Increase in gloss or sheen of paint film when subjected to rubbing, scrubbing or having an object brush up against it.

Possible Causes

of flat paint in highly trafficked areas, where a higher sheen level would be desirable. Frequent washing and spot cleaning. Objects (furniture, for example) rubbing against the walls. Use of lower grades of paint with poor stain and scrub resistance

Paint heavy wear areas that require regular cleaning (e.g., doors, window sills and trim) with top quality latex paint, because this type of paint offers both durability and easier cleaning capability. In high traffic areas, choose a semi-gloss or gloss rather than a flat sheen level. Clean painted surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge and non-abrasive cleansers; rinse with clean water.
 

The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat as a result of aging, which ultimately will lead to complete failure of the paint. In its early stages, the problem appears as hairline cracks; in its later stages, flaking occurs.

Possible Causes

Use of lower quality paint that has inadequate adhesion and flexibility. Overthinning or overspreading the paint. Inadequate surface preparation, or applying the paint to bare wood without first applying a primer. Excessive hardening and embrittlement of alkyd paint as the paint job ages.

Remove loose and flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sanding the surface and feathering the edges. If the flaking occurs in multiple layers of paint, use of a filler may be necessary. Prime bare wood areas before repainting. Use of a top quality primer and top coat should prevent a recurrence of the problem.

Formation of bubbles (foaming) and resulting small, round concave depressions (cratering) when bubbles break in a paint film during paint application and drying.

Possible Causes

Shaking a partially filled can of paint. Use of low quality paint or very old latex paint. Applying (especially rolling) paint too rapidly. Use of a roller cover with wrong nap length. Excessive rolling or brushing of the paint. Applying a gloss or semi-gloss paint over a porous surface.

All paints will foam to some degree during application; however, higher quality paints are formulated so the bubbles break while the paint is still wet, allowing for good flow and appearance. Avoid excessive rolling or brushing of the paint or using paint that is more than a year old. Apply gloss and semi-gloss paints with a short nap roller, and apply an appropriate sealer or primer before using such paint over a porous surface. Problem areas should be sanded before repainting.
 

Mildew is the formation of black, gray or brown spots or areas on the surface of paint or caulk.

Possible Causes

warm, moist, humid conditions (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms). use of an alkyd or oil-based paint, or lower quality latex paint. failure to prime bare wood before painting. painting over a surface from which mildew has not been completely removed.

First, test for mildew by applying a few drops of bleach to the area; if it can be bleached away, it is probably mildew. Remove all mildew from the surface by scrubbing with a household mildew remover.Be sure to observe safety precautions:wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Rinse thoroughly. To protect against further mildew, use a top quality acrylic latex paint. These paints tend to have more mildewcide than do lower quality paints and will resist the formation of mildew. Clean the surface as needed with a detergent solution. Consider installing exhaust fans in high moisture areas.

An effect of non-uniform color that can appear when a wall is painted with a roller, but is brushed at the comers. The brushed areas generally appear darker, resembling the "frame" of a "picture." Also, sprayed areas may be darker than neighboring sections that are brushed or rolled. Picture framing can also refer to sheen effects.

Possible Causes

Usually a hiding (coverage) effect. Brushing will generally result in lower spread rates than rolling, producing a thicker film and more hiding. Adding colorant to a non-tintable paint or using the wrong type or level of colorant.

Make sure that spread rates with brushes and rollers are similar. Don't cut in the entire room before roller coating. Work in smaller sections of the room to maintain a "wet edge." With tinted paints, he sure the correct colorant-base combinations are used. Factory colors, as well as in-store tints, should be thoroughly shaken at time of sale.

Concentration of water-soluble ingredients on the surface of a latex paint, typically on a ceiling surface in rooms that have high humidity (e.g., shower, bathroom, kitchen); may be evident as tan or brown spots or areas, and can sometimes be glossy, soapy or sticky.

Possible Causes

All latex paint formulas will exhibit this tendency to some extent if applied in areas that become humid (bathrooms, for example), especially in ceiling areas.

Wash the affected area with soap and water, and rinse. Problem may occur once or twice again before leachable material is completely removed. When paint is applied in a bathroom, it is helpful to have it dry thoroughly before using the shower. Remove all staining before repainting.

A rough, crinkled paint surface, which occurs when uncured paint forms a "skin."

Possible Causes

Paint applied too thickly (more likely when using alkyd or oil-based paints). Painting during extremely hot weather or cool damp weather, which causes the paint film to dry faster on top than on the bottom. Exposing uncured paint to high humidity levels. Applying top coat of paint to insufficiently cured primer. Painting over contaminated surface (e.g., dirt or wax).

Scrape or sand substrate to remove wrinkled coating. If using a primer, allow it to dry completely before applying top coat. Repaint (avoiding temperature and humidity extremes), applying an even coat of top quality interior paint.