Painting not only gives a good appearance to a structure but

also provides protection against various infiltrative actions

such as corrosion, decaying, weathering, etc. But however,
paint film also gets deteriorated by these actions. Hence the
paint should be selected based on many factors such as type
of surface, type of environment, etc. Otherwise, defects may
occur in painting. Some of the common defects that usually
occur in painting works are explained in this article.

Defects in Painting
Following are the common defects that occur in painting :

1. Blistering and Peeling

2. Fading
3. Grinning
4. Chalking
5. Running
6. Sagging
7. Flaking
8. Blooming
9. Wrinkling
10. Flashing
11. Saponification
12. Alligatoring
13. Checking
14. Mildew
1. Blistering and Peeling
Blistering and peeling are defects in which swelling of the
paint film occurs. The swelling is caused by the formation of
an air bubble under the paint film due to the presence of
moisture or oil or grease matter. If it is due to moisture then
it is called peeling and if it is due to oil and grease matter
then it is called blistering.

Blistering and peeling occur due to the imperfect seasoning

of timber, usage of excess oil in final coat, imprisoned gases
between paint coats, etc. These defects can be eliminated by
using porous paints like emulsion paints instead of non-
porous paints such as oil paints, enamel paints, etc.

Fig 1:
Blistering
2. Fading
Fading is the discoloration of the paint surface. This is
mainly due to atmospheric agencies such as sunlight,
moisture, etc. To prevent fading or discoloration, weathering
resistant pigments should be used in the paint.

Fig 2:
Fading
3. Grinning

The paint film should be opaque enough to cover the

background surface. The visibility of background due to
insufficient opacity of paint film even after the final coat is
called as grinning.
 Fig 3: Grinning
4. Chalking

Chalking is the formation of powder on the painted surface.

This is due to the use of insufficient oil in the primer. It can
be prevented by using sufficient oil in the primer, applying
paint at recommended spreading rate, etc.

Fig 4:
Chalking
5. Running
When a thin layer of paint is coating on a glossy and smooth
surface the paint may run back and sometimes leaves small
areas of surface uncovered. This defect is called running.

Fig 5:
Running of Paint
6. Sagging

When a surface is to be painted with a thick layer of paint,

the thick paint film may run downwards and forms sagging
of paint. It is similar to running but here the sag of paint is
very thick.

Fig 6: Sagging
of Paint
7. Flaking

The detachment of paint film from the surface is called

flaking. It occurs when the bond between surface and paint
film is poor. To prevent this, the surface should be cleaned
and rubbed with abrasive paper before applying paint.

Fig 7: Flaking
8. Blooming

Blooming is the defect caused due to improper ventilation,

weathering, defective paint, etc. In this case, dull patches are
formed on the painted surface.
 Fig 8:
Blooming
9. Wrinkling

Wrinkling occurs when a thick layer of paint is to be coated

on the surface. In this case, the paint film gets shrinks and
develops crawls on the surface as shown in the picture. It
can be prevented by allowing the undercoat to dry
completely prior to the application of the final coat.
 Fig 9:
Wrinkling
10. Flashing

The formation of glossy patches on the painted surface is

called flashing. This is caused due to the poor quality of
paint, weathering action, poor workmanship, etc.

Fig10:
Flashing
11. Saponification
Saponification of paints occurred when the painted surface
is exposed to chemicals such as alkalis. In this defect, soap
patches are formed on the paint surface and paint film gets
peeled off from the surface.

Fig 11:
Saponification of Paint
12. Alligatoring

Alligatoring is pattern cracking similar to the scales of an

alligator. It occurs when the hard coat of paint is applied
over the soft coat or existing coat of paint. To prevent this, a
high-quality oil-based primer should be used as a prime
coat.
 Fig 12:
Alligatoring
13. Checking

It is similar to alligatoring but here cracks are limited to a

small area, unlike alligatoring cracks. It is caused when the
paint is applied during very cold weather or due to the
application of paint prior to drying of undercoat.
 Fig 13:
Checking
14. Mildew

Mildew is a form of fungus which grows well in warm,

moist and dark places. It grows rapidly and develops the
grey colored patches on the painted surface. It also affects
the bond between paint coats. It can be prevented by keeping
the surface dry and clean before applying paint. If there is
any trace of mildew growth, then wash the surface with the
solution of bleach.
 Fig 14:
Mildew Fungus