A fresh coat of paint can transform the look and feel of your home, but it can turn into a nightmare when your brand-new paint starts to crack. This problem is basically non-existent if you hire professional painters in Marietta for your painting job, simply because most professionals will use the right products and make sure the surface is prepared properly. Unfortunately, low-quality painting services or a DIY job can sometimes result in cracked paint on your walls. Here’s what the typical causes are.
Inadequate Surface Preparation
One of the biggest mistakes with DIY painting jobs or when hiring a substandard painter is inadequate surface preparation. This is a common mistake because it’s easy to become impatient and just start painting to get the job done more quickly. Unfortunately, this not only results in a poor finished product because blemishes will show through the new paint, but it also makes it more likely that the paint won’t stick to the surface, and it will end up getting cracks. One of the best ways to make sure your finished product looks good is to clean and sand down the walls, remove damaged or peeling paint, use a primer, and make sure blemishes are repaired.
Wrong Amount of Paint
The amount of paint used on the walls can also impact whether or not the paint develops cracks quickly. Some painters try to rush the job by putting too much paint on with each coat or they don’t use enough. It takes patience and time to add even, thin layers of paint until the perfect amount is applied. This substantially reduces the chances of cracked paint.
Poor Adhesion
Poor adhesion is the underlying cause of most cracking paint, but there are a few reasons the paint may fail to adhere. As mentioned, inadequate surface preparation and using the wrong amount of paint can prevent the paint from adhering. But there are additional factors as well, like painting when the temperature is too cold, or the weather is too humid. It’s important to paint in conditions that will allow the paint to stick to the walls. In addition, using the wrong type of paint for certain surfaces can keep it from adhering.
Paint Quality Issues
In addition to using the wrong paint, using low-quality paint can also cause cracks to form in the paint prematurely. It’s important to remember that cheap paint means that you’ll usually get what you pay for. On the other hand, you don’t have to buy the most expensive paint to ensure it won’t crack. Professional painters will have numerous recommendations for quality paints that will last for years.
Applying Coats Too Soon
Painting can become a long, drawn-out process, which is why many DIY painters often try to rush the job by adding additional coats too soon. Adding paint before the underlying layer is dry can cause cracking. Hiring a professional ensures that paint is added only when appropriate.
Old Paint
Sometimes your paint will start to crack simply because it’s been on the walls too long. Paint is only meant to last a certain amount of time, and once it starts to reach the end of its lifespan, it will often start to crack. This is a good indication that it’s time to think about calling painting services in Marietta to get your home repainted. For a quality finished product, be sure to contact Fillo Painting today.