Sometimes you can run into a lot of problems without the right preparation for your exterior paint job due to unexpected weather complications. Study up the weather and climate you live in before you try to paint your home to make your paint project as painless as possible.
1. Peeling
Cracking, peeling, discoloration, and premature paint failure is caused when moisture, such as rain and dew penetrates a paint coat. These problems occur in both heated and unheated buildings and are also observed where water is held on the surface. Porous paints are exposed to moisture penetration.
To prevent peeling try to eliminate moisture both outside and inside the house. Make sure the inside of the house is properly ventilated to prevent condensation problems in the attic.
2. Blistering
Bubble-like swellings that occur on the surface of the paint film after a few hours or one to two days after painting are called temperature blisters. These are only formed on the last coat of paint. Temperature blisters are caused when the outer thin surface of the fresh paint is dried and the liquid thinner in the wet paint under the dry skin changes to vapour and cannot escape. The rays of the sun falling directly on freshly painted wood will cause the temperature to rise and vapours to expand, producing blisters. Only oil-based paint blisters, not latex.
White paints or thin coats are less likely to blister than dark colours and thick paint coats, which absorb heat. Avoid painting surfaces that will be exposed to direct sunlight soon after painting and be heated to prevent temperature blisters.
3. Intercoat Peeling
The separation of the new paint film from the old paint coat is called intercoat peeling. It indicates a weak bond between the two. Intercoat peeling is caused due to inadequate cleaning of the old, weathered paint within one year of repainting.
To prevent inter-coating peeling do not allow too much time between the primer coat and top coat in a new paint job. Scrub the surface before applying the second coat if the period between applications exceeds two weeks.
4. Cracking
Really thick coatings of paint cause cross-grain cracking. Older homes that have been painted several times usually face this problem. The paint usually starts to crack in the direction it was brushed onto the wood. The only solution to get rid of cross-grain cracking is to completely remove the old paint and apply a new finishing paint altogether.
Follow the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for spreading rates to prevent cross-grain cracking. Avoid repainting areas such as porch ceilings and Roof Overhangs as often as the rest of the house to prevent cracking. Contact GT Painters Sydney for a flawless, effortless and professional paint job. Call us on 1300 813 001 / 0401 606 826
