A freshly painted house exudes freshness, newness, and cleanliness. Aside from that, depending on the colours chosen, it help set the mood, offering coolness, exhilaration, and a sense of completeness. However, some issues can arise during or after the house painting or commercial painting process. Understanding the reasons for some of these flaws might make the painting process go more smoothly. Let us look at some of the most prevalent house painting defects. Read on!
Most Common Defects of Paints, Causes and Their Remedies
1. Peeling and Blistering
- Blistering and peeling are flaws caused by the expansion of the paint layer. The swelling is produced by an air bubble beneath the paint coat due to moisture, oil, or grease.
- If it is caused by moisture, it is referred to as peeling; if it is caused by oil and grease, it is referred to as blistering.
- Blistering and peeling are caused by improper timber seasoning, the use of too much oil in the final coat, trapped gases between paint applications, and other factors.
- These flaws may be avoided by utilizing porous paints such as emulsion paints rather than non-porous paints such as oil paints, enamel paints, and so on.
2. Bittiness
- Bittiness is a painting defect that refers to the minute particles of extraneous material, most commonly dust, grit, broken paint skin, and bristle pieces from brushes.
- Allow the coating to harden before rubbing it down gently with fine waterproof abrasive paper, ideally wet, and recoat with fresh paint using clean tools.
3. Cissing
- This term refers to a flaw in which freshly applied paint recedes from the surface, creating tiny craters or bare spots. The most common reason is surface contamination, such as grease, oil, wax polish, or silicones.
- When water-thinned paints are placed over glossy or semi-gloss oil-based coatings, cissing can develop. It is avoided by keeping the surface clean and flattening oil-based coatings before applying water-thinned materials.
- When cissing occurs, the paint must be allowed to harden before being wiped down and applied with a fresh coat of paint.
4. Cracking (Checking, Crocodiling, Crazing
- Cracking might be due to system ageing and subsequent embrittlement, movement (e.g., expansion or contraction) in the substrate, or the application of hard-drying coatings over softer ones.
- Surface cracking, checking, or crazing can occasionally be repaired by rubbing down, filling as needed, and recoating. The surface must be scraped and stripped in extreme situations when the fractures extend through the whole thickness of the layer.
5. Rust Damage
- Defects in a paint film that may be traced back to rust growing underneath the coat are caused chiefly by poor metal preparation, notably incomplete removal of mill scale.
- Breakdowns are typically characterized by blistering or cratering, followed by a complete breakdown, characterized by wholesale lifting and flaking.
- Before repainting, the paint damage and mill scale must be removed entirely.
- It is also necessary that the surface be dry. Priming paint should be applied soon after preparation, using a suitable primer and appropriate paint systems.
Paint jobs may go awry for a variety of reasons. Most errors are ascribed to technique, while some are caused by events beyond our control, such as significant weather fluctuations. You can better prepare for your next painting project if you know the most common painting defects and how to remedy them.
Ask an Expert: When to DIY, When to Call in the Pros
In every journey towards home improvement, there will always be a crossroad – a point where you have to decide whether to roll up your sleeves and take the DIY route or take a step back and call in the professionals. Understanding your own capabilities and limitations is key to making an informed decision. Let’s break down the scenarios and recommendations so that you can choose the smartest path forward.
DIY - Brace Yourself, But For What?
DIY is more than an acronym; it’s a spirit of self-reliance and creativity. But it’s not necessarily for everyone or for every situation. Consider venturing down the DIY path when;
- The Task is Within Your Skill Level: If you’re confident in your ability to handle a roller and brush, and have a fair understanding of the basics of paint preparation and application, DIY might be the ideal route.
- Time is On Your Side: If you have more time than money on your hands, taking on the painting task yourself can be both a money-saving and gratifying endeavour.
- The Project Isn’t Too Complex: If the paint defects are small or you’re painting a small bathroom or a single feature wall in a bedroom, a DIY approach would likely make sense.
Call in the Pros - Your Safety Valve
Hiring a professional painting contractor doesn’t imply you’re backing out of a challenge. On the contrary, it means you’re making a mature decision based on practical considerations. Here’s when to think about getting the pros involved:
- Complex Projects: Professionals are equipped to handle larger projects, like multi-story homes or intricate design work, more efficiently and effectively than the average DIY-er.
- Time Constraints: If you’re dealing with a tight schedule, a professional painter can complete the task faster, saving you precious time.
- Health Risk: Older homes may have lead paint, which poses a serious health risk if not handled properly. An expert can ensure that any hazardous materials are dealt with safely.
Consider these factors, and weigh out the benefits, costs, and potential outcomes. Whether you end up choosing to DIY or hire professionals, rest assured that your decision is well-informed and well-judged. After all, the goal is a beautifully painted home that mirrors your passion and commitment to excellence.
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