axter017 Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Pai allure pant eneylepext, paling terms . —_— InspectAPedia- ester susask eat SS Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair 19 conto] so] mn one] Pre sre] on ater | Rio | Non lena AP aHECON | KONG Pictorial Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Paint Failure ‘+ PAINT FAILURE DICTIONARY ~ CONTENTS: “Adhesion to Yelling’ ~A Dictonary & Phologranhs of “Types of Pant Failures, Painting Terms, Paint Analysis Terminology. What are the most common pintin isto that we shut avoid when paicting a ung? How to diagnose the cause of fling pant on bung exer or tera. Past fale agnosis checklsts forthe bulldng exterior & inter. 1+ POST = QUESTION or READ FAs about what efleent types of paint fale look-ke + REFERENCES Ingredients of me! We ven meh wh herr Dot esos cise fe este Paint failure & paint probime dictionary: Here we provide an illustrated dictionary of types of paint failures and painting terminology. We show what different types of paint falures and painting mistakes look like on buildings and we define the terms Used to explain kinds of paint job failures, This article series reviews common building exterior & interior painting mistakes, describes how to diagnose paint failures on buildings and in art conservation, We outlines a procedure for diagnostic field inspection & jab testing of falled painted surfaces on buildings, We include photographs of paint failures on buildings and more photos of forensic paint laboratory examination of samples of failed paint Useful to assist in diagnosing the probable cause of each type of paint failure. ‘Gracn links show where you are. © Copytght 2017 InspectAped.com, Al Rights Reserved. of Paint Failures: Types of Paint Failures & Paint FailureTerminology Since no single art, building or other paint fallure reference enumerates all pain falur types for all types of paints, surfaces and applications on earth, the list which follows | a collection ofthe types of paint failures that occur on buildings and building surfaces, including most of the materials used in or on buildings, This paint failure list based on the author's field experience with house painting and paint failure investigations since 1978, supplemented with forensic laboratory analysis of failed paint since 1986 and influenced by the paint failure expert citations given at REFERENCES. [Click o enlarge any image} ther information and paint failure suggestion sources are provided at Technical Reviewers & References, Article Contents: + PAINT FAILURE DICTIONARY ipdnspectapedia.comPainalurlPain Failure Dictionary phptAchesion wiaxter017 Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Pai allure pant eneylepext, paling terms ADHESION FAILURE of PAINT ALLIGATORING PAINT FAILURE BLEEDING PAINT FAILURE BLISTERING PAINT FAILURES = SOLVENT BLISTERS in PAINT = THERMAL BLISTERS in PAINT BLOOMING PAINT FAILURE CHALKING PAINT WEAR, = CHALK RUNDOWN PROBLEMS CRACKING PAINT FAILURES. CHIPPING PAINT FAILURES COVERAGE FAILURES in PAINT DIRT CONTAMINATION invon PAINT. EFFLORESENCE PROBLEMS in PAINT FADING PROBLEMS in PAINT FROSTING PROBLEMS in PAINT GALVANIZED SURFACE PAINT PROBLEMS GHOSTING PROBLEMS in PAINT GLOSS LOSS in PAINT HATBANDING PAINT PROBLEMS INCOMPATIBLE PAINT FAILURES WAX BLEEDING on HARDBOARD PRODUCTS MASONRY PAINT FAILURES MILDEW PROBLEMS on PAINT MILLGLOSS PAINT FAILURES MIXING PROBLEMS in PAINT (OVERLAPPING PAINT PROBLEMS PEELING PAINT FAILURES REHOLOGICAL FAILURES in PAINT RESIN FAILURES in PAINT RUN-DOWN PROBLEMS in PAINT RUST & CORROSION STAINS in PAINT SAGGING PROBLEMS in PAINT SKIMCOAT PAINT FAILURES SPALLING FAILURES UNDER PAINT SPOTTING FAILURES in PAINT STAIN BLEED-THROUGH PAINT ‘SURFACTANT LEACHING in PAINT TACKY or SLOW DRYING PAINT ‘THICKNESS DEFECTS in PAINT ‘THINNER SOLVENT PAINT FAILURES VINYL SURFACE PAINT FAILURES WEATHERING of PAINT. \WRINKLING PAINT FAILURES ‘YELLOWING PAINT PROBLEMS ipdnspectapedia.comPainalurlPain Failure Dictionary phptAchesion anaxter017 Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Pai allure pant eneylepext, paling terms Paint Adhesion loss - paint adhesion loss means the paint "ets go" of the surface onto which it was applied. This is usually due to pot surface preparation, application of primer or paint on oly, dity, chalky, or dusty surfaces, or painting over a glossy surface [on glossy paint or on mil-glazed siding) Shown at above left is a paint adhesion fallure on a pressed tin metal celling following an extensive water leak from above. Details are fat METAL CEILINGS ALUMINUM & TIN Paint adhesion failure due to use of incompatible paints: Paint adhesion loss may also occur i incompatible paints are used. Fatty acids to migrate through acrylic paint (and other) layers. This phenomenon even can be observed in oil paintings, as some pigments Fequire and absorb more linseed oil than others. People in the art world know that one of the basic rules in applying painting is: always fatty on top of lean (highly bound on less bound media). Paint adhesion failure due to gravity? One paint manufacturer's rep told our client thatthe paint was faling off ofthe house due to a “adhesion loss due to normal aging and gravity -a view which we consider nonsense. Gravity is not a significant factor in paint failure though once a paint chip has totally separated from a bulding surface, Indeed its the force of gravity which brings it away from the building and to a nearby horizontal surface or to the ground. Ifthe adhesion principal failure were only “normal aging” then the paint should be failing uniformly wherever it was applied Of course weather, including rain and sun exposure are indeed critical factors in paint wear and failure, and these forces are not Uniform over surfaces at a building Paint adhesion failures or paint cracking on stucco surfaces due to improper application or water exposure - see STUCCO PAINT FAILURES Alligatoring: [very common failure] cracked paint which resembles alligator skin. This 's due to application of paint too many layers. The inner paint layers have lost elasticity. As temperatures change and the building surfaces expand and contract, the ol, brittle paint cracks. Aligatoring might also be caused by poor adhesion to a glossy surface, painting over an inadequately-dried first coat, of