Wood Home Exterior Painting: Troubleshooting

When painting a wood-sided house, you may come across problem areas that need special attention before you continue. Following are some common exterior painting problems on wood siding, how to fix them, as well as tips on avoiding them in the future.

Preparation

Troubleshooting and repairing exterior paint problems is the first step in a quality painting job. Though this step takes effort, it can save you time in the painting process and help extend the functional life of your home’s wood exterior. Other printable instructions and videos in this series cover painting prep and techniques, available at Lowes.com/Videos

Solving Moisture Problems

Exterior wood is susceptible to numerous problems caused by moisture. They include algae, mildew and lichens. Here’s how to identify and resolve these problems before you start painting.

01 Algae can be identified as the green, red or brown spots that grow on damp surfaces that get extended periods of sunlight. To remove algae, wash the surface with a 3:1 bleach and water solution and scrub with a brush as needed.

TIP: You can prevent future buildups of algae by cleaning your home’s siding on a regular basis.

02 Mildew is a mold or fungus that usually grows in moist, shaded areas. To remove mildew, wash the surface with a 3:1 bleach and water solution and scrub with a brush as needed.

TIP: If your home’s exterior is susceptible to algae or mildew buildup, select a primer and paint that is algae- and mildew-resistant.

03 Lichens are growing organisms that are a little tougher to remove.

They leave roots, dirt and sap that work together to stain painted surfaces. To remove lichens:

1. Use a stiff brush to remove as much as possible of the growth.
2. Then wash the surface with a 3:1 bleach and water solution and brush.
3. Finally, apply a coat of stain-blocking primer.In extreme cases, you may need to replace siding or trim affected by lichens.

04 Eliminate the moisture problem(s).

Make sure any lawn or garden sprinklers aren’t spraying the house siding.
Inspect gutters to ensure that they are working properly and not allowing water to run down the siding.
Trim back any bushes or vegetation growing near the house to allow adequate sunlight and air to reach the siding surface.

Solving Paint Problems

Common wood exterior problems are caused by weathering, low-quality paints or inadequate preparation for painting.

01 Inspect for fading, caused by excessive exposure to light. Visually compare paint coloration at various locations on your home’s exterior.

TIP: If you’re painting with latex, use 100% acrylic latex, which will not fade as quickly.

02 Inspect for chalking. Rub your hand across the siding to see if there is a fine powder, called chalking, caused by inadequate priming or overly-thin paint.

1. To remove the chalk, first clean the surface with a stiff brush using a Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) and water solution. Mix one cup of TSP per one gallon of water.
2. Rinse the surface well when done.

03 Inspect for blistering, the tiny bubbles that form on the paint surface that are caused by excessive heat or moisture.

1. Remove any sources of moisture.
2. Allow the paint a few days to dry and recover.
3. If it does not, pop the blisters.

If you can see the previous coat of paint under the blisters, the cause is excessive heat—a good reason not to paint in direct sunlight.

If you can see the natural surface of the wood under the blisters, the cause is moisture. Somehow, water has been
trapped inside the siding or walls. The heat from the sun can actually draw the moisture through the walls and bubble the
paint. Check for condensation (collected water vapor) in the wall; if found, install vents in the wall. For bathrooms, install
exhaust fans to help eliminate moisture. To learn how to install an exhaust fan, watch the video at Lowes.com/Videos.
Also repair any drainage problems caused by the roof or gutters.

To repair the paint:
1. Scrape away the blisters.
2. Fill any voids with lightweight spackle.
3. Sand the areas with sandpaper.
4. Apply primer.

04 Inspect for cracking paint.

Alligatoring is paint that looks like the skin of an alligator.
Checking is a few tiny cracks in random locations.
Crazing is checking over a larger area.
Wrinkling is lumpy paint that doesn’t have obvious cracks.
Paint needs to expand and contract in different weather conditions. Causes for cracking paint include:
1. Applying paint over a glossy surface;
2. Not allowing an undercoat to properly dry before recoating;
3. Applying too many coats over time or too-thick coats;
4. Weather wear.
To repair these problems scrape, sand and prime the affected areas.

05 Inspect for drips. Applying paint in heavy coats can cause the paint to drip or run. Sand any drips smooth.

06 Inspect for flaking and peeling paint. Flaking paint is caused by painting over a dirty surface. Peeling is caused by painting a soapy surface.

07 Follow the printable instructions and video on painting prep and techniques available at Lowes.com/Videos. In summary, the steps are:

1. Scrape the area down to the original surface.
2. Fill any deep holes with wood filler.
3. Apply a coat of primer.
4. Apply a high-quality paint.

Troubleshooting common wood home exterior painting problems shows you that the best paint jobs require taking your time
and using quality products. Learn more about painting your home’s wood exterior—and many other worthwhile home
projects—at Lowes.com/Videos

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