Tip of the Month

CRACKING/FLAKING

The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat as a result of aging, which ultimately will lead to complete failure of the paint. In its early stages, the problem appears as hairline cracks; in its later stages, flaking occurs.

POSSIBLE CAUSES:

• Use of lower quality paint that has inadequate adhesion and flexibility
• Over thinning or overspreading the paint
• Inadequate surface preparation, or applying the paint to bare wood without first applying a primer
• Excessive hardening and embrittlement of alkyd paint, as the paint job ages
  

SOLUTION:

Remove loose and flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sanding the surface, and feathering the edges. If the flaking occurs in multiple layers of paint, use of a filler may be necessary Prime bare wood areas before repainting. Use of a top quality primer and top coat should prevent a recurrence of the problem.

Next Month: Burnishing

Previous Tips:

Blistering
Cracking/Flaking
Burnishing
Lapping
Poor Sheen Uniformity
Yellowing
Preventing Stain Bleed-through
Mildew
Picture Framing
Poor Hiding
Poor Stain Resistance