Cracking/Flaking
- Manifestations
- This problem involves dry paint film that splits through one or more coats of paint. Eventually, it leads to paint failing completely.
- It begins with the appearance of hairline cracks and continues to worsen when the flaking starts resulting in paint chips.
- Causes
- Using paint of a lower quality, which provides less than optimal flexibility and adhesion.
- The paint was applied to the surface in an insufficiently thick layer.
- The surface was not adequately prepared. This is especially true when no priming is done and the paint is applied directly to the bare wood.
- When applying latex paint in windy weather conditions or when it is too cool outside. This causes the paint to dry too rapidly.
- Solutions
- When the cracking has not affected the substrate, loose and flaking paint can be removed.
- You can scrape off the loose or flaking paint using a wire brush. Then sand the area, feathering the edges of the affected surface.
- Apply primer to the bare spots and then repaint.
- If cracking has affected the substrate all the paint should be removed. Scrape it off, sand the area using a heat gun to facilitate the process.
- Apply primer and repaint the entire area.
- Use a high-quality latex paint intended for exterior use.