conditions which made the paint dry too fast.

Solution
If cracking does not go down to the substrate, sand to feather the edges of the cracks. Prime any bare spots, and seal the surface with the appropriate undercoat, giving a smooth surface for repainting. If cracking goes all the way down to the substrate remove all the paint by scraping and sanding and / or the use of a heat gun then prime and repaint.

2. Mould
Growth of mould on the paint film is unsightly and can occur for a variety of reasons.

Causes
The areas is subject to heavy condensation or damp and/or receives little direct sunlight. Use of low quality paint that has insufficient amount of fungicide. Painting over a surface where mould has not been removed.

Solution
Remove mould with a solution of water and household bleach (one part bleach and three parts water.) Address the underlying root cause of the mould problem by improving ventilation within the room or by curing leaks and damp problems associated with the building structure itself.

3. Peeling
Paint peels off simply because it has poor adhesion to the surface beneath.

Causes
Inadequate surface preparation prior to painting Use of lower quality paint Applying oil based paint over a wet surface.

Solution
Remove all peeling paint with a scraper or wire brush Then properly prepare the surface to be repainted, sanding, sealing and priming as appropriate (see Preparing the Surface)