problem
blistering
Bubbles resulting from localised loss of adhesion, and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface.
blocking
Undesirable sticking together of two painted surfaces when pressed together (e.g., a door sticking to the jamb).
burnishing
Increase in gloss or sheen of paint film when subjected to rubbing, scrubbing or having an object brush up against it.
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.
foaming/cratering
Formation of bubbles (foaming) and resulting small, round concave depressions (cratering) when bubbles break in a paint film, during paint application and drying.
lapping
Appearance of a denser colour or increased gloss where wet and dry layers overlap during paint application.
fungal contamination
Black, grey or brown spots or areas on the surface of paint or sealant.
mud cracking
Deep, irregular cracks resembling dried mud in dry paint film.
picture framing
An effect of non uniform colour that can appear when a wall is painted with a roller, but is brushed at the corners, architraves and cornices. The brushed areas generally appear darker, resembling the "frame" of a "picture". Also, sprayed areas may be darker than neighbouring sections that are brushed or rolled. Picture framing can also refer to sheen effects.
poor flow/levelling
Failure of paint to dry to a smooth film, resulting in unsightly brush and roller marks after the paint dries.
poor hiding
Failure of dried paint to obscure or "hide" the surface to which it is applied.
poor print resistance
Tendency of paint film to take on the imprint of an object that is placed on it (e.g., a shelf, table, window sill or countertop with books, dishes and other objects on them).
poor scrub resistance
Wearing away or removal of the paint film when scrubbed with a brush, sponge, or cloth.
poor sheen uniformity
Shiny spots or dull spots on a painted surface; uneven gloss.
poor stain resistance
Failure of the paint to resist absorption of dirt and stains.
roller marks/"stipple"
Unintentional textured pattern left in the paint by the roller.
roller spattering
Tendency of a roller to throw off small droplets of paint during application.
sagging
Downward "drooping" movement of the paint film immediately after application, resulting in an uneven coating.
sealant failures
Loss of sealant`s initial adhesion and flexibility, causing it to crack and/or pull away from the surfaces to which it it applied.
surfactant leaching
Concentration of water-soluble ingredients on the surface of a water-based paint, typically on a ceiling surface in rooms that have high humidity (e.g., shower, bathroom, kitchen); may be evident as tan or brown spots or areas, and can sometimes be glossy, soapy or sticky.
wrinkling
A rough, crinkled paint surface, which occurs when uncured paint forms a "skin".
yellowing
Development of a yellow cast in aging paint; most noticeable in the dried films of white paints or clear varnishes.
blistering
Bubbles resulting from localised loss of adhesion, and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface.
crocodiling
Patterned cracking in the surface of the paint film resembling the regular scales of a crocodile.
chalking
Formation of fine powder on the surface of the paint film during weathering which can cause colour fading. Although some degree of chalking is a normal, desirable way for a paint film to wear, excessive film erosion can result from heavy chalking.
chalk run-down
The washing down of chalk from an excessively eroding paint onto another area below (a brick foundation, for example), ruining its appearance (see Chalking).
cracking/flaking
The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat, which will lead to complete failure of the paint. Early on, the problem appears as hairline cracks; later, flaking of paint chips occurs.
dirt pickup
Accumulation of dirt, dust particles and/or other debris on the paint film; may resemble fungus or algae.
efflorescence/mottling
Crusty, white salt deposits, leached from mortar or masonry as water passes through it.
fading/poor colour retention
Premature and/or excessive lightening of the paint colour, which often occurs on surfaces with sunny south facing exposure. Fading/poor colour retention can also be a result of chalking of the coating.
frosting
A white, salt-like substance on the paint surface. Frosting can occur on any paint colour, but it is less noticeable on white paint or lighter tints. On masonry, it can be mistaken for efflorescence (see Efflorescence and Mottling).
lapping
Appearance of a denser colour or higher gloss where wet and dry layers overlap during paint application.
fungal/algal contamination
Black, grey or brown areas of fungal or algal growth on the surface of paint or sealant.
nailhead rusting
Reddish-brown stains and spots on the paint surface.
paint incompatability
Loss of adhesion where many old coats of solvent-based paint receive a water-based top coat.
peeling
Loss of paint due to poor adhesion. Where there is a primer and top coat, or multiple coats of paint, peeling may involve some or all coats.
poor alkali resistance
Colour loss and overall deterioration of paint film on fresh masonry.
poor galvanised metal adhesion
Paint that has lost its adhesion to a galvanised metal substrate.
poor gloss retention
Deterioration of the paint film, resulting in excessive or rapid loss of lustre of the top coat.
surfactant leaching
Concentration of water-soluble ingredients on water-based paint, creating a blotchy, sometimes glossy appearance, often with a tan or brownish cast. More likely with tinted paints than with white or factory-coloured paints.
tannin staining
Brownish or tan discoloration on the paint surface due to migration of tannins from the substrate through the paint film. Typically occurs on "staining woods," such as redwood, cedar and mahogany, or over painted knots in certain other wood species, such as pine.
wax bleed
Stains that come from waxy substance in the reconstituted wood products such as chipboard or MDF. When the substrate is painted, these staining substances bleed through the paint; they can even bleed through some ordinary primers, possibly causing dirt pickup, fungal/algal contamination and/or poor paint adhesion (see Dirt Pickup and Fungal/Algal Contamination.)
wrinkling
A rough, crinkled paint surface occurring when paint forms a "skin".
