Interior Paint Solution Center

Blistering

• Applying oil-based or alkyd paint over a damp or wet surface.
• Moisture seeping into the home through the exterior walls (less likely with latex paint)
• Exposure of latex paint film to high humidity or moisture shortly after paint has dried, especially if there was inadequate surface preparation.

• If blisters do not go all the way down to the substrate:  Remove blisters by scraping and sanding, and repaint with a quality latex interior paint.
• If blisters go down to the substrate:  Remove the source of moisture, if possible.  Repair loose exterior caulking; consider installing vents or exhaust fans.  Remove blisters by scraping and sanding, prime with a latex primer/sealer, and topcoat with a quality latex interior paint.

Blocking

• Not allowing sufficient dry time for the coating before closing doors or windows.
• Use of low quality semi-gloss or gloss paints. Low quality latex paints can have poor block resistance, especially in warm, damp conditions.

• Allow coating to thoroughly dry.  Follow paint label instructions regarding dry times.  Use a top quality interior semi-gloss or gloss latex-based or alkyd-based paint.  Semi-gloss and high gloss alkyd based coatings develop superior block resistance over time.  Application of talcum powder can relieve persistent blocking.

Burnishing

• Use of flat paint in highly trafficked areas, where a higher sheen level would be best suited.
• Objects (furniture, for example) rubbing against the walls.
• Frequent washing and spot cleaning.
• Use of lower grades of paint with poor stain and scrub resistance which would lead to frequent washing and spot cleaning (see Poor Stain Resistance and Poor Scrub Resistance)

• Paint high traffic areas such as common hallways and stairways with a top quality latex coating.  Surfaces that require regular cleaning, doors, windowsills, and trim should be painted with coatings that have high scrub and easy stain removal properties.  Choose a semi-gloss or gloss finish rather than a flat sheen level.  When necessary clean painted surfaces with a soft cloth of spinge and non-abrasive cleansers; rinse with clean water.

Caulk Failures

• Use of lower quality caulk.
• Use of wrong type of caulk for particular application (e.g., using latex or vinyl caulk in areas where there is prolonged contact with water or considerable movement of the caulked surfaces.

• Use a top quality all-acrylic, or siliconized* acrylic caulk.  These caulks are flexible enough to adapt to minor fluctuations in the substrate, stretching in gaps that widen slightly over time.  They also adhere to a wide range of interior building materials, including wood, ceramic tile, concrete, glass, plaster, bare aluminum, brick and plastic - even in areas where moisture is present.  *Silicone caulk should not be painted.

Cracking / Flaking

• Use of a lower quality paint that has inadequate adhesion and flexibility.
• Over thinning or overspreading the paint.
• Inadequate surface preparation.  Applying a topcoat to a bare wood surface without applying a primer.
• Excessive hardening and embitterment of alkyd paint as the paint job ages.

• Remove loose and flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sanding the surface and feathering the dges.  If the flaking occurs in multiple layers of paint, use of spackling compound may be necessary.  Prime bare wood areas areas before repainting.  Use of a top quality primer and topcoat should prevent a recurrence of the problem.

Foaming / Cratering

• Excess shaking of a can of latex paint.
• Use of low quality paint or very old latex paint.
• Applying (especially rolling) paint too rapidly.
• Use of roller cover with wrong nap length for the surface being painted.
• Excessive rolling or brushing of the paint.

• All paints will foam to some degree during application; however, higher quality paints are formulated so the bubbles break while the paint is still wet, allowing the film enough time to flow and level out.  Avoid excessive rolling or brushing of the paint or using paint that is more than one year old.  Apply gloss and semi-gloss paints with a short nap roller, and apply an appropriate sealer or primer before using such paint over porous surfaces.  Problem areas should be sanded before repainting.