from weather exposure, Painting over an “aligatored’ surface is fulle. The older under-paint will continue to ‘rack, causing failure of the new coating. Stripping off ofthe old paint down to bare wood is what's needed. ‘Also see CRACKING PAINT below fora distinction between these two similar failures aint Bleeding: ths is a surface discoloration from waterfwater soluble dyes located in or on the painted surface, or on hardboard siding from wax inthe siding. We often see this cosmetic defect when paint is applied over cedar siding as well also see rusting. Paint Blistoring: this very common failure is caused by moisture getting behind paint, or by painting over wet or damp surfaces. Moisture blisters in paint usually occur when moisture evaporates to form a vapor bubble under an impermeable layer of paint, especially on new thin coatings or oll paint coatings. Thermal blistering, or "temperature blistering” occurs when painting in sun, or it paint is applied to hot surfaces; the blister may be from moisture or solvents in the paint itself, when its outer skin dries before its inner layers, and the inner layer is heated. Both causes may occur together. Thermal blistering or paint solvent blisters, look very different in the paint fim from moisture-caused blistering, ‘The miorophotograph shown here at 120x, taken in our laboratory, shows the edge of microscopic paint blister, possibly solvent or thermal blistering Often one cannot see this defect with the naked eye, Instead one observes paint ‘cracking and adhesion failures on the painted surface. Microscopic laboratory analysic is required to complete the failure diagnosis. See our separate article on paint laboratory sample preparation for a procedure useful to prepare an edge-view of paint layers for microscopic examination. Also see NCR133 article below. ipdnspectapedia.comPainalurlPain Failure Dictionary phptAchesion ansater017 Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Pais Flue pant eneylepext,paleting terms Paint Solvent blisters are smal, usually microscopic. Where solvent blisters rupture they may leave pinholes in the paint or small craters, Usually ruptured solvent blisters leave craters surrounded by fine cracks radiating out from the crater, Distinguishing solvent blisters from small moisture blisters: Paint Solvent blisters occur as the paint is drying as solvent trapped behind the drying (oF dried outer film of the paint layer form gases (perhaps from sun exposure) which form a bubble and try to escape from the film, Paint Moisture blisters may be small tend to occur behind the paint film affer the ‘paint is totally dry, are round or have rounded edges, separate the paint from the old surface uniformly, may bleed water when punctured, and can on occasion be extremely large, as much as 24" x the width ofa clapboard. Moisture blisters in paint do not create pinholes, craters, nor crater-cracks. Like thermal blisters, solvent blisters may be an underlying mechanism for paint failure tha ‘cannot be seen by the naked eye. Where paint cracks around pinholes and bisters, paint adhesion failure may be observed ‘The ultimate paint failure, loss of paint adhesion, may be due to paint shrinkage and movement over the surface or moisture Penetration ofthe paint layers at pinholes and cracks. Paint which has failed in this manner may show other mechanisms of paint failure as well, such as separation of paint ingredients such {a8 separalion and bubbling of paint resins intended to function as adhesives, also key factors in the paint loss from the surface. These ‘details bacome more apparent in the laboratory under forensic microscopic examination of samples of failing paint. Paint Blooming - (blushing) - this is moisture getting into vamish, shellac, lacquer, This coating failure leaves a milky opaque (usually white) cloud on (or actually within) the coated surface. Paint bloom may not wipe off with a fingertip as does most efflorescence - so paint blooming is not the same visual effect as surface ‘efflorescence, though many paint failure analysts use "bloom for both cases and although the cause might be the same - moisture. Se PAINT on STUCCO, FALURES and see efflorescence below for an example of white bloom of efflorescence on a painted stucco exterior. Paint Chaiking - [common condition] weathered powdery exterior painted surfaces, may be normal, or may be premature if paint was ‘excessively thinned or inadequately primed, Painting over a chalky surface means that the new paint willnot adhere to the surface itse = since the oxidized “chalky” paint particles of the older coating interfere. Paint Chalk run-down - [common condition] is caused by chalking paint which runs down and stains other wall areas or masonry or foundations below. This cosmetic defect is most noticeable on an un-painted masonry wall below a painted surface such as a window, ‘or wood siding above a brick wall, The oxidized paint which has washed onto the masonry surface can be mostly-removed by power washing, but don't damage brick masonry walls by using high pressure sand or water which can remove the glazed surface of the brick leaving It vulnerable to fulure water and frost damage, Paint Cracking, Checking, Flaking, or Crazing - paint loses its elasticity, crazes, then cracks, especially where paint is thick or mult layered. Also see “aligatoring” above. Cracks occur when paint is applied too thickly on the surface, or possibly when multiple layers o paint are present, Often the inner (older) layers of paint have lost elasticity and have already cracked, or form cracks which telegraph through the newer outer layer. Painting over such surfaces is likely to lead to failure as moisture invades the surface at cracks. This means that moisture gets behind the paint on the surface, thus eventually leading to paint failure. The distinction we make betwee “alligatoring" and "cracking" is this: "cracking" produces long, variegated and usually fairy thin openings in a painted surface. Cracking may occur even in a thinly painted surface. “Alligatoring paint failure" has a distinctive pattern in which the paint fissures form a rectangular pattem, each rectangle being perhaps. less than 1/4" square, and always in thick old paint. (Beware of lead paint hazards when stripping old painted surfaces. For diagnosing hairline cracks in painted stucco, also see STUCCO PAINT FAILURES. ipdnspectapedia.comPainalurlPain Failure Dictionary phptAchesion angartano17 Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Pai allure pant eneylepext, paling terms Paint Chipping: paint breaks away from the surface due to poor surface preparation or possibly due to mechanical damage; painting over chalked surfaces can also cause this defect. Ifthe failure is due to painting over a chalked surface the paint chips will expose an older painted surface below. Ifthe fallure is due to mechanical damage (such as a lawn-mower kicked-up stone), usually the chip exposes bare wood below. Paint Coverage: fallure to cover or hide - usually due to poor paint 1 dark surface in a single coat. ing or poor color choice, such as trying to paint a light color ove Paint Dirt pick-up: dirt adheres abnormally o painted surfaces. Excluding dit that collects on upper portions of exterior siding, e.g from road and trafic dust [Where roof eaves prevent rain from washing off this dt] or from rain splash-up at ground level, paint may be tacky from improper solvents, paint incompatibility, ori the surface is indoors, Inadequate drying ventilation. Efflorescence and mottling, Efflorescence is a white or yellowish {usually mineral] sal formed on masonry or plaster due to moisture migrating through the surface, evaporating, leaving mineral crystals behind. Efflorescence is hygroscopic, and by attracting more moisture, will continue to accumulate. For some detailed photos of efflorescence (sometimes mistaken for “mold") see E'lorescence & white or brown deposits (Our photo (let) shows white efflorescence and mottling that appeared on a painted exterior new-stucco wall of a home in the Southwestern U.S, after less than a year of pplication, See PAIN’ on STUCCO, FAILURES for details of stucco paint problem diagnosis & avoidance, Painting over open cracks where moisture has not fully evaporated or painting over ‘new too soon and where the stucco surface pH or alkalinity remains too high (over 11 invites cosmetic problems as well as early wear or failure of the painted coating. The application and curing procedure used for stucco, in turn affect the wall pH - it needs to be tested by the painter before the paint job begins. Also see Paint Blooming Paint Fading - ths is natural paint weathering due to the ultraviolet ight (in sunlight; interior paints used on exterior surfaces may fact Quickly [and are probably less weather resistant in general], Often fading is accompanied by chalking, Paint Frosting - | associate this defect with a matte finish on paint that is supposed to give a smooth surface, possibly from chemical incompatibility with the existing coating on the surface Galvanized metal paint failure - poor adhesion to galvanized metal- paint peels or pits when painted on galvanized stee! ‘This is a problem that occurs when painting over new galvanized metal or on rusty galvanized metal that has not been cleaned. See http:siwerw.ppg.comigetpaintetraining/solverie_galvan.him| Itis prevented by "curing" the galvanized metal before painting it. One approach isto let (outdoor) galvanized steel simply weather for a year. ‘Some painters wil etch the surface ofthe galvanized steel by washing it with a dilute acid such as vinegar. Beware that heating or oxidizing galvanized steel can release toxic gases, Paint Ghosting - this is caused by improper surface-priming, perhaps by too-thin application of the primer: walls are not absorbing paint uniformly ‘When the author was painting homes we avoided this issue by applying primer uniformly and not spreading i too thin, and if ghosting ‘was visible in the primer coal we added a second primer coating, An assistant who tied to "stretch" the paint loo far, thinking he was economizing, created such bad ghosting on one project that we had to paint an entra interior over again. It would have bean much cheaper not to have spread the paint so thinly in the first place. We also see a similar defect i a paint roller is too dry when applying paint over a surface, Paint Gloss - loss of ths is due to improper priming where old paint was removed; high surface porosity also causes loss of gloss as does paint applied in damp or foggy weather. A glossy paint will be low-gloss or nearly lat ifthe paint was over-thinned, Also see hito:/ivonw.ppg.comigetpaintietraining/solverie_gloss.him! cites painting in sun, using interior paint outside, or poor quality paint as causes for loss of gloss. Paint Hatbanding or Lapping’ is caused by thick paint applied at multiple layers where cutting in “(usually of interior walls, ceilings and comers, or use of excessively long roller naps. We see this quite often where a calling or wall comer is cut-in to the rest of the painted field using a brush, and then the field ofthe painted area is covered using a role. It is a cosmetic defect. Hardboard siding staining or ‘wax bleed” is cited by Lowes and PPG, and refers to waxes in composite siding [such as "Masonite (TMy' hardboard which bleeds (usually a brown stain) to the surface if proper surface Sealant was not used as a primer. Such stains ay be mistaken for mold See hitp:Ihwww lowes.convlowesikn action=howTo&o=Improve/WaxBleed htmi&rn=RightNavFiles\rightNavPaint Masonry paint fallure: Poor alkali resistance - this refers to color loss and paint deterioration on masonry, possibly caused by painting over new masonry such as a recent pour of concrete. See hitpiwww.ppg.comigetpainttraining/solverie_alkali html hipsinspectapodia.comPainaluraPainl Failure Dictionary phptAdhesion 53artano17 Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Pai allure pant eneylepext, paling terms Also see Effforescence. Mildew [Mold]. dark or colored spots or shading in paint caused by mold growth, particularly in damp or shaded areas. Molds which at misnamed as "mildews" in this case are growing on nutrients in paint, varnish, or on organic debris an the coated surface. ‘Some coatings such as oils and linseed oil-based paints are particularly mold-riendly. Many modetn paints contain “mildeweide" to reduce this effect or it can be added [beware is probably a serious toxin] Mildew is indeed a type of mold, but it grows only on living plants. Acrylic latex paints are more mildew resistant. Good surface prep is important. Actually real "mildew" will never be found on painted surfaces. Mildew will be a member of one two groups, “Downy” or "Powdery" but in any case mildew is an obligate parasite which grow only on living plants. What people call “mildew” on painted surfaces is mold. Unless your walls are covered with grapes, its not "mildew NNot that that's much consolation. In some cases other small black spots on a wall might have been put there by “artillery fungus” a mol genera which shoots small black sticky spores onto a surface from is nearby point of growth. In this case the paint is not a all at fault Finally, small black spots may appear on a painted surface where vines have been removed and where the vines’ attachment points pulled off paint or eft organic debris behind when the vines were removed. A close look is needed to distinguish these patterns on @ wall, Artilery fungus spots are likely o be close to the ground-only, Vine spots and damage wil fllow a vine-growth pattern up the wall {rom the ground. Mold growing on a painted surface is often keyed to areas of shade and moisture exposure. ‘To properly prepare to paint a moldy or mildewed surface you need to remove the mold and correct the reason It grew there in the first place. ‘See MOLD CLEANUP GUIDE- HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD. ‘To cover and seal mold-stained surfaces after that cleaning, see FUNGICIDAL SPRAY & SEALANT USE GUIDE For an analysis of the effects of mold contamination on the paint in artworks ‘See ARTWORK MOLD CONTAMINATION ‘Mill gloss is a hard shiny surface left on wood clapboards or wood trim as a result ofthe lumber miling process. A high-speed rotating Planer or cutting blade which is used to impart a lat smooth finish to (usually one) side of a wood clapboard, orto interior wood trim ca leave the surface of the wood hard and shiny. Unies this "gloss" is broken by light sanding there is risk of poor paint or stain penettation of the wood surface and thus a failure of the Coating to achere tothe surface of the wood. ~- DJF. Mixing problems causing paint fallures: failure to properly disperse pigment, binder and solvent agents in paint can cause early paint jb failures that show up as poor coverage over existing colors or stains, poor adhesion of paint to the surface, and uneven paint jobs, (Over-thinning or over-extending a paint wih solvent can cause similar failures, Also see THINNER SOLVENT PAINT FAILURES Nail head rusting - occurs where nails on a surface are painted over, usually with a water-based paint, which rusts the nail head, Itca be prevented by setting and puttying over old rusty nails, by sealing nail heads with a lacquer-primer before painting the surface, or by Using stainless or galvanized nails in the first place. Even galvanized nails may rust, however, ifthe impact of the hammer cracks the galvanized coating on the nail Overlapping Paint see hatbanding or lapping above, This also occurs on exterior or interior surfaces where paint is allowed to dry and then nowly-applied paint overlaps the dried section as the next area is painted. ‘When the author was painting houses we reduced this hazard (particulary indoors) by rolling out an inereasingly thin coat at the edge a section which we know is ikly to dry before getting back to continue with new paint. Using a paint roller that is very wet forthe last, ledge of a section is likely to leave a ridge of thick paint that wil show overlapping when painting continues. Paint incompatibility - may be a cause of peeling, blistering, wrinkling, or other failures. Be sure to read the manufacturer's label and to either determine what paint is already on a surface to be re-painted, or review your choices with a paint expert. Also see THINNER SOLVENT PAINT FAILURES - don't use the wrong type of thinner in your paint Paint Peeling - strips or sections of paint pee! loose from the surface, usually due to moisture andlor inadequate surface preparation, ‘Some inspectors mix descriptions of "blistering" and “peeling” but since the causes and remedy differ the distinction can be important. Paint Rhoologogical Failures - paint rheology is the science ofthe flow of paints and coatings on or onto surfaces. Paint that aris, ssags or cracks when it should not, all other application considerations being blameless, has suffered, in my opinion, a rheological failure. A paint needs to be stable while the paint isin storage, liquid enough to be applied to a surface, and viscous enough that it doesnt run and sag down the coated surface (provided the paints being applied properly with respect to thinning, temperature, humidity, etc.) Paint experts discuss the shear stress of paint, shear strain, and shear rate, paint viscosiy, shear thinning or shear thickening, a paint ‘thixotropic properties - how its viscosity varies over time, the visoleasticty of paint that affects its shelf life, and the “normal force" generated against shear stress in an applied paint coating. Additives, even "microfibrilated cellulose" may be added to paints to adjust its rheology, hipsinspectapodia.comPainaluraPainl Failure Dictionary phptAdhesion arsaxter017 Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Pai allure pant eneylepext, paling terms ‘Special instruments measure the rheological properties of paints - beyond my expertise so Ill quit here. See Lambourne (1999) and se (Karlson 2000) in the REFERENCES section ofthis article. Paint Rusting - painted metal surfaces such as nail heads show through the new paint, perhaps where metal is expased to moisture {rom the paint itself if a water-based paint is used. Rust stains on buildings - see Rust Stains on Shingles Paint Resin Failure - paint resins separate out from the paint mixture, perhaps due tc improper paint formulation, improper paint mixing, combining incompatible paints, or exposure to high temperatures during drying This defect is completely invisible on the painted surface and on failing paint chips, bu itcan be quite apparent during forensic microscopic examination of paint chips in the laboratory, as shown in the lab photograph here, ‘Another investigator had improperly identified these structures as "insect eggs” Hilarious except that I'd paid them $1200. U.S. for that nonsense. Paint Sagging or Running occur when paint is applied over glossy surfaces, or due to