The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat, which will eventually lead to complete failure. Early on, the problem appears as hairline cracks; later, flaking of paint chips occurs.
Use of a lower quality paint that has inadequate adhesion and flexibility
Over thinning the paint or spreading it too thin
Poor surface preparation, especially when the paint is applied to bare timber without priming
Painting under hot or windy conditions that make water-based paints dry too fast
It may be possible to correct cracking that does not go down to the substrate by removing the loose or flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sanding to feather the edges, priming any bare spots and repainting.
If the cracking goes down to the substrate, remove all of the paint by scraping, sanding and/or use of a heat gun; then prime and repaint with a quality exterior water-based paint. Dulux recommends Dulux Weathershield® for exterior surfaces.
Have you noticed small droplets appearing on your fresh coat of acrylic paint? Don't panic – it’s a normal part of the curing process. Find out more.
Yellowing describes the development of a yellow cast in ageing paint solvent-based enamels.
Wrinkling is a term to describe a rough, crinkled paint surface, which occurs when uncured paint forms a 'skin'.
Tannin staining is the brownish or tan discoloration on a painted surface due to migration of tannins from the substrate through the paint film.