Exterior Painting Problemsolver from Pierce-Taber Paint and Decorating Center

All exterior paint problems are correctable—find the right solution here. This section lists a variety of exterior paint problems. Simply select the problem you have to find the remedy. Note: Images provided by The Rohm & Hass Paint Quality Institute.


	Alligatoring Surface imperfections on the paint, film have the appearance of an alligator hide. Learn More


	Blistering Bubbles appear on the surface of the paint resulting from localized loss of adhesion and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface. Learn More


	Chalking Chalking occurs when the paint film decomposes into a loose powder on the surface. Some degree of chalking is normal, but excessive film erosion can result in heavy chalking. Learn More


	Chalk Run-Down Chalk run-down is the washing down of chalk from an excessively eroding paint onto another area. Learn More


	Cracking or Flaking Cracking or flaking is the splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat, which can lead to the complete failure of the paint. Learn More


	Dirt Pickup This occurs when dirt, dust particles, or other debris accumulates on the paint film. This may resemble mildew. Learn More


	Efflorescence or Mottling Efflorescence or mottling is crusty, white mineral salt deposits. These can leach out to the surface on mortar, concrete, or masonry surfaces. Learn More


	Fading or Poor Color Retention Premature or excessive fading of color often occurs on exterior surfaces facing southern and western exposures. Learn More


	Frosting Frosting is a white, salt-like discolored substance on the paint surface. It is most noticeable on dark tints. Learn More


	Lap Marks Lapping is the appearance of a denser color or higher gloss where wet and dry layers overlap during painting. Learn More


	Mildew Mildew appears as black, gray, or brown spots or areas on the paint film or caulk bead. Learn More


	Nailhead Rusting Nailhead rusting appears as reddish-brown stains on the paint surface. Learn More


	Paint Incompatibility Paint incompatibility causes the loss of adhesion between coats were old coats of alkyd-based paint was painted over with latex. Learn More


	Poor Alkali Resistance Poor alkali resistance can cause color loss and overall deterioration of paint film on fresh masonry. Learn More


	Poor Galvanized Metal Adhesion This occurs when paint has lost its adhesion to a galvanized metal substrate. Learn More


	Poor Gloss Retention Poor gloss retention causes a rapid loss of gloss in the topcoat. Learn More


	Surfactant Leaching Surfactant leaching is a concentration of water-soluble ingredients in latex paint leaching out to the paint surface, often creating a brownish blotchy or shiny appearance. Learn More


	Tannin Staining Tannin staining appears as a brownish or tan discoloration on the paint surface from wood tannins migrating from the substrate through the paint film. Learn More


	Vinyl Siding Warp Vinyl siding warps or buckles after it has been repainted. Learn More

Wax Bleeding on Hardboard Siding

The paint is discolored by waxy components found in wood products.

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	Wrinkling Wrinkling manifests as a rough, crinkled surface that occurs when paint forms a "skin." Learn More

Problem Solver - Exterior