If the peeling or cracking is just a minor scuff or scratch or only a small chip, then a simple paint touch up will do fine, however if the peeling, cracking, coloring is not even or the paint has discolored due to stains from deep down in the surface, it may be a larger surface problem and another coat of paint will not solve the issue. The successful repaint relies on the existing coating, the condition of the substrate, surface preparation, moisture, product compatibility and product application conditions. In addition, the local climate conditions which can differ between houses should be taken into account, such as sun exposure, precipitation, humidity and coastal exposure for anyone who is thinking about home painting in Illawarra. Knowing these warning signs can help you determine if it's a simple touch up or if painting the entire exterior may be needed and that you may need painting services in Illawarra.

1.   Peeling or Flaking Paint Keeps Returning.

One of the most definite signs that something more than a paint job is needed is when the paint begins to peel.

However, if the area is affected and only a small chip is missing, it can be repaired. But if there's ongoing or widespread peeling, it's something that needs to be looked into.

Why Do Paint Peel?

It doesn't have a single root cause. The ability of paint to adhere can be lost due to:

•                    Inadequate preparation

•                    Moisture

•                    An existing coating that does not meet the requirements.

•                    Environmental exposure

•                    Age-related deterioration

•                    This may be due to surface contamination.

•                    Inappropriate use of application

The peeling is an indication that the coating has failed, although it does not give you any indication of the reason.

2.   Cracks and surface damages continue to reoccur.

If you notice that there is a small cosmetic crack, this doesn't mean that the whole house needs to be repainted.

When cracks keep reappearing after being patched, when they occur in several spots or when they're accompanied by other signs of wear, however, it's worthwhile to investigate more than just the paint.

There are various causes of cracks, and they can be different in each crack.

A crack may be:

•                    A skin problem in the upper layer of the skin.

•                    Any repairs that have been done previously are associated with them.

•                    Related to movement

•                    Associated with deterioration of the substrate

•                    Not always the "look" is the only indicator.

That's why it's imperative that homeowners don't think that all cracks will just be filled, painted and ignored.

3.   Water stains, bubbling or dampness are developing.

Do not immediately grab another paintbrush when you first notice the paint bubbling, blistering or that it is repeatedly staining.

The moist condition may apply to the coating as well as to the underlying surface, and a cosmetic repair may not resolve the cause of the moisture.

Signs Worth Investigating

Look for:

•            Brown or yellow stains

•            Bubbling paint

•            Blistering

•            Repeated peeling

•            Damp patches

•            Mold

•            Mildew

•            Persistent discoloration

These symptoms are not Diagnostic in themselves, but may warrant further investigation.

The sources of moisture are as follows:

These may be, depending on the property:

•            Roof leaks

•            Plumbing leaks

•            Gutter problems

•            Poor drainage

•            Condensation

•            Water penetration

The correct solution will depend on the cause.

4.   Your Paint has Faded or Become Uneven

Paint ages.

Surfaces on the exterior are especially vulnerable to the sun and weather, and surfaces on the inside can alter as a result of age, cleaning, and regular use.

You may notice:

•            Faded color

•            Uneven color

•            Discoloration

•            Chalking

Walls that vary in appearance.

Why Can't You Just Paint the Faded Area?

Sometimes you can.

However, a touch-up can look quite obvious when the nearby paint is faded.

If the same color specification is used the existing coating might have changed due to exposure and natural ageing. Variations in sheen and surface condition between the repair and surrounding areas can also be apparent.

5.   Too Many Touch-Ups on Your Wall

Small repairs can cause patchy areas over a period of several years.

Furniture may have damaged the surface, causing a single patch to be added. Another could have been used once a picture was taken out. Later another section may have been touched up after a minor repair.

These repairs added up individually, were insignificant. When combined they can give an irregular look.

Why does this occur?

There are a number of reasons why touch ups may show:

•            Slight color differences

•            Different paint batches

•            Changes in sheen

•            Different application techniques

•            Uneven surface absorption

Coating aging is a gradual process that can take place over the course of time.

The end product may be a wall that looks like the same color but is not.

6.   Your Exterior Surfaces Are Showing Signs of Weathering.

Exterior paint must withstand these things that interior coatings don't necessarily face.

Through exposure to weather conditions over time, there can be an influence on:

•            Fading

•            Chalking

•            Peeling

•            Cracking

•            Discoloration

•            Deteriorating trim

•            Exposed substrate

If there are a few small areas that need patching, that may be adequate, but if there is significant coating and surface weathering, it will need a more comprehensive evaluation.

7.   The Paint Problem May Actually Be a Surface Problem

This is the most critical place to take heed as a homeowner.

Sometimes deteriorating paint is simply old. In other instances, it is a symptom of a condition below.

