Hairline Cracking

Definition:
• Hairline cracking is defined by fine cracks on a painted surface. Usually they are visible on the surface, other times they may not be. Sometimes this causes the paint layer to peel off.

 

Causes:
• Too much thinner is used or application of paint is too thin.
• Inadequate preparation of the surface, especially if the paint is to be applied on wood without a base paint.
• Painting was done in cold weather conditions or during strong winds which can cause paints to dry too quickly.
• Application of paint was done on a surface which has been frequently painted over causing the base paint to lose flexibility and unable to expand and shrink with the surface to respond to changes in temperature and on the surface.
• Skim coat suffers from hairline cracks.

 

Solutions:
• Determine if the cracks are caused by peeling paint.
• If there are parts that are peeling, then:

– Scrape any peeling paint by using a putty knife or wire brush, and if needed also use paint remover.
– Sand until fine, and then clean leftover sand dust with a wet cloth.
– After the paint has been scraped off until the base surface and there are large, visible cracks, use Mowilex Alcaplast AP 100 Skim Coat Grey and Alcabond to cover up the cracks.
– When dry, sand and clean any leftover sand dust with a wet cloth.
– Repaint with using Mowilex Undercoat Cat Tembok base coat.