Painting is no simple task, especially when painting the outside of a house or building. Exterior house painting in Chanhassen is best left to professionals, as we understand the common problems that occur when painting outside – plus how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
If you notice any of these problems with your exterior house paint job, give DuraPro Painting a call! We can come out to help remedy the problem as soon as possible.
1. Peeling
Causes:
Old Paint. When applying new coats of paint over old, the new paint will only stick as well as the old. If the old coat of paint wasn’t fully scraped off, it can lead to peeling of the new paint as well.
Moisture. If new paint is applied over moisture or if moisture finds its way in behind the new coat of paint, then the paint will most likely peel.
No Primer. When new paint is applied directly to bare wood or glossy surfaces, it is likely that it will peel. Without primer, there isn’t proper adhesion to allow the paint to stick.
Solutions:
Pressure-wash, Scrape, Sand. Prior to painting, it is best to pressure-wash the surface to remove any dirt, scrape to remove as much old paint as possible, and finally sand to smooth the surface. All are included in our process.
Dry It. Double check that there aren’t any leaks that will cause moisture to become trapped behind the paint. Also make sure to caulk all the cracks in the wall where moisture could come from.
Primer. If painting bare wood or glossy surfaces or anywhere else where primer is necessary, always make sure to use primer.
2. Alligatoring
Causes:
Oil-Based Paint. This problem is something more unique to oil-based paints. While oil-based paints are no longer common in house painting, some houses still have coats of it on the outside. As the oil-based paint ages, it becomes more rigid, causing it to crack and split while the surface underneath expands and contracts.
Solutions:
No More Oil-Based Paint. Remove as much of the old oil-based paint as possible to ensure a fresh new coat of paint has a good chance at adhesion.
Replace It. Once all the old paint is removed, replace it with acrylic latex paint. Sometimes adhesion can be an issue on surfaces that are glossy, so scuff sanding or primer may be required.
3. Blistering
Causes:
Moisture. If paint is exposed to high humidity, dew or rain shortly after drying, it can frequently cause blistering of the paint.
Contamination. Painting over dirt, oil, grease and such can create spots with less adhesion, leading to blistering.
Heat. Extreme heat can cause this problem in freshly applied paint. Too much exposure to the sun or being painted on a surface that is too hot will often cause blistering.
Solutions:
Scrape and Sand. If you notice blistering, scrape the blistered sections of paint off, then sand to smooth the edges.
Take Your Time. Rather than pushing it, don’t paint late into the evening. While getting the job may be tempting, it’s best to allow the paint enough time to dry before morning dew sets in.
Clean Up. Always make sure to clean the surface you are painting before you paint. Use a pressure washer or a stiff-bristled brush for the best results.
Remember the Causes. When painting, try to use your best judgment about where to paint. Avoid painting in direct sunlight or on surfaces that feel too hot.
When you need exterior house painting in Chanhassen, be sure to hire a professional who understands the common problems and is proactive in making sure they don’t happen. Call DuraPro Painting today at 612-701-6552 or contact us!