How to deal with common painting problems

Problem: Blistering and flaking paint

Cause: This may be due to any of the following factors:

• Moisture trapped beneath the surface of the paint film.
• If the paint is applied over a powdery or friable surface.
• Surface contamination such as dirt, oil, and grease.
• Polish residues on the surface, which impair the adhesion of the paint.
• Excessive movement of the substrate, such as joints, imposing stress on the paint film which can result in cracking which in turn lets in moisture, ultimately resulting in a flaking paint film.
• Resins present in knots causing light coloured paints to discolour or even flake. Resin bleed and flaking is a common problem where dark colours are used on south facing elevations. This is because dark colours absorb more heat than light colours.

Putting it right : All loose material will have to be removed back to a firm edge, spot primed with the appropriate Primer, and then recoated with the appropriate product. If large areas are involved it will be best to totally strip the surface back to a bare surface and start again.

Take a look at the primers available in our interior paint section.

Problem: Bleeding

Cause: This is usually caused by contamination of the underlying surface by soluble stains.

Putting it right: It is important to seal the original stain by applying a coat of a suitable stain blocker prior to re-decorating

Problem: Cissing

Cause: This is caused by painting over contaminated surfaces such as wax, oil or polish. The paint cannot adhere to the surface and draws away leaving unpainted areas.

Putting it right: Allow the surface to dry and then rub down using 'wet and dry' abrasive paper and a solution of warm water and detergent. Once rinsed and dried the area can be repainted.

Problem: Filler shows through the paint

Putting it right: Make sure that all filled areas are rubbed down smooth and level. You will need to prime the filler before painting to prevent subsequent coats being absorbed more rapidly than on other areas. Use a coat of emulsion thinned 10-20% with clean water. Once this has dried you can apply a full coat of emulsion.

Problem: Mud cracking

Cause: The most likely cause of mud cracking is applying a thick, heavy, un-thinned coat of paint to a textured or embossed surface such as blown vinyl wallpapers or pebbledash. This is especially true if the paint was applied by brush.

Putting it right: One or two thinned coats of paints may fill in the cracks. For internal walls, a soft sheen paint is the most suitable product to use. If the affected area is over wallpaper, the best way to solve the problem is to remove the paper and start again

Problem: Powdery or chalky surfaces on outside paint work

Cause: This is caused usually by a wearing away of the paint film by weathering.

Putting it right: The affected area should be brushed down with a stiff bristle brush to remove as much powdery material as possible before applying a coat of  exterior Stabilising Primer It can then be re-painted in your chosen finish.

Problem: Shrivelling and wrinkling paint

Cause: Shrivelling & wrinkling of new paintwork occurs when the surface of the paint dries too quickly, therefore forming a skin before the paint underneath could dry. It is likely to be worse if a thick coat of paint is applied, especially to horizontal surfaces. It can also occur if a second coat is applied before the first one has dried.

Putting it right: Allow the paint to dry and harden. This may take several days, or weeks, depending on the drying conditions. When dry, rub the surface down using 'wet and dry' abrasive paper, and clean with warm water with a little detergent added. Rinse the surface with clean water and allow to dry before repainting.

Problem: Blooming or loss of gloss

Cause: Blooming is a loss of gloss, therefore normally only noticed with high gloss paint & varnishes. It is caused by the settling of dew or condensation on the paint shortly after application. This is often a problem when painting out of season, or in areas of high condensation like bathrooms.

Putting it right: When the surface is thoroughly dry the affected surface will need to be rubbed down using 'wet and dry' abrasive paper. It can then be re-coated. This should only be done once the conditions improve or when the condensation problem is resolved

Problem: Yellowing on radiators

Cause: Conventional gloss paints discolour due to the effects of heat.

Putting it right: There are two options to prevent it happening. Firstly, paint the radiator the same colour as the wall as yellowing is much more noticeable with white paint. Alternatively use a specific Radiator Enamel (White or Magnolia) or Radiator Enamel (White) or Radiator Shades.

Problem: Grey denatured wood

Cause: Wood that is exposed to UV light from the sun can become grey and friable.

Putting it right: This dead wood must be completely removed by rubbing it down to new sound wood. If outside, the wood can then be primed with a suitable primer followed by an exterior Undercoat & Gloss system.