Home Hardware - Interior

Listed below are some of the most common problems that, thankfully, have some straightforward answers. Just locate the problem, click on it and a more detailed description will appear.

Blistering

Bubbles resulting from localized 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.

Caulk Finishing

Loss of caulk's initial adhesion and flexibility, causing it to crack and/or pull away from the surfaces to which it is applied.

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.

Mildew

Black, gray or brown spots or areas on the surface of paint or caulk.

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. 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 Paint 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 (also known as "flashing") 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.

Surfactant Leaching

Concentration of water-soluble ingredients on the surface of a latex 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.