Exterior paint gives your home a fresh look and protects it from weather. But paint problems can happen, making your house look worn out. Issues like peeling, fading, or cracking are common, but you can fix them. This article shares how to solve five frequent exterior paint problems with tips from Exterior Painting Specialists. With the right steps, your home can look great again.
Why Exterior Paint Problems Happen
Paint issues often come from weather, poor prep, or low-quality paint. Rain, sun, and snow can wear down paint over time. Skipping steps like cleaning or priming can also cause problems. Exterior House Painting Contractors know how to spot and fix these issues. Let’s look at the five most common problems and how to solve them.
1. Peeling or Flaking Paint
Peeling happens when paint lifts from the surface, often in flakes or strips. It makes your home look messy and leaves wood or siding exposed.
Why It Happens
- Moisture trapped under the paint
- Painting over a dirty or wet surface
- Using the wrong paint type for your home’s material
How to Fix It
- Scrape Off Loose Paint: Use a scraper or wire brush to remove peeling paint.
- Clean the Surface: Wash the area with water and mild soap to remove dirt.
- Sand the Area: Smooth the surface with sandpaper for better paint grip.
- Prime the Surface: Apply a high-quality primer to seal the area.
- Repaint: Use weather-resistant paint recommended by Exterior Painting Specialists.
Pro Tip: Check for leaks or poor drainage near the peeling area. Fixing moisture issues prevents peeling from coming back.
2. Fading or Discolouration
Fading happens when paint loses its colour, making your home look dull. Sunlight and harsh weather are often to blame.
Why It Happens
- Exposure to strong sunlight (UV rays)
- Using low-quality or non-fade-resistant paint
- Painting over dark colours with light ones without primer
How to Fix It
- Clean the Surface: Wash faded areas with a mild detergent to remove dirt.
- Sand Lightly: Smooth out rough spots with fine sandpaper.
- Apply Primer: Use a primer to even out the colour and help new paint stick.
- Choose Quality Paint: Pick fade-resistant paint with UV protection.
- Repaint Evenly: Apply two coats for a bright, lasting finish.
Pro Tip: Exterior House Painting Contractors suggest darker colours or paints with UV blockers for sunny areas to slow fading.
3. Cracking or Alligatoring
Cracking looks like small lines or splits in the paint. Alligatoring is when cracks form a pattern like alligator skin. Both make your home look old.
Why It Happens
- Painting over old, brittle paint
- Using incompatible paint types (e.g., oil-based over latex)
- Temperature changes causing paint to expand and shrink
How to Fix It
- Remove Damaged Paint: Scrape or sand off cracked or alligatoring paint.
- Clean Thoroughly: Wash the area to remove dust and debris.
- Prime the Surface: Use a primer suited for your home’s material.
- Repaint with Flexible Paint: Choose a high-quality latex paint that moves with temperature changes.
- Apply Thin Coats: Use multiple thin layers to avoid cracking.
Pro Tip: Remove as much old paint as possible to prevent new cracks. Exterior Painting Specialists use tools like power sanders for a smooth base.
4. Blistering or Bubbling
Blistering happens when paint bubbles up, creating small bumps. It often occurs in hot or wet conditions.
Why It Happens
- Painting in direct sunlight or high heat
- Moisture trapped under the paint
- Painting over a damp surface
How to Fix It
- Scrape Off Bubbles: Remove blistered paint with a scraper.
- Sand the Area: Smooth the surface with sandpaper.
- Fix Moisture Issues: Check for leaks or poor ventilation and repair them.
- Prime Properly: Apply a moisture-resistant primer.
- Repaint in Good Conditions: Paint on a dry, mild day (not too hot or humid).
Pro Tip: Paint in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat. Check weather forecasts before starting.
5. Mildew or Mould Growth
Mildew or mould looks like black, green, or grey spots on paint. It’s not just ugly—it can damage your home’s surface.
Why It Happens
- High humidity or poor airflow
- Painting in shady, damp areas
- Not using mildew-resistant paint
How to Fix It
- Clean the Area: Mix 1 part bleach with 3 parts water and scrub the mould off. Wear gloves and a mask.
- Rinse Well: Wash the area with clean water to remove bleach.
- Let It Dry: Wait until the surface is completely dry.
- Prime with Mildew-Resistant Primer: This seals the surface and stops mould growth.
- Repaint with Mildew-Resistant Paint: Choose paint designed for humid areas.
Pro Tip: Improve airflow by trimming bushes or trees near your home. Exterior House Painting Contractors can suggest paints with mould blockers for damp climates.
Preventing Future Paint Problems
Fixing paint issues is important, but preventing them saves time and money. Here’s how to keep your exterior paint looking great:
- Choose Quality Paint: Invest in high-grade, weather-resistant paint.
- Prep Properly: Clean, sand, and prime surfaces before painting.
- Hire Professionals: Exterior Painting Specialists ensure long-lasting results with expert prep and application.
- Maintain Your Home: Fix leaks, clean gutters, and trim plants to reduce moisture.
- Inspect Regularly: Check your home’s exterior yearly for early signs of trouble.
When to Call a Professional
Some paint problems are easy to fix yourself, but others need expert help. Call Exterior House Painting Contractors if:
- The damage covers a large area
- You’re unsure about the cause (like hidden moisture)
- You need special tools or high ladders
- You want a long-lasting, professional finish
Professionals have the skills and equipment to handle tough jobs safely. They also know the best paints for your home’s material and local weather.
Keep Your Home Looking Its Best
Exterior paint problems like peeling, fading, cracking, blistering, or mould can make your home look tired. With the right fixes, you can restore its beauty and protect it from damage. Start by spotting the problem, then follow these steps to clean, prime, and repaint. For big jobs or lasting results, trust Exterior Painting Specialists to get it done right.
For expert painting services in your area, contact SF House Painting. Their team will help your home shine with a fresh, durable coat of paint.