excessive paint thinning, due to application of too much paint on the surface, due tc paint baing applied to a dirty surface or being applied in weather below the recommended temperature. Proper application of paints and surface preparation wil eliminate sags and runs. This is sometimes an indication of an inexperienced painter. Paint Skim Coat - skim coating of building exterior surface which is in poor condition is not a reliable painting preparation method and is likely to lead to cracking falures in the skim-coated, painted surface, as shown in our paint failure site investigation photos just below Paint Spalling is flaking chipping of masonry surfaces. On painted masonry moisture ‘may be entering the surface through cracks or holes (or other routes) and getting behind the paint Winter freeze-thaw cycles (obviously only in cold climates) cause the wet substrate to freeze, expand, and chip off. We've also seen this defect on brick walls which were luck-pointed using a mortar will too much portland cement, Acrylic surface conditioners (primers) can reduce this effect. ‘See SPALLING CONCRETE BLOCK WALLS & CHIMNEYS for more about the cause & cures of spalling on masonry surfaces Paint Spotting, brown or other stains bleeding through new paint - "surfactant leaching” - can cause spotting, possibly trom painting a cool or damp surface or painting in cool or cold conditions, ‘See hitp:hwww.mephersonpainting.convieaching.htm and also hitp:/iwww.mephersonpainting.comitannin. him which cites tannin staining, when tannic acid, such as olls in pine knots or cedar bleed through new paint. Also see Rusting above. Surfactant leaching paint failures & staini causes, cures, prevention Surfactants are chemicals added to paints to improve paint flow and orto aid in formation of an emulsion. Surfactant leaching failures show up at a paint job as either a paint adhesion failure - paint is peeling or faling or cracking off of the surface (photo at left), or as Sherwin Wiliams puts it, you may see tan, brown, or clear spots or areas in the painted surface. These surfactant leach-areas may appear as glossy, soapy, oily, or sticky sections of the painted surface. ipdnspectapedia.comPainalurlPain Failure Dictionary phptAchesion 19axter017 Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Pai Fallure- pant eneylepext,paleting terms Causes of Surfactant Leaching or contributions to the effects of surfactant leaching {As | stated above at incompatible paints”, surfactant leaching can occur, for example, if there is {an incompatibility between the primer coat and the finish coat. Paint chemists formulate primers land topcoats to work together as a tested and proven paint coating system, ‘Surfactant leaching also occurs when paints are applied in damp, wet, or cold weather or when ‘other conditions show the drying or curing time for the paint job. Paint exposed to cool or cold temperatures before the paint has adequately dried. Cool temperatures slow the drying or “curing” of the paint job. In turn the long dry time resulting can allow surfactants to separate out from the paint - shown in our lab photograph at left. Paint exposed to moisture, dew, rain, high humidity before it has adequately dried - particularly pertinent to latex paints. Aillatex paints include some surfactants or it would not be possible to spread the paint onto its receiving surface. Cures for Surfactant Leaching Paint Job Failures ‘Avoid surfactant leaching failures by making sure that the surface to be painted is dry, and don't paint in cold or wet weather, nor shoul: YyoU paint in conditions under which the paint is likely to be exposed to dew or rain before It has fuly dtied and cured, But once surfactant leaching stains have appeared, on an outdoor wall you have two different situations: 1 Res If the surfactant leaching stains have appeared while the paint job is still quite new it may be possible to wash the leached surfactants off of the surface, then allow it to dry. Scrub the surface lightly - not so hard as to remove the paint coating itself. If the surfactant leaching stains have appeared days or weeks after the paint job, or if they appeared early but no one did anything to ameliorate the situation (as in our lab sample photo), then the surfactant that leached out will usually have hardened and willbe difficult or impossible to remove without actual sanding. The surface will need to be re-painted, Be sure additional Coats of primer or paint are compatible with the paints already on the surface. rch on surfactant leaching and effect of surfactants on paint adhesion Leman, Arthur A. “Paint, Architectural” Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (2000), ‘Maor, Yonah. "Delamination of ol paints from acrylic grounds.” (2008). Abstract: Many modem artists paint in oil or oil-modified alkyd paints over acrylic grounds. In some cases the oil based paints do not remain adhered to the ground. In a set of composite ‘samples of oll or alkyd paints, over acrylic grounds, naturally aged for nine years, some ofthe samples delaminated. Samples were analyzed ... in order to find what the delaminating ones have in commion. In addition, two examples of severely delaminatin: ‘paintings were examined, to confirm the results from the laboratory-prepared samples. Results indicate the main cause of delamination is metal soaps in the oll paint and particulary zinc soaps. There is some evidence that metal soaps were more concentrated at the interface between the layers and this disrupted the adhesion. The ground is a minor consideration as well, rougher grounds providing better adhesion than smooth ones. Maor, Yonah, and Alison Murray. "Delamination of Oil Paints on Acrylic Grounds.” In MRS Proceedings, vol. 1047, pp. 1047-YO4 ‘Cambridge University Press, 2007. Abstract In a set of composite samples of oor alkyd paints, over acrylic grounds, naturally ‘aged for eight years, some of the samples delaminated. Samples were analyzed with X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively ‘coupled plasma (ICP), Fourier transform infrared - attenuated total reflectance (ETIR-ATR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) a well as other techniques not dotailed in this paper. Results indicate the main cause of delamination is metal soaps in the oll paint ‘and particularly zinc soaps. The ground is @ minor consideration as well, rougher grounds providing better adhesion than smooth de Meijer, Mar, and Johan Nienhuis, "influence of internal stress and extensibilly on the exterior durabilly of wood coatings.” Progress in Organic Coatings 65, no. 4 (2009): 498-603, 'Nehal, Moncef, and Jon Sumner, "Recycling waste latex paint in concrete," Cement and conerete research 33, no, 6 (2003): 857- 863, Nicholson, John W. "Recent developments in understanding film-formation by latex paints.” Pigment & resin tachnology 26, no. 3 (1997): 161-164 ‘Schweitzer, Philip A. Paint and Coatings: Applicat! ‘Schultz, Tor P., Darrel D. Nicholas, and Patti Lebow. “Discussion on Prior Commercial Wood Preservation Systems That Performed Less Well Than Expected.” In Series: Conference Proceedings. 