Common Problems

Mould growth on interior/exterior surface

Major causes of Mould Growth is moisture. Ensure all leakages are addressed, e.g broken pipes, leaking taps and pipes, blocked drains. Once the surface is dry, use an appropriate cleaner and let dry. Paint your surface now

Flaking 

Flaking is likely to be caused by poorly adhering, powdery old coatings. Check for the presence of powdery coating by rubbing your hand over the surface – powder on your hand indicates a problem. This may be due to any of the following factors:

• Moisture trapped beneath the surface of the paint film.
• If the paint is applied over a powdery or friable surface.
• Surface contamination such as dirt, oil, and grease.
• Polish residues on the surface, which impair the adhesion of the paint.
• Excessive movement of the substrate, such as joints, imposing stress on the paint film which can result in cracking which in turn lets in moisture, ultimately resulting in a flaking paint film.
• Resins present in knots causing light coloured paints to discolour or even flake. Resin bleed and flaking is a common problem where dark colours are used on south facing elevations. This is because dark colours absorb more heat than light colours.

Putting it right

Scrape off any loose flaking and poorly adhering coating, and wash off the powdery material with clean water. The surface should then be suitable for painting when dry. If the plaster is exposed in areas, prime these areas first and then follow with your choice of top coat.

Cissing

This is caused by painting over contaminated surfaces such as wax, oil or polish. The paint cannot adhere to the surface and draws away leaving unpainted areas.

Putting it right

Allow the surface to dry and then rub down using ‘wet and dry’ abrasive paper and a solution of warm water and detergent. Once rinsed and dried the area can be repainted.