As a homeowner, you will work hard to maintain your home. When the painting inside and outside of the home develops problems, you may wonder what the best steps are to properly correct the problem. Some of the common types of paint problems a homeowner will face is alligatoring, peeling, blistering, and chalking paint. McKay’s Painting will cover why these problems will occur and what is the best solution to these common problems.

Alligatoring Paint

Alligatoring or alligator paint is when the paint becomes very hard and brittle and forms cracks that take the texture and look of alligator skin. When alligatoring paint occurs, you cannot simply paint over it as the hardened chips of paint will show through. Alligatoring paint mostly occurs on doors, trim and wooden surfaces. When alligatoring occurs, the best solution is to scrape off the hardened paint. You can also sand, heat, and use a chemical stripper to remove the paint or use a combination. However, you will want to remove all of the hardened paint and reapply a new primer before painting the surface area. (Caution if the paint may be older than paint used in 1978, it could contain lead. Make sure to wear a mask and take the proper precautions when sanding down the effected surface.)

Blistering Paint Defect

Blistering paint is a real common problem in hot humid climates such as California. There can be a number of causes for blistering paint. Paint will blister when too much heat combines with moisture and or dirt which effects the paint. Blistering can also occur when an oil-based paint is painted over a latex-based paint. Another cause for blistering is when moisture effects the inside the of the wall, damaging the paint from the inside. When blistering occurs, you will need to remove the paint by scraping, sanding or using a chemical stripper.

Chalking Paint

Chalking paint is a common problem that occurs on most exterior paints. Chalking paint is a combination of age and sunlight exposure. As the paint ages, the binder inside the paint will begin to break down and the pigment in the paint can begin to fade and leave behind a sandy or powdery residue. When chalking occurs, it is a clear sign it is time to repaint the surface. When repainting, make sure to pressure wash the outside of the home or exterior surface first. Let the surface completely dry before you begin applying new paint.

Peeling Paint

When paint begins to peel, it can be due to a number of problems. One is that there is a high presence of moisture that is most likely affecting the entire wall. Peeling can also occur when there is one too many over coats of paint. Yes, you can over paint a wall. Common in older homes, a homeowner will repaint the inside of their home many times, adding layer upon layer of paint. When peeling happens. you will need to remove the old layers of paint. Depending on the surface your approach can vary. However, you will want to sand down and remove the old layers of paint. You can even peel off the old paint like an orange if the peeling is excessive enough.

Residential & Commercial Painting in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California

If you need help repainting and more, contact McKay’s Painting and schedule our services today!