2014.0ns and corrosion resistance, CRC Press, 2005 ‘Sherwin Willams, "Surfactant Leaching’, Sherwin Wiliams Paint Co., 1-800-474-9794, Website: htip:!www.sherwin-willams.comr retrieved 18 Aug 2015, orginal source: Nips twa sherwinltoms-comhoneouersiask-aherw-nllans/problem-solverdi-stai-dseaarton's- nile sutactat nil, Excerpts from Sherwin Willams’ explanation of surfactant leaching paint failures: Concentration of water-soluble paint ingredients called “surfactants” on the surface of a latex paint, May be evident as tan, brown or clear spots or areas, and can sometimes be glossy, soapy, oly, or sticky, ipdnspectapedia.comPainalurlPain Failure Dictionary phptAchesion asantano17 Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Pai Fallure- pant eneylepext, paling terms ote ud f Stain Bleed-Through on paint jobs: proper cleaning & preparation are needed to remove black stains, algae, mold, or other Contaminants before painting or staining wood or other surfaces; otherwise you can expect to see stain bleed-through the new coating of stain or paint on the wood surface. See SIDING, WOOD CLEANERS, STAINS, PAINTS for preparing an exterior wood surface for staining or painting, Also. see CONCRETE STAINS for building exteriors, Before painting or staining a building exterior see STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS - knowing the cause of a stain and what i's made of guides stain removal & stain prevention Interior stains wil also bleed through paints and other coatings on walls, trim, cabinets, foundation walls i the surfaces are not properly cleaned and prepared ‘To prevent stain-bleed-through on building interior surfaces start by proper diagnosis of the stain cause since some “stains” such as thermal tracking have nothing to do with falures of the paitn coating, We may use a simple lacquer primerisealer to prevent grease or paint bleed-through staining of a new paint job but first see STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING INTERIORS to accurately understand the cause, and thus the prevention of stains on indoor surfaces, ‘To understand soot or dust deposition stains that recur even on good paint jobs, see THERMAL TRACKING BRIDGING GHOSTING. For suggestions when cleaning & painting over mold or "mildew" see FUNGICIDAL SPRAY & SEALANT USE GUIDE Tackiness and slow-dry -is caused by painting a second coat to0 soon, or painting in wet or faggy weather, or applying paint onto a damp surface, I using an alkyd, painting in an enclosed, un-vented area the painter can also cause this condition, Thickness feilures of painted surfaces: paint can build up to an excessive thickness, leading to cracking and peeling when a new coat is applied, as the under-coats have lost elasticity, or trap moisture or debris between paint layers. Thinner or Excessive Solvent use can cause paint failures including translucent rather than opaque coatings, poor paint adhesion, early paint weathering, paint peeling, Simply failure to mix the paint thinner, pigment, and binder adequately can cause these failures a can attempts to extend the paint by adding excessive amounts of thinner. I hate to bring it up, but adding an incompatible thinner will course ruin any paint and the paint job of the dope who tried spreading that glop onto a surface. ‘Also see MIXING PROBLEMS in PAINT Paint - Vinyl siding paint failures - warping is caused by painting alight colored siding with dark paint, (overheating in sun exposure) probably aggravated by improper siding installation (nailed too tightly to the wall) ‘Some painis are formulated specifically to adhere to vinyl siding but may stil peal i he siding was painted while wet or dirty. We've als seen plastic trim become deformed on metal entry doors which were painted a dark color, enclosed by a glass-storm door, and facing sunlight. Paint Weathering - OPINION: The term “weathering paint” as used by laypersons, is a bit vague as weathering should properly be Considered the normal aging of paint on a surface, Surface weathering before paint is applied has in tur a significant effect on the durabiliy ofthe paint job, so some paint failures may be due to pre-paintjob weathering (Wiliams 1987) while other paint conditions may be attributed to the anticipated on "normal" effects of weather an the painted surface. In addition, the effects of pre- and post. pair job weathering vary significantly depending on the surface to be painted, for example wood vs. rusted steel Even if we restrict our paint weathering discussion to wood, the effects of pre and post weather expasure are significant variables and further, the wood species, dryness, density, and summer vs. winter wood bands all affect the life of the paint coating when exposed to weather, Ina paint job what's "normal" wear and what's not? Exposure to sun (or indoors perhaps artificial light), wind, rain, including acid rain (Schulz 2000), snow, ice, even dirt and vibration from nearby traffic, temperature variations, abrasion from blowing debris, rubbing hipsinspectapodia.comPainaluraPainl Failure Dictionary phptAdhesion ansartano17 Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Pai allure pant eneylepext, paling terms branches & shrubs, exposure to airborne pollutants, and other factors all are components of normal weathering forces that affect a painted or coated surface. (One could discuss weathering and "aging" together, indicating typical, normal conditions such as cracking and chalking and even peeling, for each type of coating on each type of surface