Protect Your Surfaces

Paint Durability Profile: Understanding Causes and Solutions for Sun, Water, Salt, Insect, Spores/Rot, and Contaminant Damage

Sun Damage:

• Sun exposure causes fading, dull sheen, and brittle paint film that breaks down prematurely. It can also cause yellowing and uneven coloring.
• Diagnostic tests include visual inspections, surface condition reports, and examining the elasticity of a paint chip.
• The root cause is heavy, excessive UV exposure and deferred maintenance.
• Professional recommendations include thoroughly cleaning all surfaces, removing loose paint, and applying a high build bonding primer before new paint coatings.
• A typical solution involves using an oil-based primer over the stain to achieve bonding before painting with oil-based paint.

Water Damage:

• Visible symptoms include discoloration, fading, and peeling paint due to moisture exposure.
• Diagnostic tests include visual inspections, surface condition reports, and testing moisture content in wood using a moisture meter.
• The root cause is heavy, excessive moisture exposure and deferred maintenance.
• Professional recommendations include thoroughly cleaning all surfaces, removing loose paint, and using a high build primer before new paint coatings.
• A typical solution involves using an oil-based primer to achieve bonding before painting with oil-based paint, as well as testing wood to ensure a moisture content level below 12%.

Additional Information:

• Painting over spores may cause paint to chip, peel, and bubble, indicating that mold is still growing underneath.
• Surface contaminants cause discoloration and cracking in paint.
• Wood surfaces are particularly vulnerable to the elements and are considered unstable substrates, meaning they move quite a bit with elevated surface temperature and/or high moisture content.
• Sun damaged paint may lead to sun damaged wood (Dead Wood Fibers), which may exist in areas where paint has not yet chipped.
• Elevated moisture levels in wood substrates may indicate black mold and/or dry-rot damage.
• Substrate damage is common along with coating failure.

Test your knowledge on paint durability and learn about the causes and solutions for different types of damage. From sun exposure to water damage, insect infestations to spores/rot, and surface contaminants, this quiz will cover it all. Discover how to diagnose and address paint issues, including the importance of thorough cleaning, using high build primers, and testing moisture levels in wood substrates. Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your painting skills and protect your surfaces from future damage. Take the