The appearance of bubbling, which is often the result of trapped moisture and/or a lack of adhesion
Possible Causes
- Trapped moisture or solvent underneath the coating.
- The use of a solvent-based coating over a damp substrate.
- Painting in a damp or high-humidity area.
- Painting over a contaminated surface or other bond breaker.
Recommendations
- Allow sufficient time for blisters to go down. Determine the source of the moisture, and eliminate the problem by installing proper ventilation and caulking all openings.
- If blisters do not go down, remove them by scraping and sanding.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Apply 1-2 coats of Accolade® Interior Paint + Primer.
The sticking together of two painted surfaces. Occurs more often with latex paints on trim work such as windows and doors.
Possible Causes
- Not allowing proper dry time before closing windows or doors.
- Use of a low-quality latex semi-gloss or gloss paint.
- Hot, humid or damp conditions.
- Lack of good ventilation.
Recommendations
- Read and follow proper recoat and drying times.
- Do not paint in hot, humid or damp conditions.
- Use a top quality semi-gloss acrylic product such as Accolade® Interior Acrylic Semi-Gloss Paint + Primer or RedSeal™ Interior Oil Satin Enamel. 100% Acrylic paints have better early block resistance than vinyl latex paints, but alkyds do develop superior block resistance over time.
Shiny spots on a paint film caused by objects rubbing against the surface.
Possible Causes
- Use of a low-grade paint with a poor scrub rating.
- Inappropriate cleaning methods, such as using an abrasive cloth or cleaner.
- Objects frequently rubbing against the walls.
- Use of flat paint in highly trafficked areas.
Recommendations
- For best results, clean painted surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge and use non-abrasive cleaners.
- Apply 1-2 coats of Accolade® Interior Paint + Primer. Accolade® was specifically formulated to offer the best burnish resistance. It provides exceptional durability and easier cleaning capability.
Initially may appear as a hairline crack but often results in complete flaking of paint chips.
Possible Causes
- Use of a poor-quality paint that lacks proper adhesion and flexibility.
- The failure to apply coating at recommended spread rates.
- Inadequate surface preparation.
- Aging oil-based paint that has become too brittle.
Recommendations
- Remove as much loose paint as possible by scraping and sanding.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Apply 1-2 coats of Accolade® Interior Paint + Primer.
The formation of bubbles that may break and result in craters during the application and drying process.
Possible Causes
- Over application of product (rolling too rapidly).
- The use of a low-grade or old paint.
- Over shaking the paint prior to painting.
- Applicator did not use the recommended roller cover nap length.
- Finish coat was applied over an unprimed, porous surface.
Recommendations
- Problem areas should be sanded smooth prior to repainting.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer to seal any porous surfaces.
- Avoid excessive rolling or brushing during application.
- Follow recommended application procedures and use appropriate roller cover nap sizes.
- Apply 1-2 coats of Accolade® Interior Paint + Primer. Accolade® was specifcally formulated to provide superior flow/leveling, which lessens the potential of bubbling occurring.
Appearance of a denser color or increased gloss where wet and dry layers overlap during paint application.
Possible Causes
- Failure to maintain a “wet edge” during application.
- The use of low-grade, low-solids paint.
- Applying finish coat to an unprimed, porous surface.
Recommendations
- Always maintain a wet edge when painting by starting in an unpainted area and the paint from “wet to dry”.
- If the substrate is very porous, apply one coat of Suprime® 100% Acrylic Multi-Purpose Primer (Z1001/F1001). This will help prevent the finish coat from drying too quickly and reducing wet edge time.
- If the substrate is very porous, apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer. This will help prevent the finish coat from drying too quickly and reducing wet edge time.
- Apply 1-2 coats of Accolade® Paint + Primer. The high solids content of this premium finish will make lap marks less likely.
Black, gray or brown spots often found on the surface of paint or other surfaces in damp or shaded areas.
Possible Causes
- Tends to grow in areas that are damp and receive little or no direct sunlight (basements).
- Use of a low-quality interior-grade paint in high moisture areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
- Use of low-quality interior-grade paint in high moisture areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
- Use of an alkyd or oil-base coating, which tends to be more susceptible to mildew growth.
- Failure to use the appropriate primer before painting.
- Painting over existing mildew.
Recommendations
- Mildew must be completely removed by scrubbing with a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water, or with an appropriate mildew cleaner (be sure to protect skin and eyes).
- Rinse surface throughly and allow to dry.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Interior Paint + Primer.
Heavy sags with irregular cracks that resemble dried mud in the paint film.
Possible Causes
- The main reason mud cracking occurs is because the paint is applied too heavily, or more than the recommended wet film thickness. The most common cause is the applicator trying to apply one heavy coat of paint instead of two.