under each of a collection of typical environments. A paint manufacturer who gives a warranted or anticipated ife for their paint coating is making some assumptions about the typical weathering effects to which their coating will be exposed and how long it should endure, In this list of pain falure categories, chalking, cracking, aligatoring, and fading are examples I'd consider “weathering” that might be normal or not, depending on factors we could list such as age, surface, exposure conditions, I'm nervous about opening an escape clause for bad paint products and bad paint jobs that! be called “normal weathering” Paint failure categories in this master list such as solvent blisters, other blisters, peeling, are too often attributable to selection, Preparation, mixing, application snafus. | would be sorry to see those show up as blamed on "normal weathering". What's the Felationship between environment (longitude, sun, rain, acid rain, etc) and weathering. Is blistering ever acceptable? When is chalking normal and when does it indicate a defective product or an over-thinned paint? Paint Weathering Research References + Creemers, J,, M, De Melje, Tanja Zimmermann, and Jrgen Sell, "Influence of climatic factors on the weathering of coated wood European Journal of Wood and Wood Products 60, no. 6 (2002): 411-420, + Gaylarde, C. C., LH. G. Morton, K. Loh, and M.A. Shirakawa. “Biodeterioration of external architectural paint flms-A review." Intemational Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 65, no. 8 (2011): 1189-1198. + Hunt, Fern Y,, Michael A. Galler, and Jonathan W. Martin, “Microstructure of weathered paint and its relation to gloss loss: Computer simulation and modeling.” Journal of Coatings Technology 70, no. 880 (1998): 45-53, + Jamséi, Saila, Pirjo Ahola, and Pert Vitaniemi, "Long-term natural weathering of coated ThermoWood.” Pigment & resin technology 29, no. 2 (2000): 68-74. Abstract: Hea treatment reduces hygroscopicity and accompanying dimensional changes in wood. Prior to coating, pine and spruce boards were heat treated at 225°C for six hours under steam, in order to achieve dimensional stability and durability of Wood substrate. The panels were coated surface finishes which are commonly used on exterior cladding, joinery and fences in Finland. Performance of the coated heat-treated and untreated panels was monitored during five years’ outdoor exposure. Without coating the heat-treated wood is not weather resistant. The original dark brown colour of the uncoated heat-treated wooo ‘panels was not stable when exposed to weather, turning grey. Cracking of the heat-treated wood without coating was at the same level as that ofthe untreated wood despite the lower moisture content ofthe heat-treated wood. The unpigmented or low build Stains and oils did not prevent cracking of the heat-treated wood. Weather resistance of the heat-treated wood was improved by the water- or solvent-bome paints. Wood heat treated by means of this process is comparable to untreated wood as a substrate {or coatings and no alterations in coating recommendations are needed when considering coating of heat-treated wood. ‘+ Mayne, J. E. ©. "The problem of painting rusty steel” Journal of applied chemistry 8, no. 12 (1959): 673-680. + Nichols, Mark E. "Anticipating paint cracking: the application of fracture mechanics to the study of paint weathering.” Journal of Coatings Technology 74, no. 924 (2002): 38-46, + Perrin, F.X.,M. Irigoyen, E. Aragon, and J. L. Vernet. "Evaluation of accelerated weathering tests for three paint systems: a comparative study oftheir aging behaviour.” Polymer degradation and stabil 72, no, 1 (2001): 115-124, + Schulz, U., P, Trubiroha, U, Schernau, and H, Baumgart "The effects of acid rain on the appearance of automotive paint systems studied outdoors and in a now artificial weathering test.” Progress in organic coatings 40, no. 1 (2000): 151-165. + Willams, R. Sam, Jerrold E. Winandy, and Willam C. Feist. Paint adhesion to weathered wood. [PDF] Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology, Vol. 58, No. 749, June 1987. Retrieved 2016/06/20, original source: http/!s3.amazonaws.com/academia, edu-documents Abstract: Short-term outdoor exposure of western redcedar (WRC, Thuja plicata) prior to painting drastically decreased adhesion (of primers. Freshly planed and unpainted WRC boards were exposed outdoors vertically facing south near Madison, W1, for 1, 2, 4, 8, of 16 weeks during the late Spring and summer of 1984. Following this weathering, the boards were painted with alkyd-oll 0) ‘acrylic latex primers and, after curing for three months, tested in shear or tension to determine paint adhesion. Specimens weathered for more than four weeks before painting failed primanly at the wood/paint interface while those weathered for four Weeks faled either at the wood/paint interface or cohesively in the wood. The unweathered controls and boards weathered for tw ‘weeks or less failed primarily in the wood. The mean tensile strength of the paintwood bond dropped 50% from approximately 300 psi (2,070 kPa) on wood weathorod for four wooks fo 150 psi (1,035 kPa) on wood woathorod for 16 wooks. Shear strongth ‘dropped 33% from approximately 750 psi (5,170 kPa) to 500 psi (3,460 kPa) after similar weathering periods. The primer/ wood bond strength of specimens weathered for two weeks or less is higher than the wood strength; therefore, the 60% decrease in tensile and 33% decrease in shear strengths indicate only part of the loss in paint adhesion. Conclusions Excerpt: Adhesion of both an acrylic latex and an alkyd-oll primer to wood is significantly reduced after the wood substrate has weathered for four or more weeks before painting. These results were observed when evaluating exterior wood finishes in southern Wisconsin. A greater effect in warmer and, especially. sunnier climates could be anticipated. Reduced paint hipsinspectapodia.comPainaluraPainl Failure Dictionary phptAdhesion 109artano17 Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Pai allure pant eneylepext, paling terms adhesion and increased wood/paint interface failure will undoubtedly result in poor long-term paint and finish performance on wood specimens weathered four or mare weeks before finishing. Because of this, itis strongly recommended that any