Mainly caused by carelessness and lack of skillful preparation of the surface. Application of primer on oily, dirty, greasy or dusty surfaces contributes to this. Failure to sand glossy surface may result in peeling. May also be due to not using proper primer for the particular surface.

Knots and resinous woods, creosote, asphalt or color soluble in oil (penetrating stain) will release stain to bleed into any new surface.

Exterior surfaces must be cleaned of all excess material on the surface and then sealed using proper (or recommended) sealing primer (mostly acrylic). The same primer can be used on interior surfaces too.

Caused by pressure, developed by vapor (may be from wood or solvent entrapment in paint film) or moisture (due to structural defect of the substrate, accidental spillage, precipitation or humidity), under non-permeable paint film.

Permeable (breathable) paints, such as 100% acrylic house paint, allow moisture/vapor to pass through the film and therefore do not blister. All exterior structural defects and leakage points should be repaired before painting.

Mainly caused by moisture getting into the film of varnish, shellac or lacquer. Consult paint expert to remove such defects using mixture of turpentine, linseed oil and thinner.

Caused by deterioration of the paint film. The resultant loose powder (chalk) is a barrier to adhesion of most paints. Latex paints, in particular, will adhere to the chalk but not to the surface, eventually resulting in paint failure.

All chalk should be removed by pressure washing using a chemical cleaner designed for the purpose. Proper primer, as recommended by the expert for the purpose, should be used prior to repainting.

This is a mild form of releasing stresses in the film, and does not become serious unless the paint is allowed to weather too long. Then flaking may result. Consult an expert to for a proper paint to eliminate this condition for your weather situation.

This occurs when the paint is completely broken away from the surface. It is normally due to lack of or improper surface preparation prior to painting. Cleaning, dusting and sanding of hard glossy surfaces will prevent this condition.

Usually caused by not stirring the paint or enamel properly. Always stir paint with an up-and-down spiral motion (stirring with horizontal motion will not be adequate) for proper mixing. Boxing the paint (pouring the paint repeatedly from one container to another) is recommended.

Some colors, eg. yellows, pinks, etc, when applied over different colors do not hide satisfactorily. They usually require two or more coats for proper hiding.

This is a serious failure and is normally caused by build-up of too many coats on a surface, or by applying the paint too thickly. The surface splits and curls back due to a hard layer on top and soft layer underneath.

This can be prevented if proper primer and finish coat are applied evenly and the primer is given enough time to become hard and firm before finishing. When scaling is bad, all old paint should be removed before repainting.

This condition develops when the paint, varnish or enamel draws up into beads and does not wet the surface. Applying alkyd paint, varnish or enamel on a hard glossy surface in dry weather will lead to this condition.

It can be eliminated by sanding and then wiping the surface with a pre-paint cleaner. Properly cleaned and prepared surfaces will eliminate this condition.

Efflorescence is a salt-like deposit, normally caused by moisture in masonry (both painted and unpainted). It looks like frost and, if present, must be removed before any paint is applied.

Wire brushing and washing normally removes it. If any efflorescence salt remains, wash surface with a solution of muriatic acid (consult expert before such treatment), rinse off solution and let dry completely. However, it would be necessary to determine the cause of water migration in the masonry and eliminate it before application of any new coating.

Most paints change color to some extent after exposure. Acrylic paints have a better color retention than other standard alkyd paints. Lighter shades normally retain their color longer than the darker shades.

This condition develops in painted walls due to improper priming of the walls. Walls must be uniform in absorption to eliminate this condition. Always use primer and sealer recommended by the experts. Use of self-seating paints is normally recommended for the purpose.

Loss of initial gloss (dulling / matteing) has several causes, viz.

This could be prevented by proper cleaning and priming of the surface to be painted, eliminating surface porosity, avoiding excess thinning and painting in good weather.

This is a dark fungus growth that thrives on paint films that have no biocide in paint formulation. This growth is not easily removed and is characterized by black spores resembling flyspecks or stringlike fibres.

Wash the surface clean with biocide solution (consult the experts). Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry before re-painting.

Sagging occurs when paint has been applied too heavily on a vertical surface. Runs appear when too much paint has been applied at one spot.

Proper brushing and careful application in an even uniform manner will generally prevent the occurrence. Application over a hard glossy surface may also lead to sagging. Thorough sanding prior to repainting will generally prevent this condition.

Normally caused by splitting and flaking of masonry or brick. Minute cracks in concrete, brick or mortar will allow moisture to enter if they are not properly filled during paint work. The surface gradually erodes, breaking off the masonry surface.

Use of acrylic surface conditioner & proper priming will help prevent this condition.

Normally caused by applying second or third coat too quickly, i.e. before the earlier coat has had adequate time to dry. Paint application in damp, foggy or cold weather will also cause slow drying.

Always follow label and product data directions (or expert recommendation) regarding recoat times. Paint only on a thoroughly prepared and cleaned surface, and in good weather conditions.

Normally caused by applying paint too heavily or too thickly. If the paint is too heavy, thin it with the recommended thinner and brush evenly. Wrinkled surfaces should be allowed to harden, then sand smooth and recoat properly.

It may be caused by lack of natural sunlight or by heavy exposure to sunlight. Other contributing factors are moisture, heat, fumes or misuse. Some paint additives may contain ingredients that cause yellowing. Additives should never be used unless so advised by the paint manufacturer.