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Berger Paint Doctor

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Alligatoring

Blistering

Chalking

Cracking & Flaking

Efflorescence

Peeling

Poor Hiding

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:


  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger Royale Luxury Interior Satin Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger Royale Luxury Interior Satin Emulsion

  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger WeatherProof Ultra Semi-Gloss

  • Second Coat
    Berger WeatherProof Ultra Semi-Gloss

  • Base Coat
    Berger Wood Primer White

  • First Coat
    Berger 404 House & Roof Paint

  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

What are those bubbles or blisters on my walls?

The bubbles or blisters on your walls are caller blistering. Paint blisters or bubbles occur when there is loss of adhesion between the paint film and underlying surface.

What are the possible causes?

  • Applying oil-based paint over a damp or wet surface
  • Moisture seeping through to the exterior surface from an interior source
  • Exposure of latex paint film to moisture shortly after the paint has dried, especially in cases of poor surface preparation

What is the solution?

  • If blisters do not go all the way down to the substrate, remove by scraping and sanding
  • Repaint with premium Berger topcoat for wood or wall
  • For interior wood & wall surfaces, Berger recommends Royale
  • Blisters all the way down to the surface are a sign of a more significant source of moisture, which must be addressed before any painting can begin
  • Once resolved, remove all loose paint and repair any loose caulking
  • Allow surface to dry thoroughly before the application of an appropriate primer and a moisture resistant premium topcoat

We recommend you use these painting systems in order of base coat, first coat, and second coat:


  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger Royale Luxury Interior Satin Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger Royale Luxury Interior Satin Emulsion

  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger WeatherProof Ultra Semi-Gloss

  • Second Coat
    Berger WeatherProof Ultra Semi-Gloss

  • Base Coat
    Berger Wood Primer White

  • First Coat
    Berger 404 House & Roof Paint

  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

What is the white powder that comes off the wall when I rub it with my hands?

Chalking is the formation of a white, dusty powder on the paint film, and is actually a natural way for paint to breakdown as it weathers.

What are the possible causes?

  • Long-term exposure of paint film to the elements
  • Use of low-quality interior paint on an exterior surface
  • Over thinning the paint
  • Application of a thin paint film
  • Failure to prime and seal the surface before applying topcoat
  • Painting on a pre-existing chalky surface

What is the solution?

  • Remove chalk residue using a stiff bristle or wire brush
  • Wash with soap and water, and rinse thoroughly by hose or power washer
  • Allow surface to dry and check for any remaining chalk by running a hand over the surface
  • If noticeable chalk is still present, apply Berger Alkali Sealer or Berger Penetrating Liquid
  • If no chalk is present, repaint as normal
  • Repaint with a premium quality exterior coating

We recommend you use these painting systems in order of base coat, first coat, and second coat:


  • Base Coat
    Berger Alkali Sealer

  • First Coat
    Berger Royale Luxury Interior Satin Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger Royale Luxury Interior Satin Emulsion

  • Base Coat
    Berger Alkali Sealer

  • First Coat
    Berger WeatherProof Ultra Semi-Gloss

  • Second Coat
    Berger WeatherProof Ultra Semi-Gloss

  • Base Coat
    Berger Alkali Sealer

  • First Coat
    Berger 303 Flat Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger 303 Flat Emulsion

  • Base Coat
    Berger Alkali Sealer

  • First Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

Why is the paint on my walls cracking and peeling?

The splitting of dry paint film through at least one coat. In early stages it appears as hairline cracks and in the later stages flaking occurs.

What are the possible causes?

  • Applying low quality paint to the surface, with inadequate adhesion and flexibility
  • Applying too thin a coat of paint to the surface
  • Inadequate surface preparation
  • Failure to prime bare wood before top-coating
  • Oil paint hardens with age, until it eventually cracks
  • Painting on damp wood

What is the solution?

