Problem Advice for Exterior Paints

Surface imperfections on the paint film having the appearance of alligator hide.

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

The decomposition of a paint film into a loose fine powder on the film surface. Although some degree of chalking is a normal, desirable way for a paint film to wear, excessive film erosion can result in heavy chalking.

The washing down of chalk from an excessively eroding paint onto another area below (a brick foundation, for example), ruining its appearance (see Chalking).

The splitting of a dry paint film through at least on coat, which will lead to complete failure of the paint. Early on, the problem appears as hairline cracks; later, flaking of paint chips occurs.

Accumulation of dirt, dirt particles and/or other debris on the paint film; may resemble mildew.

Crusty, white mineral salt deposits, that leach out to the surface on mortar, concrete or masonry surfaces. Efflorescence is usually a telltale sign that there is moisture in the substrate.

Premature and/or excessive fading of the paint color, which often occurs on exterior surfaces facing southern and western exposures. Fading/poor color retention can also be the result of excessive chalking of the coating’s film.

Frosting

Lapping

Mildew

Nailhead Rusting

A white, salt-like discoloration substance on the paint surface. Frosting can occur with any paint color, but it is more noticeable with black paint or very dark tints. On masonry, it can be mistaken for efflorescence (see Efflorescence/Mottling).

Appearance of a denser color or higher gloss where wet and dry layers overlap during paint application.

Black, gray, or brown spots or areas found on the paint film or caulk bead.

Reddish-brown stains on the paint surface.

Paint Incompatibility

Peeling

Poor Alkali Resistance

Poor Galv Metal Adhesion

Loss of intercoat adhesion where an old coat(s) of alkyd or oil-based paint was top-coated with an exterior latex coating.

Paint or coating lifting from a surface due to poor adhesion. Peeling may involve one or several coats.

Color loss and overall deterioration of paint film on fresh masonry.

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

Poor Gloss Retention

Surfactant Leaching

Tannin Staining

Vinyl Siding Warp

Rapid loss of gloss in the topcoat.

Concentration of water-soluble ingredients found in latex paint, leaching out to the paint surface, creating a blotchy, sometimes shiny appearance, often with a tan or brownish cast.

Brownish or tan discoloration appearing on the paint surface due to wood tannins migrating from the substrate through the paint film. Tannin staining typically occurs with “staining wood,” such as redwood, cedar and mahogany, or over painted knots in certain other wood species.

Warping of buckling of vinyl siding panels that have been repainted.

Wax Bleed

Wrinkling

Discoloration of the paint film caused by waxy components found in reconstituted wood products used to make hardboard siding. When the substrate is painted, these wax components bleed through the paint. They will even bleed through ordinary primers, possibly causing dirt pickup, mildew, and/or poor paint adhesion (see Dirt Pickup and Mildew).

A rough, crinkled paint surface occurring when paint forms a “skin”.