The bubbles or blisters on your walls are called 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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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: