COMMON PAINT PROBLEMS

BUBBLES & CRATERS: Description: Small bubbles, including those that have broken to form craters. Cause: Air is getting trapped in the coating from one of the following: material is too thick entrapped air in brush/roller over agitation of coating application at elevated temperatures trying to fast dry a coating using external heat Prevention: thin material stir vs. shake the material when mixing allow excess paint to drip off brush/roller air, substrate, and material temperature should be between 50F and 90F unless otherwise stated Cure: during application and before setup, burst bubbles with tip of brush. After partial setup, apply a wash coat of thinner or water (depending on product type). After setup, allow surface to dry, then spot sand, feather, & touchup. POOR COVERAGE: Description: subsurface shows through newly painted surface Cause: over thinned material material not mixed properly coating over darker/brighter surface Prevention: dont over thin material mix paint thoroughly so as to insure that all pigments are sufficiently incorporated Cure: recoat using a primer/ under coater

VOIDS, SKIPS, HOLIDAYS: Description: voids on painted surfaces Cause: painting in poorly lighted area roller passed over low spots on surface area surface contamination Prevention: work in well lighted area use adequate roller nap clean surface prior to coating application Cure: clean/recoat surface

COMMON PAINT PROBLEMS

ROPES, PULLS, LAP MARKS, & STIPPLE: Description: indentations from brush/roller on dry paint Cause:

too little material applied excessive brushing/rolling using poor quality brush/roller substrate too hot material too cold insufficient drying time between coats

Prevention: apply full coat at correct coverage air, substrate, and material temperature should be between 50F and 90F unless otherwise stated use primer/sealer allow adequate cure time between coats Cure: allow to dry, sand smooth, and repaint BRISTLE/LINT: Description: small threads or lint on painted surface Cause: poor quality roller/brush Prevention: use proper type/grade of applicator Cure: sand affected area and recoat TUBES: Description: tube shaped particles on painted surface Cause: material is setting up on applicator, breaking off and depositing on painted surface Prevention: add thinner to retard drying Cure: apply wash coat of thinner to surface in order to dissolve tubes if surface has already dried, then sand/recoat GLOSSY SPOTS: Description: glossy spots on surface painted with a flat coating Cause: abrasion from cleaning surface over primed areas Prevention: use non abrasive cleaners apply uniform coat of primer over entire surface Cure: sand glossy areas and repaint entire surface

COMMON PAINT PROBLEMS

WRINKLING: Description: cracks on painted surface within a few minutes/hour of being coated Cause:

surface not properly prepared, de-glossed, or primed incorrect primer/sealer used paint surface dried before full film thickness dried using an enamel over lacquer or visa versa

Prevention: follow surface prevention recommendations use correct primer/sealer air, substrate, and material temperature should be between 50F and 90F unless otherwise stated dont apply lacquer over enamel or visa versa Cure: remove all paint and properly prepare/coat surface CHECKING: Description: cracks in the shape of small squares Cause: paint coating buildup Prevention: remove all old layers of paint before repainting Cure: see prevention PLASTER/DRYWALL DULL SPOTS: Description: dull/chalky spots Cause: surface not sealed with primer/sealer over thinned material Prevention: use primer/sealer prior to top coating dont over thin material Cure: spot prime affected areas and then recoat entire surface WATER STAINS: Description: yellow/gray/brown discolored areas on painted surfaces Cause: moisture Prevention: avoid using acoustic tile in areas subject to moisture (i.e. bathrooms, kitchens, etc.,) insure adequate ventilation (i.e. fans, windows, etc.,) Cure: let affected area dry; prime affected area with white pigmented shellac and then apply desired top-coat

COMMON PAINT PROBLEMS

PLASTER SURFACES -- ALLIGATORING: Description: paint has irregular horizontal and vertical cracking (that resemble the skin of an alligator) Cause: plaster has shrunk excessively because it was not fully cured prior to painting Prevention: allow plaster to properly cure; patch any cracking with non-shrinking plaster/patching compounds Cure: strip surface to bare plaster, patch, apply appropriate primer/sealer and then top-coat.

PLASTER SURFACES PEELING: Description: peeling/flaking/blistering of paint Cause: high moisture content pH level is greater than 11 Prevention: allow plaster to properly cure prime plaster with a surface conditioner that neutralizes any hot-spots (i.e. those areas with a high pH level) Cure: strip surface to bare plaster, prime affected areas with VIP 1200 Surface Conditioner, and then top-coat

CONCRETE/MASONARY FLAKING & POWDERING: Description: flaking/powdering/ Discoloration within one year after new paint job Cause: interior paint used on exterior surfaces surface was cleaned with an acid solution and not properly rinsed prior to coating Prevention: use correct grade/quality coating after any acid cleaning, always use a neutralizing rinse of Tri-Sodium Phosphate and water Cure: stripe/clean/prime & top-coat CHEMICAL BLISTERS: Description: non moisture causing blisters where the underside of blister is glossy Cause: new paint not chemically compatible with existing paint surface contamination Prevention: use appropriate top-coat properly clean and prep surface

Cure: remove all paint, clean, prime & top-coat

COMMON PAINT PROBLEMS

FAILURE TO DRY: Description: tacky condition beyond normal drying time Cause:

grease, wax, polish on surface surface not cleaned poor ventilation extreme heat, cold and/or humidity excess Linseed Oil in coating excess colorant in paint coating applied to thick

Prevention: use proper surface preparation make sure adequate ventilation is available add no more Linseed Oil and/or colorant than product is designed for apply correct mil thickness Cure: induce adequate ventilation (i.e. fans, opened windows) if surface fails to dry, remove coating, clean surface, and recoat

COLOR STREAKING, BLOTCHING, AND FLOCCULATION: Description: uneven color distribution on the surface or rapid separation of color or float in the can Cause: inadequate agitation of product excess colorant in paint Prevention: allow custom colors the proper amount of time for agitation dont induce more than the recommended amount of colorant to the coating Cure: see prevention