Peeling and mildew are two common paint problems, but there are plenty more. If your house has any of these problems, there’s hope for help.
– Alligatoring: Patterned surface cracking that resembles the skin of an alligator. Cause: Often a conflict between primer and topcoat or an oil topcoat has aged. Solution: Remove paint to bare wood. Use an oil primer and a latex topcoat.
– Mildew: Mildew spots on surface of paint or caulk. Cause: Most likely too much shade; also use of inexpensive paint or failure to prime correctly. Solution: Remove all mildew by scrubbing with a bleach solution (one part bleach, three parts water). Rinse thoroughly. Repaint only after surface dries for 48 hours. Use paint with a mildewcide. Trim trees and foliage so sunlight can help dry the surface after rain.
– Blistering: Bubbling and paint lifting. Cause: Painting warm surface or in direct sunlight; using oil paint or alkyd paint over wet surface; exposure to moisture, high humidity. Solution: Remove blisters by scraping and sanding. Source of moisture should be eliminated. If bare wood is present, use a vapor-blocking primer.
– Chalking or chalk run-down: Fine powder on paint surface or powder washing down on another surface, such as brick. Cause: Using low-grade, high-pigmented paint or using interior paint for an outdoor application. Solution: Remove as much residue as possible with stiff brush, rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. If some chalk residue remains, apply latex primer or a chalk-sealing paint. Repaint with high-quality latex.
