Paint can go through much wear and tear from outside sources, one of these common problems can be small cracks in the paint. Although this is not a huge problem, it can be unpleasant to the eye and leave the possibility to cause other damage down the road. There are different causes that cause these hairline cracks such as weather and application procedures. These factors can cause paint to lose adhesion and reduce the strength of the paint on its surface. Let’s see how we can prevent this from happening or repair damage that has already been done.
When first deciding to paint a surface, ensure the surface is dry and is not in a humid environment. When painting outside, check the weather conditions beforehand because humidity can cause wood to expand, thus causing paint to peel. The condition of the surface also matters, as a rough dirty surface can result in cracks in the paint. Although, it is a tedious process to prepare the surface you are painting, it will only pay off when you do not have to do it all over again.
Next, the older the paint, the more prone it is to having hairline cracks. Be sure to keep the coats of paint updated and the surface in good condition. Also, if you are considering using that old can of paint in the basement to save some money, you may want to think twice. Fresh paints give the best outcome of your paint job, old and expired paints or less resistant to humidity and other outside complications. The quality of the paint you purchase is another factor in decreasing cracks. Higher quality paint is more durable to outside conditions.
So can you predict when your paint may begin to crack? The answer is yes. If you notice lines that appear to start peeling, take care of this right away, as they will only get worse and cause more damage. If not taken care of, you will begin to notice the paint curling up and falling to the ground. Now why is this such a big deal? Cracked paint can be a first hand sign of damage under the paint, such as the wood beginning to grow weak. If you notice the cracks in your paint to be uneven or irregular, this can be a sign of structural damage or a possible water leakage issue.
If you notice any of these issues with your paint, it may be time to bring in a professional who can help. Hiring someone may seem excessive, but they will be able to look for these things precisely and save you money in the future if there is a problem present. Now, if the cracks in the paint do not appear to be detrimental, there are ways you can fix them yourself. Start by clearing away any paint that is peeling or cracking away, this can be done with a tool such as a scraper. Next, sand the area to prep it for a coat of paint, sand out any holes or imperfections. Be sure the area is clean and then prime the surface. If there are any deep cracks, use some sort of fill to get rid of these before applying paint. After this is done, apply an even coat of paint and wait the proper amount of time before applying the next.
Something that doesn’t seem like a big deal can be in some situations, this can be one of those. Inspect your walls or siding for these cracks and signs and be sure to repair them before it gets worse. If the cracks are already very deep, consider hiring outside professionals. For the most part, you can avoid all of this by using quality; fresh paint, consider the outside conditions of the surface you are painting, and ensure the area is even before beginning to paint. When all else fails, if something is concerning you with your paint, do not hesitate to contact a professional to help!