unprotected wood not be allowed to weather outdoors for more than two weeks before it is protected with some finish that wil prevent photodegradation and water damage. This recommendation is ‘based on the observation that there was almost no wood/paint interface failure observed in wood specimens that were weathere. for two woeks or less. We are currently conducting long-torm outdoor exposure studies on paint and other finishes on weathered western redcedar boards and Douglas-fir roughsawn plywood. The results of these longc-term exposure studies will be described in future publications, + Williams, R. Sam, and Wiliam C. Feist. “Durabilty of paint or solid-color stain applied to preweathered wood." Forest Products Journal 43, no. 1 (1993): 8. Paint Wrinkling - wrinkles in the top paint layer may be caused if paint is applied too thickly, i the paint is not brushed out, or i paint i applied aver a prior coating which has not dried Paint Yellowing - caused by lack of natural light, or atematively by exposure to sunlight, Moisture, heat, or fumes (such as from oil or {928 fred equipment) can also cause yellowing of some paints, as can Some paint additives (such as "mildewcides") Paint Fail ire Indicator Articles + PAINT FAILURE INDICATORS. » PAINT FAILURE - EXTERIOR CLUES +» PAINT FAILURE - INTERIOR CLUES +» PAINT FAILURE - SITE HISTORY of + SIDING, WOOD CLEANERS, STAINS, PAINTS - a separate article on how to remove stains on siding & how to choose the propr paint or stain coating - we include formulas for bleach solution used to clean wood siding or trim stain Continue reading at PAINT FAILURE INDICATORS or select a topic from closely-related articles below, or see our complete INDEX ti RELATED ARTICLES below. (Or see PAINT FALURE, DIAGNOSIS, CURE, PREVENTION - home. Suggested citation for this web page PAINT FAILURE DICTIONARY at InspactApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnoste repair, & problem prevention advice. INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to ARTICLE INDEX to PAINTS & STAINS & FAILURES. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia Share this article Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Click to Show or Hide FAQS Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia Questions & answers or comments about what diferent types of paint failures look-ike Use the "Click to Show or Hide FAQs" link just above to see recently-pasted questions, comments, replies, try the s below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly Search the InspectApedia website Soarch hipsinspectapodia.comPainaluraPainl Failure Dictionary phptAdhesion seartano17 Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Pai allure pant eneylepext, paling terms Comments (Mar 30, 2017) danjoefriedman (mod) said [pjanon ‘White paint on a building exterior oxidizes and may develop an off-white hue and also, depending on paint type may develop 2 chalky surface. But when white exterior paint actually looks gray I suspect + deposits of dit or dust possibly mold or an algae if the gray area is blotchy, spotted, and correlates with shade, wetness, dampness - exposed to soot or chimney or fre smoke (Mar 30, 2017) Anonymous said ‘Why does white paint turn grey (Mar 20, 2016) danjoefriedman (mod) said [z)Sounds as ifthe installer used nails that are rusting. Youll need to set nails and fll and re-seal the surface (Mar 10, 2016) Diane said Fairly new home, 3-4yrs, damp location, near ocean. High-end build, rough-sawn cedar trim used for posts and window trim. Painted white, galvanized nails, Every nall location is now black, about a 0,26in diameter, Can be washed off if rubbed hard, Perhaps the nail ‘was counter-sunk and putted/filed. Slight cracking around puttyfiler. About 15 "spots" per window frame. What can be dane now to reduce maintenance in the future (Nov 2, 2015) danjoefriedman (mod) said: [p)Yeah | hate that problem - | just had it while changing out a thermostat would 1. cut around the edges of the bracket with a utility knife or drywall knife, scoring through the paint into the paper. This will at least minimize possible damage to the drywall when you pull the TV bracket off ofthe wall 2. try prying carefully behind the bracket using a thin-bladed putty knife, working from all sides. If that's not long enough you can try a cake knife - or anything that is thin and flat 3. Once you've loosened as much as you can pull away from one edge, iting the bracket off ofthe wall despite your efforts some of the drywall paint and paper begin to tear, the tear should stop where you cut around the bracket edges: ft doesnt stop and out a bit deeper. 4. With the bracket removed you'll have to use joint compound to fil any gouges in the wall and then re-paint Sorry but that's my best shot; | do not advise fooling with solvents: you're more likely to make a bigger mess on the wall - and that's before considering the health hazards. (Oct 31, 2015) Anonymous said ‘Aflat screen tv bracket was mounted to the wall prior tothe paint fully drying- we assume- ‘What is the best method to remove the bracket without damaging the wall or paint- FYI i's been stuck to the wall for months with no tv, no serews or anything (Oct 2, 2015) Anonymous said: hipsinspectapodia.comPainaluraPainl Failure Dictionary phptAdhesion vaneartano17 Dictionary of Types of & Causes of Pai allure pant eneylepext, paling terms {ust had a few exterior fiberglass doors painted and few weeks later mildew was present on every single door that was repainted My painter says the correct paint was used and that | would need to expect to do regular cleaning maintained because this is normal since I live on a lake. (Sept 10, 2015) danjoefriedman (mod) said: [p)Milind the ARTICLE INDEX given above includes articles on the causes of various types of paint failure (Sept 10, 2015) Milind said: ‘What could be reason (July 16, 2015) Anonymous (mod) said [2)No | think you asked this question on another of our pages - please avoid that as it doubles our work unnecessarily It your painter painted over plaster that was stil wet or not adequately cured that could be the trouble. (Showing 1 to 10) = Technical Reviewers & References Click to Show or Hide Citations & References SWITCH TO DESKTOP SITE. hipsinspectapodia.comPainaluraPainl Failure Dictionary phptAdhesion v0