- Paint buildup in certain areas such as corners.
Recommendations
- Coating must be scraped and sanded smooth.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Interior Paint + Primer. Accolade® Finishes have a high solid content which increases hide and minimizes the tendency to apply the coating too heavily.
The visual effect on a wall surface that resembles the frame of a picture. This often occurs when a wall is painted with a roller, but is brushed at the corners. The brushed areas generally appear darker creating a “frame”.
Possible Causes
- The applicator uses paint from one can to roll the walls, and paint from another can to brush them. There may be a slight color variance between the different batches of paint.
- The brushed areas may appear darker than the rolled areas.
- A hide or coverage issue due to the different spread rates of brushing and rolling.
- Applicator cut in too much in at one time and did not maintain a wet edge. Best results are achieved by cutting in one wall at a time and rolling before those areas have dried.
Recommendations
- Use the same material (batch) to brush and roll the walls.
- Do not cut in the entire room before rolling. Always maintain a “wet edge” by working in small sections.
- Stir your paint occasionally to avoid any tint settling.
- Be sure the correct colorant-base combinations are used.
- Use high-quality products with excellent application characteristics such as Accolade® Interior Paint + Primer.
Failure of paint to form a smooth film without brush marks or roller stipple appearing.
Possible Causes
- Use of low-grade interior paint.
- Applying paint before underlying coat has dried.
- Paint applied too heavily, or more than the recommended wet film thickness.
- The use of a poor quality or the wrong type of brush or roller cover.
Recommendations
- Sand walls smooth to eliminate any stipple or texture.
- Use the manufacturer’s recommended roller cover and brush type.
- Use high quality products with excellent application characteristics such as Accolade® Interior Paint + Primer. Accolade® is formulated to provide superior flow and leveling, which results in a smooth, elegant finish.
Paint lacking the ability to hide or obscure a surface when it has been uniformly applied.
Possible Causes
- The use of a low-grade paint or lighter color than the substrate.
- The use of a poor-quality or the wrong type of brush or roller cover.
- Paint was spread too thin and not applied at recommended wet film thickness.
- Paint was over reduced before application.
- Color containing organic colorants, like bright yellows or reds, was used and naturally does not hide as well as muted colors.
Recommendations
- Always use high-quality, recommended applicators.
- If the substrate is significantly darker, prime with Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer prior to applying the finish coat.
- If a deep bright color is selected, prime with Interior Latex Deeptone Primer and have it tinted to the recommended grey shade.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Interior Paint + Primer. Accolade® Finishes have a high solid content, which increases their hiding ability.
Being able to remove some of the paint film when properly scrubbing with a brush, sponge or cloth.
Possible Causes
- Use of a low-grade paint.
- Use of an abrasive cloth, or over-scrubbing the surface.
- Use of an abrasive cleaner.
- Not allowing proper cure time before scrubbing.
- Paint was spread too thin and not applied at recommended wet film thickness.
Recommendations
- Areas that need frequent cleaning require a high quality paint, such as Accolade® Interior Paint + Primer. High traffic areas may require the satin or semi-gloss sheen to provide better scrub resistance.
- Allow paint to fully cure (generally 28 days with acrylics) before attempting to scrub the surface.
- For best results, always use non-abrasive material and mild detergents when cleaning the surface.
An uneven gloss or sheen on a painted surface (may also be referred to as “flashing.”)
Possible Causes
- Paint was not applied at an even spread rate.
- Painting over an unprimed surface with various degrees of porosity.
- Poor application methods resulting in lapping (see Lapping).
Recommendations
- New substrates should be primed/sealed with Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer to ensure a uniform surface.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Interior Paint + Primer.
- Always maintain a wet edge when painting and apply the paint from “wet to dry”.
The failure of the paint to resist absorption of dirt and stains.
Possible Causes
- The use of low-grade paint that is porous in nature.
- Applying paint to a substrate that has not been properly prepared or primed.
- Stain absorbs into the paint film prior to its full cure.
Recommendations
- Properly prepare the surface, assuring it is clean, dry and in sound condition.
- New substrates should be primed/sealed with Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer to ensure a uniform surface. Priming new surfaces provides maximum film thickness of the finish coat, thus providing very good stain resistance and removability.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Interior Paint + Primer. Accolade® Finishes contain more binder, which helps prevent stains from absorbing into the surface.
A noticeable difference in appearance with the original finish and the touched-up areas.
Possible Causes
- A different batch of product was used when touching up.
- A different applicator was used when touching up (for instance – original was rolled, touch-ups were brushed, thus a different texture was created).
