Cracking and Flaking

Alligatoring

Alligatoring is a form of paint failure where large cracks form in the surface layer only, resulting in the appearance of an alligator hide.

 

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Applying paint over a porous, unsealed surface, resulting in rapid absorption and improper film formation.
  • Applying paint in high heat or very low humidity, causing solvent to evaporate too rapidly.
  • Applying second coat of paint before first coat has completely dried.
  • Applying a harder, less flexible paint or coating over a softer or more flexible one (a brittle oil-based paint over a more flexible latex paint).

SOLUTION

Remove all loose paint, sand edges smooth, then prime and seal the surface with an appropriate primer for the specific application or surface to be painted. Once primer is completely dry, apply a fresh coat of paint.
 

A wall painted yellow long ago is showing signs of alligatoring.

Blocking 

Paint blocking is when two painted surfaces stick when they are pressed together (a door sticking to a door jamb or a window sash sticking to the frame) or when a painted surface sticks to a surface such as weather stripping.

 

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Insufficient dry time of the paint before closing doors or windows.
  • Use of a low-quality semi-gloss or gloss paint.

SOLUTION

Remove all loose paint, sand edges smooth, then prime and seal the surface with an appropriate primer for the specific application or surface to be painted. Once primer is completely dry, apply a fresh coat of paint.

 

Follow label instructions regarding dry time of the paint. Acrylic latex paint generally has better early block resistance than vinyl latex or alkyd (oil-based) paints, although alkyd paints do develop better block resistance over time. The application of talcum powder, petroleum jelly or wax can relieve persistent blocking of the paint.
 

A wall painted beige long ago is showing signs of blocking.

Flaking 

Flaking is when flakes form from the lifting of paint from the underlying surface. Flaking paint is normally preceded by cracking and can occur over different surfaces.

 

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Cracking of exterior wood or plywood as it expands and contracts in response to changes in temperature and humidity, which is transmitted through the paint.
  • Poor paint penetration, especially on nonporous wood with an excessive amount of hard or flat-grain pattern.
  • Poor surface preparation.
  • Applying the paint too thinly.

SOLUTION

Remove all loose flaking paint, sand edges smooth, then prime and seal the surface with an appropriate primer for the specific application or surface to be painted. Once primer is completely dry, apply a fresh coat of paint.

 

Follow label instructions regarding dry time of the paint. Acrylic latex paint generally has better early block resistance than vinyl latex or alkyd (oil-based) paints, although alkyd paints do develop better block resistance over time. The application of talcum powder, petroleum jelly or wax can relieve persistent blocking of the paint.
 

A wall painted yellow long ago is showing signs of flaking.

Mudcracking 

Deep, irregular cracks that are dried into the paint look like dried, cracked mud.

 

POSSIBLE CAUSES

  • Paint was applied too heavily.
  • Paint has built up in corners (walls, ceiling area, etc.).
  • Insufficient cleaning results in chemical contaminants left on the surface before it was painted.                                                               

SOLUTION

Remove all loose cracking paint, sand rough edges, prime if needed, then repaint at recommended spread rate. Determine the correct roller-cover nap for the surface being coated (1/4"-3/8" nap for smooth surfaces, 1/2"-3/4" nap for medium/rough surface and 1" nap and greater for rougher surfaces).
 

A wall painted rust long ago is showing signs of mudcracking.

How To's

A woman uses her hand and a sponge to clean debris of remaining drywall residue.
How to Clean
A hand applies putty to a damaged wall using a Purdy putty knife.
How to Repair
A woman uses a hand sander to sand and smooth drywall.
How to Sand