Welcome To Our Blog!

From everyone here at EPS Painting and Services, we'd like to send out a warm thank you for visiting our blog. We hope you find the information provided informative as well as useful.

This blog is open to discussion, so feel free to leave comments and/or suggestions for future topics.

For more information please visit http://www.epspainting.com/

Enjoy!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Common Painting Problems and Solutions


The following are a few of the common household painting problems with possible causes and solutions for each. It is important that you or your painting company takes the proper steps and uses the proper products to ensure a long lasting, quality, paint job.


Problem:

Blistering is a term used to describe small to medium raised bubbles that are found under a painted or laminated surface. It is most common on wood siding and trim.

Causes:

- Painting under direct sunlight on a hot surface will trap the solvent vapor as the paint dries too quickly.

- Applying solvent-based paint to damp or wet surfaces causing trapped moisture to expand the paint film.

- With lower quality latex paint or an inadequate surface preparation, any dew, rain or very high humidity after latex paint has dried can result in blistering.

- House moisture escaping through the walls due to improper house ventilation

- Moisture trickling into your home through the exterior walls. This can be prevented with water-based paint.


Solutions:
If blisters don’t go down to the substrate:
- Scrape blistered paint and sand down to bare wood.
- Let wood dry completely.
- Sand, prime and re-paint under adequate conditions.
- Use quality acrylic water-based interior paint
- Use high quality latex paint.
- Check and repair any loose or missing caulking around windows and doors.
- Consider providing siding ventilation.

If blisters do go down to the substrate:
- Remove the source of moisture, if possible.
- Repair loose sealants; consider installing vents or exhaust fans.
- Remove blisters as above, remembering to prime before applying the top coat.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Problem:

Alligatoring is a failure in the paint film where its patterned cracking resembles the scales of an alligator. These cracks generally do not expose the substrate

Checking is a similar failure but not as severe. They tend to be long, fairly evenly spaced cracks in the paint film having shallow relief or depth. Occasionally checking may become severe in some areas and a deeper crack or split in the paint will occur.
Causes:
- Natural aging of oil-based paints due to temperature fluctuations. The constant expansion and contraction results in a loss of paint film elasticity.
- Application of an extremely hard, rigid coating, like an oil enamel, over a softer, more flexible coating.
- Application of a top coat before the primer or base coat is fully dry.
- Application of coating over a glossy finish.

Solutions:
- Remove the old paint via scraping, sanding, chemical removers, or a heat gun and repaint with a flexible latex based paint.
- Wash with the appropriate concentrated cleaner; rinse thoroughly and allow time to dry.
(recommended: ProClean Professional® Prep Wash Concentrated Cleaner)
- Use high quality latex paint
- If the problem exists on a glossy surface, sand down to a dull
.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Problem:

Peeling due to moisture is recognizable by large peeling sections of paint exposing bare wood underneath.

Causes:

Peeling results when a wet substrate swells, causing the paint film to loosen, crack, and fall off. Ways that the substrate can get wet are as follows:
- Worn-out or no caulking in joints, corners, and openings, allowing moisture to enter.

- Ice-filled or clogged gutters, causing moisture build-up under the shingles.

- Interior moisture migrating through to the exterior walls.

- Painted surfaces that are too close to bare ground.

- Leaking roofs.

- Painting a surface that is damp with rain, condensation, or dew.


Solutions:

- Remove loose or cracked caulking and repair with a quality product.
- Clean and repair gutters so they properly channel water away from the house.
- Install vents, louvers, fans, and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area.
- If wood siding is touching the ground, remove that portion of the wood. Siding should be installed not less than 6" above the ground.
- Repair the roof as needed.
- Test the coating in a 6" to 12" radius around any peeled areas to be sure the adhesion is adequate.
- Follow label and data page directions for proper surface preparation and environmental conditions.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Problem:
Moisture originating from behind the paint film or in front and forcing its way through the paint film can create this type of paint failure.

Causes:

- Excessive moisture in a home due to cooking, showering, or the use of a humidifier, vaporizer, or hot tub.
- Excessive moisture in a home due to a high level of humidity in the basement and/or foundation.