Warning Signs Include:

•            Persistent dampness

•            Significant substrate deterioration

•            Repeated cracking

•            Recurring water stains

•            Damaged timber

•            Rot

Presence of large areas of loose coating.

If your previous paint repairs have failed, you may need a new repair.

In these cases, painting shouldn't be the first choice.

Paint is more of a finish job than a repair job.

A professional painter can prepare and paint a suitable surface; however, painting is not a substitute for rectifying major building defects.

Unless the cause of the original failure is corrected, a new coating may fail.

If the cause is not apparent, a suitable assessment can be performed to determine if the problem is related to the coating, surface preparation, moisture or a property issue.

So, when is it appropriate to opt for a touch-up?

It will also be useful if a good article about repainting includes the explanation of when not to repaint.

A touch-up might be warranted when:

•                    The damaged area is small.

•                    The surrounding paint is stable.

•                    No current wetness problems.

•                    The substrate is sound.

•                    You know what the original color and finishing was.

•                    The repaired area can be adequately prepared.

•                    The visual difference will be acceptable.

A small scuff on a newly painted bedroom wall is quite different, for instance, from an entire exterior elevation of the house with widespread peeling.

The aim should be to select an appropriate solution, rather than the most comprehensive service, for the property condition.

The best way to determine if your home needs to be repainted.

Here are seven questions to think about before determining what work must be done.

1.                  Does the Existing Paint have any Potential for Damage?

Look for peeling, bubbling and cracking or loose spots.

2.                  Does the Surface have Damage?

Check for cracks, holes, rot or damage to the wood.

3.                  Is Moisture Present?

Examine for recurring stains, dampness and bubbling.

4.                  Have there been any repairs done on the surface prior to?

Several repairs can be cosmetic and adhesion issues.

5.                  Has the Color Faded?

Compare areas of exposure to more protected areas.

6.                  How much does the surface get exposed to?

Exterior surfaces should be evaluated for exposure to sunlight, rain and coastal exposure.

7.                  Is Problem Isolated or Widespread?

This final question can help you decide if a small repair or a whole repaint should be considered.

The correct way to redo a painting should include the following.

The quality of the repaint is around preparation.

This may involve:

Surface Assessment

Locate any repairs or preparations needed.

Cleaning

Clean dirt, dust, grease, etc., that might impact adhesion.

Removal of Failed Coating

Loose or unstable material must be properly stabilized, not just covered!

Repairs

Fix suitable surface defects prior to coating.

Surface Preparation

Sanding, filling or other preparation may be necessary depending on the substrate and coating.

Priming

In some cases, a compatible primer might be needed.

Application

Apply coating(s) as specified by manufacturer, such as environmental and recoat conditions.

No one preparation process works for every surface. Plasterboard wall and masonry surface will have very different requirements with a timber exterior.

Frequently Asked Questions

•                    When should I get more than a house paint?

A mere touch-up may be not be enough to correct paint deterioration if it is general, recurring, or connected with moisture, cracking or damage to the substrate.

•                    May I paint over paint that is peeling?

It's rarely a good idea to paint over a loose or unstable paint surface. Before being affected coating, it must be properly prepared.

•                    Why is my touch up paint different?

Over the years the surrounding paintwork may have faded or taken a different sheen. The final appearance can also be impacted by the way the application is applied and the absorption of the surface.

•                    Will paint remove water stains forever?

Not so long as the moisture issue is not solved. The moisture source must be determined and corrected before the appropriate refinishing of the surface is done.

•                    How often do you have to repaint a house?

There is no predetermined time table that applies to each property. Coating, surface, preparation, exposure and visible condition are the factors that determine repainting.

•                    Does exposure to the sea cause damage to the surface painting?

Exposure to the coastal environment can have an effect on the exterior surface, but the impact is dependent on the property's exposure, location, orientation, and substrate.

Conclusion

Paint imperfections don't always require a paint job all over.

If there are just some minor imperfections, such as a small scuff on a wall that's not damaged in other ways, it might be as simple as a touch-up. If the peeling, bubbling, extensive fading, repeated cracking, water stains or collection of visible patches is recurring, however, it could be a symptom that the problem is more serious and needs more than just a cheaper paint fix.

The first and most important step is to understand WHY the coating is failing prior to trying to solve the problem.

Additionally, any exterior conditions should be taken into account, including for the owners of homes in the Illawarra region. This depends on the type of exposure the property has had and the type of rain or sunlight, as well as humidity, can make a difference in properties.

A touch up may be most appropriate if the surface is in good condition. If the coating fails or is damaged and an underlying issue exists, it might be more suitable to re-undercoat and re-paint the entire area.

In the end, it is not about the amount of paint. Finally, it is not about the quantity of paint. It's all about the correct surface preparation, problem solving at the source, and selecting the right coating for the job.