What is that scaly looking pattern on my wall?
The scaly pattern on your walls is called Alligatoring; which can be described as a patterned cracking appearance in the paint film, resembling the scales of an alligator.
What are the possible causes?
- Applying a hard, rigid coating, like an oil-based enamel, over a more flexible coating, like a water-based latex primer
- Applying the topcoat before the first coat has dried
- Loss of elasticity in the paint film due to the natural aging of paint
- Failure of the topcoat to bond smoothly with the basecoat
- Applying paint too thickly
- Rate of surface drying is significantly higher than base, in thickly applied paint
What is the solution?
- Remove old paint by scraping, sanding or chemical removal
- Wash with appropriate cleaner and allow surface to dry
- Sand glossy surface to dull finish for application of topcoat
- Ensure surface if sanded to a smooth finish
- Prime before applying premium acrylic paint such as Royale
- Berger recommends Berger Grip & Seal Multi-Surface Primer
We recommend you use these painting systems in order of base coat, first coat, and second coat:
