FAQ: Common Interior Painting Problems and How to Fix Them
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Call: (416) 821-2888
Email: staff ( @ ) ecopaintingcompany.com
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Mud Cracking
Deep, irregular cracks resembling dried mud in dry paint film.
Possible Cause:
Paint is applied too thickly, usually over a porous surface,
Paint is applied too thickly, to improve inherent poor hiding (coverage) of a lower quality paint,
Paint is allowed to build up in corners upon application.
Solution:
Remove coating by scraping and sanding. Prime with the appropriate PARA PRIMETECH top quality primer and repaint, using PARA ULTRA top quality 100% Acrylic Latex Paint. Mud cracked areas can also be repaired by sanding the surface smooth before repainting with PARA ULTRA 100% Acrylic Latex Paint. This type of paint is likely to prevent recurrence of mud cracking, because it is relatively more flexible than alkyd paint, oil based paint and ordinary latex paint. PARA ULTRA top quality paints have a higher solids content, which reduces the tendency to mud crack. They also have very good application and hiding properties, which minimize the tendency to apply too thick a coat of paint.
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Picture Framing
An effect of non uniform colour that can appear when a wall is painted with a roller, but is brushed at the corners. The brushed areas generally appear darker, resembling the ”frame” of a ”picture.” Also, sprayed areas may be darker than neighbouring sections that are brushed or rolled. Picture framing can also refer to sheen effects.
Possible Cause:
Usually a hiding (coverage) effect. Brushing will generally result in lower spread rates than rolling, producing a thicker film and more hiding,
Adding colorant to a non-tintable paint or using the wrong type or level of colorant.
Solution:
Make sure that spread rates with brushes and rollers are similar. Don't cut in the entire room before roller coating. Work in smaller sections of the room to maintain a ”wet edge.” With tinted paints, be sure the correct colorant base combinations are used. Factory colours, as well as in-store tints, should be thoroughly shaken at time of sale.
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Poor Flow/Levelling
Failure of paint to dry to a smooth film, resulting in unsightly brush and roller marks after the paint dries.
Possible Cause:
Use of lower quality paint,
Application of additional paint to ”touch up” partially dried painted areas,
Re-brushing or re-rolling partially dried painted areas,
Use of the wrong type of roller cover or poor quality brush.
Solution:
Use PARA ULTRA top quality 100% Acrylic Latex Paints, which are formulated with ingredients that enhance paint flow. Brush and roller marks thus tend to ”flow out” and form a smooth film. When using a roller be sure to use a cover with the recommended nap length for the type of paint being used. Use of a high quality brush is important; a poor brush can result in bad flow and levelling with any paint.
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Poor Hiding
Failure of dried paint to obscure or "hide" the surface to which it is applied.
Possible Cause:
Use of a low quality paint,
Use of low quality tools/wrong roller cover,
Use of an improper combination of tinting base and tinting colour,
Poor flow and levelling,
Use of a paint that is much lighter in colour than the substrate, or that primarily contains low hiding organic pigments,
Application of paint at a higher spread rate than recommended.
Solution:
If the substrate is significantly darker or is patterned wallpaper, it should be primed before applying a top coat. use PARA ULTRA top quality 100% Acrylic paint for better hiding and flow. Use quality tools; use the recommended roller nap, if rolling. Follow manufacturer's recommendation on spread rate; if using tinted paint, use the correct tinting base. Where a low hiding organic colour must be used, apply a primer first.
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Poor Print Resistance
Tendency of paint film to take on the imprint of an object that is placed on it (e.g., a shelf, table, window sill or countertop with books, dishes and other object on them).
Possible Cause:
Use of low quality semi-gloss or gloss paint,
Putting a painted surface back into use before paint has fully dried.
Solution:
Use PARA ULTRA top quality 100% Acrylic Semi-Gloss (#8300) or gloss latex paint. Low quality latex semi-gloss and gloss paints can have poor print resistance, especially in warm, damp conditions. Acrylic latex paints generally have better print resistance than vinyl latex paints. Fully cured alkyd paints also have excellent print resistance. Make sure the recommended ”cure” time is allowed for the paint before it is put into service. Cool or humid conditions require more curing time.
Poor Scrub Resistance
Wearing away or removal of the paint film when scrubbed with a brush, sponge, or cloth.
Possible Cause:
Choosing the wrong sheen for the area,
Use of a lower quality paint,
Use of an overly aggressive scrub medium.
Solution:
Areas that need frequent cleaning require PARA ULTRA 100% Acrylic Paint formulated to provide such performance. High traffic areas may require a semi-gloss or gloss paint rather than a flat paint to provide good scrub resistance. Allow adequate dry time, as scrub resistance will not fully develop until the paint is thoroughly cured. Typically, this will be one week. Try washing the painted surface with the least abrasive material and mildest detergent first.
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Poor Sheen Uniformity
Shiny spots or dull spots (also known as ”flashing”) on a painted surface; uneven gloss.
Possible Cause:
Uneven spread rate,
Failure to properly prime a porous surface, or surface with varying degrees of porosity,
Poor application resulting in lapping.
