How to Fix Common Paint Problems: Tips from Brisbane & Gold Coast Painters

Is your paint cracking, peeling, or loosing its colour? Before you grab the paintbrush, though, this guide will help you fix common paint problems and get your Brisbane or Gold Coast home looking its best again.

1. Paint Mould

What is it?

fix common paint problemsMould 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.

2. Fading Paint Colour

What is it?

fix common paint problems brisbanePaint 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.

3. Cracking or Flaking Paint

What is it?

Flaking PaintCracking 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.

4. Paint Chalking

What is it?

Chalking PaintChalking, 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.

Get in touch with Professional Painters in Brisbane and Gold Coast

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. 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. We are your local experts when it comes to painting Queenslander home interiors. Contact us today for further information, or email  us to arrange an inspection of your home and offer a quote.

Our service areas includes Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay and Redlands.

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About Louise Kraudelt

Meet Louise Kraudelt, a knowledgeable and insightful author in the field of house painting. With a passion for sharing her expertise, Louise provides valuable information and tips on all aspects of commercial and house painting in this blog.

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