  • Remove loose paint or flaking paint by scraping or wire brushing
  • Sand the area to feather the edges
  • Prime bare spots
  • Repaint with two coats of a premium paint
  • Berger recommends 2 topcoats over 1 primer coat

We recommend you use these painting systems in order of base coat, first coat, and second coat:


  • Base Coat
    Berger Wood Primer White

  • First Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

  • Base Coat
    Berger Wood Primer White

  • First Coat
    Berger 404 House & Roof Paint

  • Base Coat
    Berger Wood Primer White

  • First Coat
    Berger RustPro Anti-Rust Enamel

What’s causing white crusty deposits on the walls?

Efflorescence is the formation of crusty white salt deposits, leaching on to the surface of masonry or mortar as water passes through it.

What are the possible causes?

  • Efflorescence occurs when water gets into concrete and dissolves lime within the concrete matrix
  • As the water evaporates, lime is carried to the surface and deposited as salt
  • Excess moisture escaping through the walls
  • Insufficient curing time for new cement or mortar
  • Painting on incompletely dried or uncured concrete
  • Failing to adequately prepare the surface by removing all previous efflorescence

What is the solution?

  • Eliminate the source
  • Seal cracks with Berger Siliconized Acrylic Caulk
  • Remove efflorescence and loose material by wire brush or power washer
  • Apply Berger Alkali Sealer
  • Apply a premium quality topcoat like Berger Weatherproof Ultra

We recommend you use these painting systems in order of base coat, first coat, and second coat:


  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger WeatherProof Ultra Semi-Gloss

  • Second Coat
    Berger WeatherProof Ultra Semi-Gloss

  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger Trowel-On Coarse

  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger Royale Luxury Interior Satin Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger Royale Luxury Interior Satin Emulsion

  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

Why is my paint peeling off the surface?

Peeling often occurs when high levels of moisture penetrate the paint film, eventually pushing it away from the surface.

What are the possible causes?

  • Excessive atmospheric moisture, e.g. shower    
  • Excessive moisture due to high humidity, e.g. basement and/or foundation

What is the solution?

  • Remove loose paint by scraping or wire-brushing
  • Remove any efflorescence and mildew
  • Power wash with plain water
  • Scrape cracks clean of debris and seal with Berger acrylic caulk
  • Remove residual dust particles, taking care to not let water into cracks or porous areas
  • Apply premium Berger primer for best durability and resistance
  • Always overcoat primer with premium topcoat

We recommend you use these painting systems in order of base coat, first coat, and second coat:


  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger Royale Luxury Interior Satin Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger Royale Luxury Interior Satin Emulsion

  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger WeatherProof Ultra Semi-Gloss

  • Second Coat
    Berger WeatherProof Ultra Semi-Gloss

  • Base Coat
    Berger Wood Primer White

  • First Coat
    Berger 404 House & Roof Paint

Why didn’t the paint hide the surface beneath in two coats as recommended?

Poor hiding occurs when paint fails to obscure or hide the surface to which it is applied.

What are the possible causes?

  • Using low-quality paint with little hiding power
  • Spreading paint too thinly or unevenly
  • Over-thinning paint beyond the recommended amount
  • Failure to prime the surface before top-coating
  • Painting a porous or absorbent surface
  • Using incorrect or poor quality tools
  • Inadequately mixed paint

What is the solution?

  • Prime first, if moving from a significantly darker to a light colour
  • When painting in a dark colour, tint primer in a similar tone to the topcoat shade
  • Use premium quality paint for better hiding and flow
  • Use quality and correct tools for the job
  • Follow manufacturer's recommendation for thinning

We recommend you use these painting systems in order of base coat, first coat, and second coat:


  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger Royale Luxury Interior Satin Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger Royale Luxury Interior Satin Emulsion

  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger WeatherProof Ultra Semi-Gloss

  • Second Coat
    Berger WeatherProof Ultra Semi-Gloss

  • Base Coat
    Berger Wood Primer White

  • First Coat
    Berger 404 House & Roof Paint

  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger Everglow Low-Sheen Emulsion

  • Base Coat
    Berger Concrete Primer

  • First Coat
    Berger 303 Flat Emulsion

  • Second Coat
    Berger 303 Flat Emulsion

 

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