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Alligatoring

AlligatoringDEFINITION
Patterned cracking in the paint film resembling an alligator’s scales. Cracks may affect only a single layer of paint and may not reach the surface.

PROGRESSION
May begin as slight cracking or “checking” and can eventually grow wider and deeper, breaking through top and bottom coats. Noticeable wide breaks can appear over the entire surface in worst cases.

CAUSES
  • Inability of the top coat to bond smoothly to a glossy finish.
  • Applying an extremely hard, rigid coating [e.g. oil-based enamel] over a more flexible coating.
  • Natural aging of oil-based enamels in extreme climates, subjected to continuous freezing and thawing which results in loss of paint elasticity.
  • Applying another coat before the previous coat has dried.
  • Applying too much paint per coat.


FIXING PROBLEMDUNN-EDWARDS SOLUTIONS

Scrape or sand the paint down to the bare surface, or use a chemical paint remover.

CAUTION: Lead-containing paint is most commonly found in pre-1950 buildings. Before removing or sanding any paint, check to determine whether the paint contains lead. DO NOT remove or sand lead paint with out consulting local health officials or a certified lead abatement contractor.

Find the recommended items by clicking:

When scraping or sanding, dust masks or respirators and eye protection are recommended for safety

If using liquid removers, be sure to wear long sleeves. You may also want to use solvex gloves for protection
Remove all dust and allow surface to dry thoroughly.
Tac Rags make removing the dust easier
Prime surface with a high quality latex primer. Let dry.
When Painting this Surface...

Dunn-Edwards
Recommends these Primers...

Natural
Wood
E-Z Prime (W 708)   Exterior Acrylic Wood Primer
Synthetic
Wood
Ultra-Grip (W 715)   Acrylic Multi-Purpose Primer
MasonryEff-Stop (W 709)   Acrylic Masonry Primer/Sealer
Ferrous
Metal
Corrobar (43-5)  White Alkyd Corrosion Inhibitive Primer
Non-Ferrous
Metal
Ultra-Grip (W 715)   Acrylic Multi-Purpose Primer
Galv-Alum (43-7)  Galvanized/Aluminum Primer
Versa-Prime (42-44)  High Performance
Epoxy Ester Primer
Paint with a high quality paint in the desired finish.
If you'd like
this finish...

Choose this Dunn-Edwards product...

Flat Evershield (W 701)   Acrylic Wood and Masonry
Low Sheen Enduracryl (W 705)   Premium 100%
Acrylic enamel
Eggshell Permashell (W 940)   Premium 100% Acrylic Eggshell enamel
Semi-Gloss Permasheen (W 901)   Premium 100% Acrylic Semi-Gloss enamel
Gloss Permagloss(W 960)   Premium 100% Gloss enamel

For more information...
Click here to go to our Painting Tips Area

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