Solution:
New substrates should be primed/sealed with a PARA PRIMETECH top quality primer-sealer before applying a PARA ULTRA top coat to ensure a uniformly porous surface. Without the use of a primer or sealer, a second coat of paint will more likely be needed. Make sure to apply paint from ”wet to dry” to prevent lapping. Often, applying an additional coat will even out sheen irregularities.
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Poor Stain Resistance
Failure of the paint to resist absorption of dirt and stains.
Possible Cause:
Use of lower quality paint that is porous in nature,
Application of paint to unprimed substrate.
Solution:
PARA ULTRA top quality Latex Paints contain more binder, which help prevent stains from penetrating the painted surface, allowing for easy removal. Priming new surfaces with a PARA PRIMETECH top quality primer provides maximum film thickness of a premium top coat, providing very good stain removeablity.
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Roller Marks/”Stipple”
Roller Marks/”Stipple”
Possible Cause:
Use of incorrect roller cover,
Use of lower grades of paint,
Use of low quality roller,
Use of incorrect rolling technique.
Solution:
Use the proper roller cover; avoid too long a nap for the paint and the substrate. Use quality rollers to ensure adequate film thickness and uniformity. PARA ULTRA top quality Paints roll on more evenly due to their higher solids content and levelling properties. Pre-dampen roller covers used with latex paint; shake out excess water. Don't let paint build up at rollers end. Begin rolling at a corner near the ceiling and work down the wall in three foot square section. Spread the paint in a zigzag ”M” or ”W” pattern, beginning with an upward stroke to minimize splatter; then, without lifting the roller from the surface, fill in the zigzag pattern with even, parallel strokes.
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Roller Spattering
Tendency of a roller to throw off small droplets of paint during application.
Possible Cause:
Use of exterior paint on an interior surface,
Use of lower grades of latex paints.
Solution:
PARA ULTRA top quality paints are formulated to minimize spattering. Using high quality rollers which have proper resiliency further reduces spattering. Overloading the roller with paint will result in excess spatter, as will overworking the paint once it is applied to a substrate. Working in three feet square sections, applying the paint in a zigzag ”M” or ”W” pattern and then filling in the pattern will also lessen the likelihood of spattering. For ceilings, we recommend using PARA ULTRA Ceiling Paints, as they are designed specifically for maximum spatter resistance. For stucco ceilings, determine if the ceiling has been previously painted. If no, use PARA ULTRA Alkyd-based Ceiling Paint (#676).
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Sagging
Downward ”drooping” movement of the paint film immediately after application, resulting in an uneven coating.
Possible Cause:
Application of a heavy coat of paint,
Application in excessively humid and/or cool conditions,
Application of over thinned paint,
Airless spraying with the gun too close to the substrate being painted.
Solution:
If paint is still wet, immediately brush out or reroll to redistribute the excess evenly. If the paint has dried, sand and reapply a new coat of PARA ULTRA top quality Paint. Correct any unfavourable condition: Do not thin the paint, avoid cool or humid condition as well as sand glossy surfaces. Paint should be applied at its recommended spread rage; avoid ”heaping on” the paint. Two coats of paint at the recommended spread are better than one heavy coat, which can also lead to sagging. Consider removing doors to paint them supported horizontally.
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Surfactant Leaching
Concentration of water-soluble ingredients on the surface of latex paint, typically on a ceiling surface in rooms that have high humidity (e.g., shower, bathroom, kitchen); may be evident as tan or brown spots or areas, and can sometimes be glossy, soapy or sticky.
Possible Cause:
All latex paint formulas will exhibit this tendency to some extent if applied in areas that become humid (bathrooms, for example), especially in ceiling areas.
Solution:
Wash the affected area with soap and water, and rinse. Problem may occur once or twice again before leachable material is completely removed. When paint is applied in a bathroom, it is helpful to have it dry thoroughly before using the shower. Remove all staining before repainting.
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Wrinkling
A rough, crinkled paint surface, which occurs when uncured paint forms a ”skin”.
Possible Cause:
Paint applied too thickly (more likely when using alkyd or oil-based paints),
Painting during extremely hot weather or cool damp weather, which causes the paint film to dry faster on top than on the bottom,
Exposing uncured paint to high humidity levels,
Applying top coat of paint to insufficiently cured primer,
Painting over contaminated surface (e.g., dirt or wax).
Solution:
Scrape or sand substrate to remove wrinkled coating. If using a primer allow it to dry completely before applying top coat. Repaint (avoiding extreme temperatures & humidity), applying an even coat of PARA ULTRA top quality 100% Acrylic Interior Paint.
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Yellowing
SqlServer of a yellow cast in aging paint; most noticeable in the dried films of white paints or clear varnishes.
Possible Cause:
Oxidation of alkyd or oil-based paint or varnish,
Heat from stoves, radiators and heating ducts,
Lack of light (e.g., behind pictures or appliances, inside closets, etc.).
Solution:
PARA ULTRA top quality 100% Acrylic Latex Paints do not tend to yellow, nor do PARA ULTRA varnishes. Alkyd paints, because of their curing mechanism, do tend to yellow, particularly in areas that are protected from sunlight.
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In case of painting problem?
Call: (416) 821-2888
Email: staff ( @ ) ecopaintingcompany.com
We have a solution!
