Loss of paint due to poor adhesion. Where there is a primer and a top coat, or multiple coats of paint, peeling may involve some or all coats.

Possible Cause:

• Seepage of moisture through un-caulked joints, worn caulk or leaks in roof or walls.
• Excess moisture escaping through the exterior walls (more likely if paint is oil-based).
• Inadequate surface preparation.
• Use of lower quality paint.
• Applying an oil-based paint over a wet surface.
• Earlier blistering of paint (see blistering).

Solution:

Try to identify and eliminate cause of moisture. Prepare surface by removing all loose painting with scraper or wire brush, sand rough surfaces, prime bare wood. Repaint with a top quality acrylic latex exterior paint for best adhesion and water resistance.

Reddish-brown stains on the paint surface.

Possible Cause:

• Non-galvanized iron nails have begun to rust, causing bleed-through to the top coat.
• Non-galvanized iron nails have not been countersunk and filled over.
• Galvanized nailheads have begun to rust after sanding or excessive weathering.

Solution:

When painting new exterior construction where non-galvanized nails have been used, it is advisable to first countersink the nails then caulk them with a top quality, water-based all-acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk. Each nailhead area should be spot primed, then painted with a high quality latex coating. When repainting exteriors where nailhead rusting has occurred, wash off rust stains, sand the nailheads, then follow the same surface preparation procedures as for new construction.

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Black, gray or brown areas on the surface of paint or caulk.

Possible Cause:

• Forms most often on areas that tend to be damp, and receive little or no direct sunlight (walls with a northerly exposure and the underside of eaves are particularly vulnerable).
• Use of a lower quality paint, which may have an insufficient amount of mildewcide.
• Failure to prime bare wood before painting.
• Painting over a substrate or coating on which mildew has not been removed.

Solution:

Test for mildew by applying a few drops of household bleach to the discolored area; if it disappears, it is probably mildew. Remove all mildew from surface by scrubbing with a diluted household bleach solution (one part bleach, three parts water); wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Power washing is also an option. Rinse thoroughly, prime any bare wood then apply one or two coats of top quality exterior paint, which typically contains mildewcide.

Chalking is the formation of fine powder on the surface of the paint film during weathering, which can cause color fading. Although some degree of chalking is normal, desirable way for a paint film to wear, excessive film erosion can result in heavy chalking.

Possible Cause:

• Use of a low-grade, highly pigmented paint.
• Use of an interior paint for an outdoor application.

Solution:

First, remove as much of the chalk residual as possible, use a stiff bristle brush (or wire brush on masonry) and then rinse thoroughly with a garden house; or use power washing equipment. Check for any remaining chalk by running a hand over the surface after it dries If noticeable chalk is still present, apply a quality oil-based or acrylic latex primer (or comparable sealer for masonry), then repaint with a quality exterior coating; if little or no chalk remains and the old paint is sound, no priming is necessary.

Bubbles resulting from localized loss of adhesion and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface.

Possible Cause:

• Painting a warm surface in direct sunlight.
• Application of an oil-based or alkyd paint over a damp or wet surface.
• Moisture escaping through the exterior wall (less likely with latex paint than with oil-based or alkyd paint).
• Exposure or latex paint film to dew, high humidity or rain shortly after paint has dried, especially if there was inadequate surface preparation.

Solution:

• If blisters go down to the substrate, try to remove the source of moisture. Repair loose caulking; consider installing an exhaust fan. Remove blisters.
• If blisters do not go all the way down to the substrate, remove them by scraping, then sanding; prime any bare wood and repaint with a quality exterior paint.

Paint that has lost its adhesion to a galvanized metal substrate.

Possible Cause:

• Improper surface preparation, such as inadequate rust removal.
• Failure to apply a primer before application of an oil-based or vinyl latex paint.
• Failure to sand baked-on enamel finishes or glossy surfaces before painting. 

Solution:

Any rust on the metal should be removed with a wire brush; then, an acrylic latex corrosion-resistant primer should be applied (one coat is usually sufficient). New or previously painted galvanized metal that is completely rust-free can be painted with a top quality acrylic latex paint without applying a primer; however, a metal primer should always be applied to unpainted galvanized metal before applying an oil-based or vinyl latex top coat.

Source: Paint Quality Institute

Welcome to The Arch Painting blog! We are very excited about our new blog and look forward to sharing our ideas and experience on a variety of industry topics. We will add regular blog posts discussing everything from various paint applications to how-to topics to industry trends.

Arch Painting History

Arch Painting was founded in 1997 by Joseph Giacalone, who sought to apply his decade of residential painting experience to launch a full-service painting company focused on providing exceptional service in a distinctly professional manner. Today, Arch Painting’s management team employs a collaborative approach to provide affordable, efficient, and durable painting services. We aim to build client relationships that are as long-lasting as our applications.

New England’s Leading Residential and Commercial Painting Contractor

Arch Painting is the leading provider of painting and wallcovering services for owners of fine homes and businesses in Eastern Massachusetts, Southern Maine, Southern New Hampshire, and Northern Rhode Island. We employ full-time professional painters whose application technique and conduct are carefully monitored by a skilled crew leader, to ensure that our clients are equally pleased with their experience and finished project. The Arch Painting team has solid experience and expertise with a variety of coatings and types of projects.