PAINTS | DEFECTS AND REMEDIES

While painting or some time after the

painting, you may notice some defects in
the painting. Understanding the causes of
these defects can prepare you well enough,
before you start the painting process and
make the job easier. Here are some
common paint defects and the solutions to
remedy them:

Blistering: Blistering or Swelling of paint is

caused due to trapping of air, moisture or
solvent between the surface and the paint
film. The remedy is to remove any unstable
paint films. Allow the wall to dry
thoroughly, and repaint with a
recommended paint. Also, avoid painting
under direct sunlight
Bittiness: Bittiness is caused due to dirt
from the atmosphere or dirt on the surface
or dirt from brushes that are inadequately
cleaned or due to bits of dried-up paint that
gets stirred in. The Remedy is to use clean
brushes and paint on a clean surface. Also,
strain the paint through a cloth before use.

Algae/Fungus growth: Algae and fungus

can grow when the surface is continually
damp and dirty. Insufficient fungicide/
algaecide in the paint can also worsen the
situation.The Remedy is to remove algae /
fungus by high-pressure washing. Wash
again to remove any residue. Allow the wall
to dry before applying with recommended
paint.
Brush marks: Brush marks are caused
due to under-thinning of paints or due to
poor application of the final coat of paint or
due to poor quality brush. The Remedy is
to ensure the paint is applied using the
right viscosity and a good brush.

Chipping: Chipping of paint film is due to

excessive use of putty or due to very thick
coat of paint or defective surfaces. The
Remedy is to regulate the use of putty and
paint.

Chalking: Chalking occurs when ultraviolet

rays cause the paint binder to disintegrate.
It can happen when interior paints are used
for exterior surfaces. The solution- Remove
any unstable paint films. Allow wall to dry
thoroughly, and repaint with recommended
paint. Make sure paint is not adulterated
with foreign materials.

Cissing: Cissing or tiny craters are caused

by oily or greasy surface or due to water
based paints being applied over gloosy or
smooth enamel paints. The Remedy is to
clean the surface thoroughly with soap
solution and water. Roughen enamel paint
with Sandpaper or use a barrier coat of
matt primer.

Cracking: This is caused when the paint or

varnish is applied over a base layer of
different elasticity before it has been given
enough time to cure (which can take up to
a month). For example, two separate
brands of varnish may react with each
other and form cracks. The Remedy is to
allow the surface to dry fully and then rub
it down to make it ready for repainting.
However, you could consider leaving the
cracking visible. It is a very popular ageing
technique.
Drips: Drips or nibs in the dried paint
surface are usually pure lapses in
technique. The Remedy is to rub the dried
drips away with fine sandpaper and re-
paint the area. On high gloss finishes you
may need to apply a final coat over the
entire area to disguise the patch where you
rubbed.

Efflorescence: Efforescence or formation

of white powdery deposit on walls after
painting is caused due to salts present in
the building material like brick and mortar,
which surface later on. The Remedy is to
give a long time gap between plastering
and painting (about 6 months including one
monsoon) Use paint with a porous film like
emulsions and distempers.

Fat edges: A heavy ridge of paint along

the edges is caused by too much paint on
the brush. The Remedy is to tap the paint
brush against the container for the excess
paint to drain out.

Grinning: If the previous colour shows

through the finishing coat, it is because the
base was too dark or the paint was too thin
or badly applied. The Remedy is to just
paint over.

Loss of gloss: Loss of gloss is caused due

to poor surface preparation or due to
presence of oil or due to over thinning of
paint. The Remedy is to clean the surface
thoroughly and take all recommended
steps for surface preparation.

Discolouration: After paint is applied, it

may fade or discolour. This is caused by
particles in the wall reacting with the paint
when it is drying. Discolouration could also
be caused by water seepage, or by
contaminants in metal or wood. The
Remedy is to repair water seepage. Make
sure the surface is dry before painting. And
apply an alkaline-resistant or oil-based
paint.

Flaking: Flaking-off of paint film is due to

improper application of primer coat over
putty, and not being completely covered. It
can also be due to application of paint on
insufficiently dry surfaces or due to
shrinkage or expansion of a surface causing
the paint film to move. The Remedy is to
ensure that there are no gaps in covering
putty with primer coat. Also ensure that
the surface is dry and clean.

Patchiness: Patchiness or uneven finish is

caused due to the highly absorbent nature
of the surface. The Remedy is to apply an
extra coat of primer or use well-sealer.

Peeling: Peeling is caused by moisture on

the wall, poor surface preparation or using
the incorrect painting system. This defect
happens on walls as well as wood or metal
surfaces.
The remedy for walls is to check and repair
water seepage. Ensure the walls are dry
before painting. And use an alkali-resistant
basecoat or sealer. Patch surface defects
with putty.
The remedy for wood is to prime wood
before painting, sand the surface and clean
off dust.
The remedy for metal is to remove all paint
from metal before re-painting. Prime the
surface and re-coat with suitable paint.

Sagging: Sagging happens when the paint

droops downward after being applied on
the surface. It is caused by the pigment
separating from the paint and settling at
the bottom of the container and comes as a
result of insufficient stirring or shaking
during storage, storing for too long or
under too much heat, or faulty thinning.
The Remedy is to avoid storing in hot
locations for long periods. Store in
accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations and thin only with
appropriate recommended thinners.
Wrinkling: Wrinkling happens when the
paint forms film-like undulating waves.
Applying too much paint, or drying during
high temperatures, or painting on a topcoat
before the undercoat is dry can cause this
defect. The Remedy is to avoid applying
too much paint. Make sure no paint
accumulates round bolts, rivets, etc. Wait
until each coat dries before you re-coat.

Slow drying: Non-drying or slow drying of

paint film is caused due to humidity, poor
air circulation, low temperature or presence
of oil or grease on the surface or due to
alkalinity of the surface. The Remedy is to
reduce the impact of atmospheric
conditions to the extent possible; Scrub oil
or grease off with a rag soaked in white
spirit and wash with water and soap.
 Sheariness: Patches of
uneven sheen on flat- or low-sheen finishes
are caused by painting on too porous a
surface, causing uneven drying. The
Remedy is to use a large brush or roller to
cover the area quickly or a sealer
undercoat.

Yellowing: White paint will gradually

yellow because it receives little light - such
as inside cupboards or behind pictures. The
Remedy is to use non-yellowing whites