Nailhead Rusting
Manifestations
- Spots and stains on the surface of the paint that are reddish-brown in color.
- Causes
- Iron nails that are non-galvanized will rust and that rust bleeds through to the surface of the paint.
- Non-galvanized iron nails were not countersunk and filled over as they should have been.
- Iron nails that are galvanized begin to rust after being sanded or exposed to excessive weathering.
- Solutions
- If non-galvanized nails were used in new exterior construction, they should be sunk and caulked with a water-based, siliconized or all-acrylic caulking material before being painted.
- Each should then be spot primed and painted using a high quality latex paint.
- If nailhead rusting has already taken place, wash the rust stains, remove the rust by sanding and use the same preparation technique as used for any new construction.