General Problems - During painting

Paint not hiding the previous coating Possible Causes

Too much thinning of paint than desired Previous paint-coating very dark and topcoat applied without primer-putty primer Recommended number of coats of paint not applied

Poor Coverage

Possible Causes

Less thinning than recommended Surface being painted is rough or not prepared as recommended Applied more coats than needed Poor quality of application tools

Dust/bittiness on new paintwork

Possible Causes

Dust or dirt in the atmosphere settling on the surface during or after application. During surface preparation, the surface is not cleaned properly after sanding. Therefore loose particles may get mixed with paint while application. Use of a dirty application tool.

Poor gloss level in solvent based paints

Possible Causes

Painting in cold and damp condition, that causes condensation on the newly painted surface. Use of incorrect solvent, contaminated solvent or solvent with traces of water Application of paint in a poorly ventilated room Lack of adherence to manufacturers recommendation for necessary gap between subsequent coats

Sagging/Running of Paint

Possible Causes

Application of too thick paint coating at a time Over dilution of paint Application of paint on a very smooth surface( without sanding)

Slow Drying

Possible Causes

Too thick application High humidity and/or low temperature during paint application Improper ventilation, Application being done in confined area Use of contaminated/ improper thinner and not the recommended thinner Lack of adherence to recommended dilution ratio Recommended system usage not adhered to. For instance, not adding adequate hardener in a two pack system like Melam PU.

Shade Variation

Possible Causes

Paint not thoroughly mixed prior to application Application of very thin or thick coat over the surface Use of light top coats over very deep undercoats. Use of colored or dirty thinner for thinning paint sample

General Problems - After painting

Powdery/Chalky Surfaces Possible Causes

Over thinned paint applied on the surface Highly porous and absorbent surface making film under bound. Paint film deteriorating due to action of sunlight , oxygen or salt in air in marine areas

Premature rusting or cracking of paint on metal surfaces

Possible Causes

Too thin application Improper undercoat application Incorrect primer usage

Flaking of paint film

Possible Causes

Substrate not dry -moisture beneath the paint film. Painting over rust results in little or no adhesion

Painting on an inadequately prepared surface.

Dampness

Possible Causes

Broken or defective plumbing or some other general building defect. Paint should not be applied until the source of dampness is addressed.

Efflorescence /Blistering in walls

Possible Causes

Moisture beneath the paint film can cause crystallisation of salt from building material such as bricks. Paint should not be applied until the efflorescence has ceased to appear and has been removed.

Algae/Fungus Growth on Painted Surfaces

Possible Causes

Algal/Fungal growths are most likely to occur in damp conditions or on surfaces with a high moisture content. Algae growth on exterior masonry can be a problem in sheltered environments that are in close proximity to trees and bushes.

Brush Marks

Possible Causes

Too thick application - paint not thinned as per recommendation. Application done on very rough surface or highly absorbing surface Poor brush condition Poor painter skill

Fading

Possible Causes

Use of interior paint for exterior applications Direct prolonged exposure of an interior surface to sunlight Use of inappropriate colorants for creating shades