CRACKING / FLAKING:
The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat, which will lead to complete failure of the paint. Early on, the problem appears as hairline cracks; later, flaking of paint chips occurs.

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
• Use of a lower quality paint that has inadequate adhesion and flexibility.

• Overthinning the paint or spreading it too thin.

• Poor surface preparation, especially when the paint is applied to bare wood without priming.

• Painting under excessively cool or windy conditions that make water-based paint dry too fast.

SOLUTION:
• It may be possible to correct cracking that does not go down to the substrate by removing the loose or flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sanding to feather the edges, priming any bare spots and repainting.

• If the cracking goes down to the substrate remove all of the paint by scraping, sanding and/or use of a heat gun; then prime and repaint with a quality exterior water-based paint.

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