Paint flaking is a damaging phenomenon that occurs when paint cracks or flakes off of underlying structures. Commercial property owners can avoid unsightly painting results and expensive fixes by taking these basic paint application tips into account as they prepare for upcoming painting projects.
AFFECT PROPERTY VALUES – Cracking and Flaking
Business owners and property managers have many good reasons to keep their properties structurally sound and visually appealing:
- Properly applied coats of paint protect underlying wood, masonry, or metal surfaces from contaminants and water, contributing to the long-term durability of buildings.
- Professionally applied paint helps property owners maintain or raise the value of their holdings.
By contrast, those who apply sealants at the wrong times or in the wrong ways can expose their properties to the ravages of paint failure, including cracked and flaked paint.
PREVENTION – Cracking and Flaking
Prevent the onset of paint cracking and flaking:
- Improperly prepped surfaces, like wood or brick, may harbor moisture that can make it hard for paint to adhere to the walls. Avoid poor paint adhesion by properly cleaning and prepping walls, wood and brick surfaces before painting.
- Use the correct primer for the project. Alkyd primer is a high-adhesion paint-primer, popular with building professionals. This kind of priming-liquid can adhere to many different materials, including metal, masonry, and wood. It is also useful for priming pre-painted surfaces, and builders who plan to apply oil-based paints over latex sub coats should always consider using alkyd primers on the latex first.
- Do not dilute paint by adding too much thinner.
- Do not apply overly thin layers of paint to walls and other surfaces.
- If the weather conditions are too hot or too cold when paint is applied, this could lead to eventual cracking or flaking. Always apply paint when favorable weather conditions prevail.
HOW TO FIX – Cracking and Flaking
Follow this 3-step process to fix cracking or flaking paint:
- Remove all of the cracked and/or flaked paint in the damaged areas, using paint-sanders*, scrapers, or heat guns.
- Use the appropriate primer to pre-coat and seal the prepped surfaces.
- Apply fresh coats of quality exterior latex paints to primed surfaces.
As with many maintenance issues, knowledge and good products make it easy to keep any building looking attractive and Fresh Paint has the expertise to restore your project to its glory. Contact us for consultation!