Solutions:
- Ventilate high moisture areas such as bathrooms by providing an exhaust vent fan that removes humidity and discharges to the outside.
- Ensure proper ventilation of the roof and walls and sockets.
- Repair missing or damaged flashing at chimney or other wall / roof connections.
- Scrape away old peeling paint and feather sand affected areas.
- Spot prime bare area.
- Paint with high quality acrylic latex paint

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Problem:
Peeling is when the paint separates from the inner layer of paint or the substrate.

Causes:

- Moisture seeps through uncaulked joints or worn caulk

- Leaks in the roof or walls, or an excess of moisture seeping through the interior of the walls

- Painting over any wet, dirty, or glossy surface

- Painting over a layer that already has marginal adhesion

Solutions:

- Remove old, loose, cracked caulk; prime as needed; and re caulk with the appropriate product.
- Find and repair any source of water leaks.
- Follow the appropriate instructions for proper preparation and coating
- Test the coating in a 6" to 12" radius around any peeled areas to be sure its adhesion is adequate.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Getting the job done, and getting it done right
EPS Painting & Services
Discover the Difference



*Information has been gathered from the Sherwin-Williams website

26 comments:

EPSPainting said...

Great Blog, please check more information at our website. http://www.epspainting.com/Painting_Tips.html

Elizebth said...

Nice posting! House painting Seattle

Sidra said...

Thanks for this awesome post sharing! House painting Seattle

Waseem said...

great post! House painting Seattle

Shahzad said...

Good post it is! House painting Seattle

Shahzad said...

Good job man! I just love to read your publication always! House painting Seattle

sidra khan said...

Good job! House painting Seattle

sidra khan said...

Great publication! House painting Seattle

ceiling repair edmonton said...

Your tips are very useful, I'll will always come in to your blog.

Asheville Painting said...

This is a great blog. Keep it up.

staining wood said...

So true, I encountered all of these painting problems in my house for years. And thanks for describing them, you tackled how to solve them. Likewise, this is also true to roof painting, where acrylic paint chips, cracks and overwhelmed by rust over time. I think time to look for quality paints. Thank you.

pest control san fernando valley said...

That paint blistering is common, especially if the surface is not clean or laced with moisture. Before painting, one must clean the surface before applying paint.

painting services york pa said...

That paint blistering is common, especially if the surface is not clean or laced with moisture. Before painting, one must clean the surface before applying paint.

Unknown said...

Great Post.
Fibreglass Ladders

Unknown said...

So you guys do commercial painting? I don't know if it gave your location, but where is it? I am wondering if your in range for me to use your services.

house painting contractors baltimore county said...

One of the most complete guide on troubleshooting paint problems. You described well these common paint problems.

Anonymous said...

You have defined painting problems in great way.
http://www.londondecoratorsuk.com/

painting contractors michigan said...

Awesome, you mentioned well the common house painting problems such as that paint blisters commonly occurs if impurities were not removed.

Anonymous said...

Great information regarding your house painting services but I am still looking for more tips regarding exterior house staining any ideas? Thanks

Unknown said...

My parents have been needing to find some house painters in Adelaide to come look at their house. They've been looking around, but haven't had any success because they don't know what they are looking for. I've just been doing a little research for them, and this has some good insights. So far this site and http://www.ajbluntpaint.com.au have been the most helpful. Thanks so much for sharing this!

Unknown said...

I love getting my house painted. It makes it look like a new home and it is actually very exciting. I am actually in need of getting my house painted again. I am just going to need to find a place that is in my area that can actually help me out.
Jak Manson | http://viocoat.com.au

trademarkconstruct said...

Hello,

Great post i like your blog.

Thanks! For sharing good information about home improvement.
Painting contractor Baltimore MD

Unknown said...

Thanks for your blog! I came across it today and was very glad I did. Those tips are great for paint bubbles and what not. Thanks for all of your valuable information! Keep it up, I will be coming back to visit!
Tim | Red and Black Painting

Unknown said...

This is really interesting, I will have to keep this in mind when I start the process of painting my home! What are some things that I should consider and keep in mind before painting my home? I am hoping this well help create a more welcoming environment and home.
Holly James | http://www.rgmpainting.com.au/

leeshin said...

i have learned the basic mind breaking problems and got solution also thank you. next time ill inform my house painters to be cautious about this issue
house painters

Detroit Painters said...

Excellent post, very informative. Thanks for the information.