Professional Troubleshooting for Every Application
Coating problems can occur in any project, but understanding the causes and solutions ensures successful outcomes. Our troubleshooting guide covers the most common coating defects across all application types, providing professional-level diagnostic and repair guidance.
Expert Support Benefits:
Quick Problem Identification: Visual guides and symptom descriptions for accurate diagnosis
Root Cause Analysis: Understanding why problems occur to prevent future issues
Professional Solutions: Step-by-step repair procedures using proven methods
Prevention Strategies: Proactive approaches to avoid common coating failures
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Common Surface Problems
Adhesion Failure
Symptoms: Paint peeling or flaking off in sheets, poor bonding to substrate
Causes: Inadequate surface cleaning, contaminated substrates, incompatible primer selection
Solutions:
- Complete removal of failed coating
- Thorough surface cleaning and degreasing
- Proper primer selection for substrate type
- Reapplication following manufacturer specifications
Efflorescence (White Deposits)
Symptoms: White, chalky deposits appearing through or on coating surface
Causes: Water-soluble salts migrating through substrate, inadequate moisture control
Solutions:
- Allow substrate to dry completely before coating
- Apply appropriate alkali-resistant primer system
- Improve drainage and moisture control
- Use Omega's specialized anti-efflorescence products
Common Application Problems
Alligatoring (Cracking Pattern)
Alligatoring (Cracking Pattern)
Alligatoring (Cracking Pattern)
Symptoms: Surface cracking resembling alligator skin, usually in a pattern
Causes: Applying hard coating over soft undercoat, excessive film thickness, temperature extremes
Solutions:
- Remove all cracked coating to stable substrate
- Apply appropriate primer system
- Follow recommended film thickness guidelines
- Control application environmental conditions
Brush/Roller Marks
Alligatoring (Cracking Pattern)
Alligatoring (Cracking Pattern)
Symptoms: Visible brush strokes or roller patterns in dried film
Causes: Improper application technique, incorrect tool selection, fast-drying conditions
Solutions:
- Sand smooth and reapply with proper technique
- Use appropriate brush/roller for coating type
- Maintain wet edge during application
- Control environmental conditions
Poor Coverage/Hiding
Alligatoring (Cracking Pattern)
Poor Coverage/Hiding
Symptoms: Uneven color appearance, substrate showing through coating
Causes: Inadequate film thickness, improper thinning, poor quality application tools
Solutions:
- Apply additional coat following specifications
- Use proper application tools and techniques
- Follow manufacturer's coverage rate guidelines
- Ensure proper surface preparation and priming
Weather-Related Problems
Chalking
Symptoms: Powdery residue on surface, color fading, loss of gloss
Causes: UV degradation, poor quality pigments, extreme weather exposure
Solutions:
- Power wash to remove chalk residue
- Apply high-quality UV-resistant primer
- Use exterior coatings with superior UV protection
- Consider systems for extreme sun exposure
Blistering
Symptoms: Bubble-like formations in coating film, may contain water or air
Causes: Moisture trapped under coating, application over hot surfaces, poor ventilation
Solutions:
- Remove blisters by scraping and sanding
- Identify and eliminate moisture source
- Allow substrate to dry completely
- Reapply during optimal temperature conditions
Heat Damage
Heat Damage
Symptoms: Coating softening, wrinkling, or losing adhesion in high-temperature areas
Causes: Excessive heat exposure, inadequate heat-resistant coating selection
Solutions:
- Use appropriate heat-resistant coating systems
- Apply coatings for extreme conditions
- Consider application timing to avoid peak heat exposure
- Ensure proper surface preparation for high-temperature applications
Substrate-Specific Problems
Concrete Problems
Steel Corrosion Issues
Steel Corrosion Issues
Symptoms: Dusting, spalling, surface deterioration, staining
Causes: Poor concrete quality, inadequate curing, chemical contamination
Solutions:
- Use concrete consolidating primers
- Apply appropriate masonry sealers
- Address structural concrete issues before coating
- Select alkali-resistant coating systems
Steel Corrosion Issues
Steel Corrosion Issues
Steel Corrosion Issues
Symptoms: Rust bleeding, coating failure over metal, corrosion progression
Causes: Inadequate surface preparation, moisture ingress, poor primer selection
Solutions:
- Remove all rust and corrosion completely
- Apply appropriate anti-corrosive primer systems
- Use high-performance topcoats for aggressive environments
- Implement proper maintenance schedules
Wood Movement Problems
Steel Corrosion Issues
Wood Movement Problems
Symptoms: Cracking along grain lines, coating failure at joints, seasonal damage
Causes: Wood expansion/contraction, moisture changes, inadequate flexibility
Solutions:
- Use systems designed for wood movement
- Apply proper wood sealers and primers
- Address moisture control issues
- Select appropriate application timing for wood moisture content
Appearance Problems
Color Variation
Symptoms: Uneven color appearance, patchy coverage, color differences between areas
Causes: Inadequate mixing, application inconsistencies, substrate variations
Solutions:
- Ensure thorough material mixing before and during application
- Maintain consistent application techniques
- Use proper primer systems to equalize substrate absorption
- Apply uniform film thickness throughout project
Flashing/Sheen Variation
Symptoms: Uneven gloss appearance, patchy sheen levels, inconsistent finish
Causes: Varying application techniques, substrate absorption differences, environmental conditions
Solutions:
- Sand lightly and apply uniform topcoat
- Ensure consistent application speed and pressure
- Use appropriate primer systems
- Control environmental conditions during application
Professional Diagnostic Resources
Access professional tools and resources for accurate problem diagnosis and solution planning.
Technical Data Sheets
- Complete product specifications and troubleshooting information
- Application guidelines and environmental requirements
- Compatibility charts and system recommendations
Professional Assessment
- On-site technical consultation and problem diagnosis
- Laboratory analysis for complex failure investigations
- Customized solution development for unique problems
Training & Support
- Technical training programs for professional applicators
- Troubleshooting workshops and skill development
- Ongoing technical support and consultation services