Troubleshooting Common Paint Problems
Is your paint cracking, peeling, or loosing its colour? Interior paint problems can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing the issue, or how to fix it.
Here are a few common paint problems, how they are caused, and how to get your paint looking good as new.
Paint Mould
What is it?
Mould appears as brown, gray, or black patchy areas on a painted surface.
Cause
Mould can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Dampness
- Lack of sunlight
- Poor quality paint
- The failure to prime timber prior to painting
- Painting over a surface that already had mould on it
Solution
You’ll need to remove the mould before repainting. To do this, create a solution of one part bleach to three parts water. Wearing rubber gloves and protective eyewear, scrub the discoloured surface. Rinse well with clean water, and allow to dry completely before repainting. Don’t forget to prime if you’re painting bare wood.
Fading Paint Colour
What is it?
Paint colour does fade overtime. However, if your paint fades prematurely or excessively, you could have a problem.
Cause
Most commonly, faded paint colour is cause by overexposure to sunlight. Fading can also be caused by using an interior paint outside, or using a paint colour that’s particularly sensitive to UV light, such as bright blue or red, in a sunny area.
Solution
Clean the surface thoroughly before repainting, and leave it to dry completely. For exterior surfaces, ensure you use a paint that’s designed for outdoor use.
Cracking or Flaking Paint
What is it?
Cracking and flaking is when dry paint splits, and eventually falls off. This process begins with small hairline cracks, which increase in size over time.
Cause
Improper surface preparation is a common cause of cracking and flaking. Other causes include:
- Use of a low quality paint
- Thinning the paint too much
- Painting when it’s excessively hot and windy, which causes paint to dry too quickly
Solution
Depending on the severity of the cracking, you may not need to remove all paint. First try removing flaking paint with a paint scraper or stiff bristled brush, and then sand the edges of the crack until smooth. If possible, touch up discoloured areas. If the cracking is too severe, you’ll need to remove all paint by scraping and sanding. Be sure to prime the surface before repainting.
Paint Chalking
What is it?
Chalking, most commonly seen on painted exterior surfaces, is when a fine powder forms over the paint. This powder can cause the colour to fade.
Cause
Chalking is usually caused by weather erosion on paint not designed for the outdoors, i.e. interior paint used on exterior surfaces. It can also be caused by the use of a poor quality, highly pigmented paint.
Solution
Before you repaint, you will need to clean the fine powder from your surface. Use a stiff bristled brush first, then use a wet cloth or a garden hose to remove the excess powder. Once dry, check that all powder has been removed by running your hand over the surface. If there’s little to powder, go ahead and repaint with a quality, outdoor paint.
Need Help?
If your home is suffering from any of the above paint problems, we can help. We take the time to properly prepare surfaces to ensure your paint job lasts. Give us a call on 07 3829 5735 or send us an email for a quick, accurate quote.
With years of experience, a proven track record, and a commitment to customer service, Kraudelt Painting in Brisbane is the house painting company you can rely on.
