13 Common House Painting Issues

You add a fresh coat of paint, but in just a year, it’s already flaking off. So, before you make the same mistake again, think about what went wrong.

The following issues often become evident after you’ve painted a house, resulting in peeling, uneven coloration, and other visual distractions:

Blistering: An issue for flat and acrylic paints, blistering emerges as small- and medium-sized bubbles under the paint film. These may form when paint is added to wood siding and trim, especially when the job is done in direct sunlight, on an uneven surface, on a hot substrate, when the wood is damp, when moisture escapes through the walls, or from poor surface preparation.Alligatoring: Paint starting to look like scales on an alligator results from a second coat applied before the first one dried, incompatible paints, or aging oil-based paint. This is particularly an issue for older homes, which often use oil-based paints.

Efflorescence: This condition occurs when white salt deposits bubble through the paint from the masonry. When the surface is poorly prepared, moisture ends up migrating through the walls.

Chalking: A fine chalking powder forms on the surface, resulting from paint binders releasing the pigments. This substance may run off and stain other objects.

Sagging or Running: The paint’s surface resembles a drooping appearance. Previously, you may have applied the paint too heavily, thinned it too much, applied it without a primer, or added it in poor conditions.

Peeling: Attribute this to moisture or poor adhesion. As you were applying the paint, the substrate may have been prepared incorrectly or had insufficient adhesion. Other possibilities may include adding oil-based paint on a wet surface, moisture getting behind the paint’s surface, leaks, or high humidity.

Paint Blocking or Sticking: When pressed together, two painted surfaces stick.

Foaming or Cratering: After bubbles form and burst, what results is a series of small depressions covering the surface.

Lap Marks: Certain areas display a more intense color or a glossy surface. This is what happens when wet and dry layers overlap.

Hatbanding: Corners or edges take on a darker appearance than the rest of the wall.

Poor Uniformity: Spots on the wall appear shinier or duller than the rest.

Surfactant Leaching: Tan or brown spots look glossy, soapy, or sticky.

Wrinkling: Uncured paint wrinkles and dries that way.

Get your house painted correctly the first time. Whether you’re looking to give your home a new look or to protect it fully against the elements, have M. Brett Painting complete the job. If you’re in New England, contact our Connecticut office to discuss all possible options.