Efflorescence

Chemically active surfaces producing a crystallising effect, white salt deposits, leached from mortar or masonry as water passes through it.

Rain Spotting

The damage and cracking of the painted surface usually caused by rainfall, before the paint has sufficiently dried.

Cissing

The failure of paint to form a continuous film by forming into droplets, leaving small round bare patches.

Saponification - Colour Fade due to Alkali Attack

Colour loss and overall deterioration of paint film on fresh masonry.

Poor Gloss Retention

Deterioration of the paint film, resulting in excessive or rapid loss of lustre of the top coat.

Wrinkling

A rough, crinkled paint surface occurring when paint forms a "skin".

Blistering

Bubbles resulting from localised loss of adhesion, and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface.

Organic Growth

Black, grey or brown areas of fungal or algal growth on the surface of paint or sealant.

Cold Weather Application

Slow drying, cracking, poor paint film integrity, paint washing off days after application.

Chalking

Formation of fine powder on the surface of the paint film during weathering which can cause colour fading. Although some degree of chalking is a normal, desirable way for a paint film to wear, excessive film erosion can result from heavy chalking.

Cracking

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.

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.

Chalk Run Down

The washing down of chalk from an excessively eroding paint onto another area below (a brick foundation, for example), ruining its appearance (see Chalking).

Dirt Pick-up

Accumulation of dirt, dust particles and/or other debris on the paint film; may resemble fungus or algae.

Lapping - Flashing

Appearance of a denser colour or higher gloss where wet and dry layers overlap during paint application.

Poor Colour Retention - Fading

Premature and/or excessive lightening of the paint colour, which often occurs on surfaces with sunny south facing exposure. Fading/poor colour retention can also be a result of chalking of the coating.

Nail Head Rusting

Reddish-brown stains and spots on the paint surface.

Sandtex Trade Exterior System