- Touch-ups were performed in different temperatures than the original paint job.
- Poor touch-up techniques were used.
Recommendations
- Before touching-up, try to remove the marks or contaminants with a soft sponge and liquid detergent.
- Always use the original material (batch), if possible, when touching-up.
- Try to use an applicator similar to the one used during the original paint job.
- Follow proper touch-up techniques such as “feathering-in” the edges.
The downward movement of the paint film immediately after application, resulting in an uneven appearance.
Possible Causes
- Paint applied too heavily, or oat more than the recommended wet film thickness.
- Product applied during, or prior to, excessive humidity or cool conditions.
- Paint was over-reduced prior to application.
- Poor application techniques.
- Applying finish coat to a slick, glossy surface.
Recommendations
- If the paint has not dried, try to brush out or re-roll the problem areas.
- If the paint has dried, sand smooth before reapplying a new finish coat.
- Assure humidity levels and temperature are ideal for painting.
- Apply 1-2 coats of Accolade® Interior Paint + Primer at their recommended spread rates.
Cracking in the paint film surface that resembles the scales of an alligator.
Possible Causes
- An alkyd, or other rigid coating, was applied over a flexible, acrylic coating.
- The recommended recoat time was not followed.
- Normal aging of an oil-based paint has resulted in a loss of paint film elasticity. The coating can no longer expand and contract.
Recommendations
- Completely remove old coating by scraping and sanding, or by using a power washer and appropriate paint stripper.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Finish with 2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.
The appearance of bubbling, which is often the result of trapped moisture and/or a lack of adhesion.
Possible Causes
- Trapped moistrue or solvent underneath the coating.
- Painting in direct sunlight.
- The use of a solvent based coating over a damp substrate.
- Dew, high humidity or rain prior to the proper cure of the paint film.
- Painting over a contaminated surface or other bond breaker.
Recommendations
- Allow sufficient time for blisters to go down. Determine the source of the moisture and eliminate the problem by installing proper ventilation and caulking all openings.
- If blisters do not go down, remove them by scraping and sanding.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.
The formation of powder on the surface of the paint film.
Possible Causes
- The natural film erosion of an alkyd coating.
- The use of a low-grade or highly pigmented exterior paint.
- The failure to apply the coating at recommended spread rates.
- Erosion of factory finished aluminum/metal siding.
Recommendations
- Remove as much chalk as possible through the use of a household detergent and stiff bristle brush, and rinse thoroughly, or use a power washer.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.
Splitting of a paint film through at least one coat. Initially may appear as a hairline crack but often results in complete flaking of paint chips.
Possible Causes
- Use of a poor quality paint that lacks proper adhesion and flexibility.
- The failure to apply coating at recommended spread rates.
- Inadequate surface preparation.
- Aging oil-based paint that has become too brittle.
Recommendations
- Power wash to remove as much loose paint as possible.
- Scrape the remaining paint and edges smooth.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.
Salt deposits found on the surface of coatings caused from moisture passing through mortar or masonry.
Possible Causes
- Inadequate surface preparation.
- Excessive moisture present.
- pH Level too high or lack of appropriate cure time.
Recommendations
- Remove by brushing with a wire brush or power washer and rinse thoroughly.
- Eliminate source of moisture entering concrete.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.
Lightening of the paint’s color, usually caused by exposure to light or heat.
Possible Causes
- The use of a low-grade exterior or an interior paint.
- Applying colorant to a white paint not intended to be tinted, or overtinting a light or medium base.
- Deep colors and bright reds and yellows are more vulnerable to fading.
Recommendations
- Power wash to remove chalk and other contaminants.
- Spot prime any bare areas with one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.
A white, crystalline deposit on a coating’s surface normally consisting of sodium and calcium salts. Tends to occur in the spring and fall months when the weather is cooler with higher humidity. These conditions tend to draw the salts in the paint film onto the surface. It is most visible on dark colors and is often mistaken for efflorescence on masonry.
Possible Causes
- Tends to form in protected areas (such as under eaves) that do not receive the cleansing action of rain and dew.
- Cool, damp conditions within 24 hours of application.
- Excessive extender pigments in the paint or primer.
Recommendations
- Frosting should be completely removed by wire brush (masonry) or sanding (wood).
- Thoroughly rinse surface and allow to dry.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.
Black, gray or brown spots occasionally found on the surface of paint or other surfaces in damp, shaded areas.
Possible Causes
- Tends to grow in areas that are damp, and receive little or no direct sunlight (basements).
- Use of a poor quality interior grade paint in high moisture areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
- Use of an alkyd or oil-based coating, which tend to be more susceptible to mildew growth.
- Failure to use the appropriate primer before painting.
- Painting over existing mildew.
Recommendations
- Mildew must be completely removed by scrubbing with a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water, or with an appropriate mildew cleaner (be sure to protect skin and eyes.)
- Rinse surface thoroughly and allow to dry.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.
The stains from nail heads bleed through on to the paint surface.
Possible Causes
- Non-galvanized iron nails were not countersunk and filled over, and have begun to rust.
- Galvanized nail heads have begun to rust after sanding or excessive weathering.
Recommendations
- Countersink all nail heads and fill with a top quality siliconized acrylic caulk.
- Spot prime each nail head area with Steeltech® Universal Alkyd HP Primer (S4751/S4752) or Steeltech® Universal Acrylic HP Primer(Z6631/Z6633).
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.
The detachment of paint from the surface in ribbons or sheets, often the result of poor adhesion.
Possible Causes
- Moisture seepage through uncaulked openings, leaks in roof or walls, excessive interior moisture, etc.
- Improper surface preparation.
- Use of a poor-quality paint.
- The use of o latex paint over several layers of old alkyd or oil paints. The expansion and contraction of the latex coating may put added stress on the old coats of alkyd causing a loss of adhesion with the substrate.
Recommendations
- Identify and eliminate any moisture source.
- Properly prepare the surface by removing all loose paint.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.
The loss of color and paint film integrity on fresh masonry.
Possible Causes
- The masonry substrate has not fully cured.
- A primer, which tolerates a high pH level, was not applied.
- Improper surface preparation.
Recommendations
- Allow masonry surfaces to cure for a minimum of 30 days (a full year’s cure is ideal) before painting.
- If a full cure is not possible, apply Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.
A rapid loss of the finished luster of a paint film.
Possible Causes
- Use of an interior paint.
- Use of a low-quality exterior paint.
- Use of an alkyd or oil-base paint in areas of direct sunlight (oil based paints tend to chalk and lose their luster more rapidly than acrylics).
Recommendations
- Remove as much chalk as possible through use of a household detergent and stiff bristle brush, and rinse thoroughly with a power washer.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex. The binders in this 100% Acrylic coating are of premium grade and will resist UV radiation.
All latex paints contain surfactants, which will slowly leach out of the film and wash from the surface undetected. Under certain curing conditions, such as low temperatures or condensing moisture, the leaching process may occur more rapidly and result in a surfactant build-up on the surface.
Possible Causes
- Cool, humid conditions occur during or shortly after painting. The result is a longer drying time, which allows the paint’s water-soluble ingredients to rise to the surface before the paint thoroughly dries.
- Moisture, such as dew, settles on the paint film shortly after it has dried.
Recommendations
- Avoid painting in the late afternoon if cool, damp conditions are expected.
- Sometimes this water-soluble material can be rinsed off rather easily if addressed right away. Generally even the most severe cases will weather off within a couple of months.
- Surfactant leaching will not affect the long-term durability of the coating.
Discoloration (staining) found on the paint surface due to moisture carrying the natural tannins from the wood through the paint film. Most commonly occurs with Cedar and Redwood.
Possible Causes
- Failure to prime and seal the surface before applying the finish coat.
- Failure to use a primer that is stain-resistant and blocks tannin.
- Substantial amounts of moisture present in the substrate, which will carry the stain to the paint surface.
Recommendations
- Eliminate any possible sources of excess moisture.
- Thoroughly clean the stained area and allow to completely dry.
- Apply 1-2 coats of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer or Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Surface Oil Primer, which are most effective for tannin blocking.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.
The wax used in the manufacturing of hardboard siding migrates to the surface of the paint.
Possible Causes
- Failure to apply a proper primer/sealer prior to painting.
- The use of a dark color, which absorbs heat. The waxes found in hardboard tend to be more active at higher temperatures.
- Allowing hardboard siding to remain uncoated for several months.
Recommendations
- Prime all bare composite board within 30 days with Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer.
- Factory primed boards should be finished within 90 days of installation.
- Finish with 2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.
Paint film appears creased or rough.
Possible Causes
- Paint applied too thickly, thus causing the surface film to dry before the underlying layers. This can cause the dry film to move and wrinkle.
- Painting of a hot surface or in hot weather.
- Rain, dew, fog or high humidity levels occur during or shortly after painting.
- Not following recommended recoat times.
- Improper surface preparation.
Recommendations
- Remove wrinkled coating by sanding and/or scraping.
- Assure substrate to be coated is at an appropriate temperature.
- Apply one coat of Pratt & Lambert® Multi-Purpose Waterborne Primer. Assure primer is completely dry before proceeding to the finish coat.
- Finish with 1-2 coats of Accolade® Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex.