Cracking, Flaking or Peeling

The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat as a result of aging, which will ultimately lead to complete failure of the paint. In its early stages, the problem appears as hairline cracks; in its later stages, flaking and/or peeling will occur.

Possible Cause

• Use of lower quality paint that has inadequate adhesion and flexibility.
• Over thinning or over spreading the paint.
• Inadequate surface preparation, e.g. not applying a sealer or primer on porous surfaces prior to top coating.
• Poor adhesion of the underlying coats.
• Excessive hardening and embrittlement of alkyd paint as the paint job ages.

Solution

Remove all loose and flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sand the surface and feather the edges. If flaking occurs in multiple layers of paint, use of a filler may be necessary. Prime bare timber areas before repainting. Use of a premium quality primer and top coat should prevent a recurrence of the problem.

Images courtesy of the Paint Quality Institute from Dow Coating Materials