Dealing With Paint Flaws And Failures

Before researching the specific defects in paint work, there are certain common causes of paint failure which should always be watched. Whenever trouble arises on a paint job, check over the general causes quickly to avoid any fuss in the future. First look for improper fittings around the house that might have allowed moisture to seep into the openings. Then look for wood touching moist ground, which would cause the wall to be damp.

Problems also might arise from building over ground with little to no ventilation, especially if it isn't concreted. Painting over damp surfaces will almost always lead to failure. Low quality paint or paint that has been improperly mixed and/or applied will be problematic. In addition, undercoats should be given sufficient time to dry, otherwise they will cause flaws.

Finally, using pain that forms a hard, brittle film will negatively affect the final product. Having a good coat of paint without any flaws or imperfections is especially important in the bathroom, where steam can slip past the glass shower doors or shower curtain and obliterate a sloppily done paint job.

A checking coat of paint is a defect due to an undercoat that is too soft. It takes the form of innumerable splits in the surface, which do not extend through to the wood. Sanding and dusting is usually sufficient preparation for the new paint coat. Plenty of drying time between coats and proper mixing will also help to avoid such conditions. Alligatoring, another defect, is similar to checking. Only the top surface of the paint is affected, but to a greater degree.

The separation of the paint film is greater, and the surface more difficult to repaint. This defect is due to too soft of an undercoat caused by insufficient drying between coats, too much oil, or impure oil or other thinners which do not allow the paint to dry hard. To remedy alligatoring it is necessary to remove the paint with a torch and scraper.

Painting over alligatored surfaces will result in an unsightly finish and possible rupturing of the new paint. This defect is especially unsightly in bathroom designs that include painted wooden bathroom vanities. The guest tends to focus on bathroom vanities and cabinets, as they do not observe much else while using the toilet for a few seconds.

Scaling is the ultimate result of cracking. Cracking is the separation of the paint film extending down to the wood. Moisture enters behind the paint film and loosens it. This defect is due to a hard or inelastic paint, which cannot expand with the wood under temperature changes. Poor paint or improper mixtures are its causes. The only remedy is to scrape or burn off all loose paint, and repaint according to formula for new exterior wood.

This troublesome process could prove to be even more difficult if you must remove paint from a non-wooden surface, such as a bathtub drain, doorknob, metal chair, kitchen sink, porcelain bathtub, toilet, mailbox, boat, or cast iron bathtub. Blistering is accompanied by peeling. The paint first detaches itself from the surface, appearing as blisters. Blisters do not always crack, but when cracking occurs, the paint folds over, leaving the surface exposed.

The most common cause of this defect is moisture behind the paint. This may be avoided by not painting until the surface is thoroughly dry. The remedy is the same as for scaling paint. Porch columns that blister after each coating contain moisture inside the column. This may be overcome by boring small holes at the top and bottom to allow for ventilation.

Bleeding over knots is caused by oil in the paint dissolving substances in the knots, thereby causing it to bleed forth. This can be avoided by shellacking knots. In persistent cases, aluminum powder added to the shellac will remedy the trouble. Discoloration is caused by substances in the wood being dissolved and carried to the surface. Thorough drying of the wood before painting will prevent it.

By: Allison Ryan

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Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer specializing in do-it-yourself home improvement; such as bathtub and hot tub installation. For bathroom vanities, specialty shower doors, or a new sauna, stop by www.mybath.biz/.