Color Catastrophes: Common House Paint Issues and Solutions!

Your home's wall colors plays a vital role in leaving a lasting impression. It sets the tone and creates an inviting atmosphere. However, as time goes by, the once beautiful and vibrant wall colors can start to fade and encounter common paint problems. Additionally, using incorrect painting techniques can result in damage to both the walls and different areas of your house. In this blog post, PropertyScout delves into the world of frequently encountered house paint problems and offers effective solutions.

Common House Paint Issues

Black stains, fungus, and algae

Moisture and mineral deposits from water or sand can lead to troublesome issues like black stains, fungus, and algae on your walls. To solve these problems, it is crucial to identify and address the root cause. For instance, if the issue stems from a leaky roof, it must be fixed before addressing the fungus problem.

How to remedy the problem

1. Surface Preparation: Clean and scrub the surface thoroughly.
2. Eliminate Mold and Mildew: Use a special solution available at construction supply stores to kill mold and remove efflorescence.
3. Apply a Primer: Use an exterior oil-based primer for old plaster, and an interior primer for walls indoors.
4. Apply Two Coats of Paint: Apply two coats of paint for a smooth and even finish.

*In addition to the issues of mold and algae occurring on painted walls, there are also problems with washed-out surfaces and sand washings.

How to remedy the problem

1. Recommend using a high-pressure water sprayer to remove as much mold and mildew residue as possible.
2. Eliminate mold and mildew with TEA-Microbe, a mold-free solution.
3. Apply a protective coating paint to prevent mold and mildew. There are two options available:

• Natural matte finish water repellent formula, either water-based or oil-based.
• Glossy coating or gloss sealant, both suitable for use.

Paint Flaking and Dusty Walls

The peeling paint and dusty walls can be a result of expired paint or deteriorated adhesive, leaving only color residue and creating dust. It could also be due to the lack of primer application by the painter.

How to remedy the problem

1. Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dust, loose paint chips, and any remaining color residue.
2. Apply a primer coat on the old plaster, using an exterior oil-based primer for external surfaces and an interior primer with a mild scent for internal areas.
3. Apply two coats of paint to achieve a smooth and durable finish.

Paint cracking

The paint for the wall might crack as a result of applying a new coat of paint on top of the previous coat that hasn't completely dried. As the underlying layer of paint dries and contracts, it causes the formation of cracks. Failure to address this issue can lead to water seepage problems, as well as the growth of mold and algae.

How to remedy the problem

1. Clean and prepare the surface by scrubbing and removing any loose paint.
2. Apply a flexible and elastic primer specifically designed for this purpose, according to the chosen brand.
3. Apply two coats of flexible and elastic topcoat paint. This type of paint is relatively higher in cost as it is specifically formulated to address crack issues. Additionally, it is recommended to use a flexible filler material for optimal coverage of the crack patterns.

Paint bubbling due to water leakage

The bubbling of paint occurs when there is moisture present on the surface, and it gets trapped between the paint film and the underlying surface. The root cause may be related to various pipes, such as water pipes from the upper floor, leaking pipes in the bathroom, or faulty waterproofing in the bathroom.

How to remedy the problem

1. Prevention can be achieved by applying a moisture-resistant primer on the plaster surface before applying the topcoat. This should be done with a single coat.
2. In cases where the issue is occurring on the ceiling or roof, it is recommended to address the root cause first and then proceed with repairing the ceiling paint according to the mentioned steps.

Paint fading

Paint fading occurs as a result of deterioration or the paint reaching its lifespan after 5 or 10 years of use. In some cases, it may also be caused by moisture within the walls.

How to remedy the problem

1. Clean the surface thoroughly.
2. Apply one coat of primer on the old plaster surface, using an oil-based formula for exterior surfaces and a gentle-scented water-based formula for interior surfaces.
3. Apply two coats of paint on top.

Metal fences rusting

Rusting on metal fences occurs over time through prolonged exposure to rain and sunlight.

How to remedy the problem

The solution to the problem is to remove rust by cleaning and smoothing the surface. Then, apply a rust primer. Afterward, sand the surface smoothly using sandpaper. Proceed to apply a primer coat and a topcoat with an anti-rust paint.

Dust accumulation on the paint

Dust accumulation on the paint occurs as a result of pollution.

How to remedy the problem

1. You can gently clean the dust and particles by using a light spray of water. This method is suitable for high-quality paint, as low-quality paint may come off.
2. For heavier dust, it may be necessary to use a high-pressure water sprayer. Set the pressure to the lowest setting and test it on a small area first. Excessive pressure can cause the paint to peel off the surface.

Stay Spotless!

To safeguard against paint deterioration, it is crucial to adhere to the proper painting procedure, giving utmost importance to surface preparation. Before applying paint, ensure the surface is meticulously cleaned and thoroughly dried, devoid of any dust, grease, or cracks that may lead to water seepage. Additionally, inspecting the drainage system is essential to prevent water and moisture infiltration into the walls. Moreover, opting for premium-quality paint products can significantly enhance durability, especially in varying weather conditions. By following these guidelines, you can effectively protect your paint and maintain its longevity.

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