One of the most underrated activities is painting rooms. It is seen as a chore by most people, but there is something about painting your own walls that can bring you a unique sense of achievement. It is also an incredibly fun process as you get to dance around to your favorite tunes while getting work done. Some even opt to paint murals or invite loved ones for quality bonding time. Playing around with colors and bringing to life your room design visions are indeed a great source of happy hormones.
On the other hand, among the bliss is the problems encountered when you are not a professional. Painting rooms may seem like an easy job, but it actually comes with a bucket load of problems if not done right. As your guide to DIY painting, we want to make sure that you can identify those problems and know how to fix them. With that being said, here are 7 common paint defects and their solutions:
1. Chalking
Chalking is the powdery material forming in painted walls and it is responsible for the faded color of the paint. This may be due to low-quality paint, overexposure to moisture and UV rays, over-thinned paint, or improper application. To remedy the situation, you may wipe the powdery material and/or scrape loose paint if there are any. After which, apply a fresh coat of Rain or Shine Elastomeric Paint. As for means of prevention, ensure that porous surfaces of the wall are completely sealed before painting and avoid mixing undercoats into finishes.
2. Blistering/Sagging
The bubbles forming underneath the surface of your wall paint are referred to as Blistering or Sagging. This means that there is moisture on the surface which is what causes the drippy appearance. Blistering/Sagging occurs when the paint has been applied to a damp surface or when the current paint layer has not completely dried yet. It may also be due to extreme humidity levels. To solve this, you have to remove the blisters and sand the surface to achieve an even base. After which, prime the surface and apply paint. You have to make sure that each paint layer is completely dry before applying the next coat.
3. Peeling
Peeling is one of the most common paint problems and it is usually a result of excessive moisture, loss of adhesion, application of paint to a dusty surface, or using paint with overly strong solvents. Similar to how you solve blistering/sagging, peeling also requires removing the problem areas and painting over them. You just have to ensure that the surface is clean and smooth before applying paint.
4. Molding
Molds are the black, brown, green, and gray spots growing on your walls. It is a fungus caused by areas with improper ventilation, lack of sunlight, and extreme moisture. In addition to that, low-quality paints that contain inadequate amounts of bacteria shield aid the growth of molds. To get rid of this, you must kill the mold spore by scrubbing it with white vinegar. This is an important step before repainting because you want to make sure that you stop it from forming again. Simply painting over the molds is only a temporary fix as it will resurface again and can pose a threat to your family’s health.
5. Loss of Gloss
We all love the flair glossy paints give to our walls, so it is definitely a downer when it starts to fade away over time. This is usually caused by non-compatible thinners, application on porous surfaces, and insufficient air circulation. It may seem like a hard task, but the solution is fairly easy. You just have to apply a fresh coat of clear varnish to bring back the shine on your walls.
6. Flaking
The cracks in your wall indicate that moisture has penetrated the surface and is lifting the paint up. Flaking usually occurs when the paint is applied over chalking undercoats or greasy surfaces. To remedy the situation, all the loose paint must be scraped off and the surface should be smoothed out. Flaking can be prevented by using a top-quality primer like Rain or Shine Elasto-Proofer.
7. Efflorescence
If you have noticed a grayish tint of powdery substance on your walls, then you have encountered Efflorescence. This occurs when there is the formation of water and salt deposits on concrete surfaces. The problem of efflorescence is solved by wiping off the deposited salts and pressure washing. Efflorescence can best be avoided with a breathable primer like Rain or Shine Elasto-Proofer.
These paint defects may seem intimidating, but it is certainly manageable. Do not let it get in the way of your enjoyment of paint. We hope this article was able to help you in your redecorating endeavors and if you have any questions, we would be happy to help. You may message us on Facebook or Instagram. Happy painting!