Efflorescence

Definition:
• Efflorescence is when salt grains appear on the surface of a painted wall. This can either be a thin layer of salt or a thick salt deposit that appears on the surface of a coating of wall paint. This salt layers appears on the surface of the paint layer carried by water until it evaporates and leaves behind a white colored salt deposits.
• Efflorescence frequently occurs in Indonesia due to soils containing salts and also because a majority of Indonesia is surrounded by sea. Usually, buildings in coastal areas around Indonesia are more vulnerable to efflorescence.

 

Causes:
• Wall paint was applied when the skim coat hasn’t dried. This is when the skim coat has a dampness of over 18% and the pH is over 9.0.
• Use of low quality base paint or not using base paint at all.
• High level of humidity from the surrounding environment which can penetrate into the wall surface.

 

Solutions:
• Clean off salt and dirt sticking to the wall such as dust, sand, and paint residue with a putty knife, a wire brush, and sandpaper. Then rinse with clean water. Wait until dry or use a drying cloth to speed up the drying process.
• Use a good quality alkaline resistant primer base paint such as Mowilex Undercoat Cat Tembok. For areas with high levels of humidity and especially around coastal areas, it is recommended to use a good quality base paint such as Mowilex WP Wall Sealer DR-31.
• Next, a topcoat paint coating can be applied such as Mowilex Interior atau Exterior paints.