1) How do you remove interior cracking and flaking?

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Description:

Cracking and flaking begin with the splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat as a result of aging, which ultimately will lead to complete failure of the paint. In its early stages, the problem appears as hairline cracks; in its later stages, flaking occurs.

Possible Causes:
Use of Lower-Quality Paint with Inadequate Adhesion & Flexibility
Over-Thinning or Overspreading of Paint
Inadequate Surface Preparation
Application of Paint to Bare Wood without First Applying a Primer
Excessive Hardening and Embrittlement of Alkyd Paint as the Paint Ages

Solution:
Our painters remove loose and flaking paint with a scraper, sanding the surface and feathering the edges. If the flaking occurs in multiple layers of paint, we apply filler to all necessary area. We also prime bare wood areas before repainting. Use of a top quality primer and top coat should prevent a recurrence of the problem.

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2) How do you remove interior mud cracking?

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Description:

This problem presents as deep, irregular cracks resembling dried mud in the dry paint film.

Possible Causes:
Paint Applied Too Thickly, Usually Over a Porous Surface
Paint Applied Too Thickly, to Improve Inherent Poor Hiding (Coverage) of a Lower-Quality Paint
Paint Is Allowed to Build Up in Corners Upon Application

Solution:
Our painters remove coating by scraping and sanding, then prime and repaint using a top-quality latex paint. Mud-cracked areas can also be repaired by sanding the surface smooth before repainting with a top-quality latex paint. This type of paint is likely to prevent recurrence of mud cracking, because it is more flexible than alkyd paint, oil-based paint, and ordinary latex paint. Quality paints have a higher solids content, which reduces the tendency to mud crack. They also have very good application and hiding properties, which minimize the tendency to apply too thick a coat of paint.

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3) How do you prevent calk failure?

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Description:

Caulk failure results from a loss of caulk's initial adhesion and flexibility, causing it to crack and/or pull away from the surfaces to which it is applied.

Possible Causes:
Use of Lower-Quality Caulk
Use of Wrong Type of Caulk for a Particular Application (e.g., Using Latex or Vinyl Caulk in Areas Where There is Prolonged Contact with Water or Considerable Movement of the Caulked Surfaces)

Solution:
At d'Lanes Painting, we only use top-quality, water-based, all-acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk if prolonged contact with water is not anticipated. These caulks are flexible enough to adapt to minor fluctuations in the substrate, stretching in gaps that widen slightly over time. They also adhere to a wide range of interior building materials, including wood, ceramic tile, concrete, glass, plaster, bare aluminum, brick, and plastic. Note: Silicone caulk should not be painted.

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4) How do you prevent interior blocking?

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Description:

Interior blocking is the undesirable sticking together of two painted surfaces when pressed together (e.g., a door sticking to the jamb).

Possible Causes:
Not Allowing Sufficient Dry Time for the Coating Before Closing Doors or Windows
Use of Low-Quality Semi-gloss or Gloss Paints

Solution:
d'Lanes Painting only uses top-quality semi-gloss or gloss acrylic latex paint. Low-quality latex paints have poor block resistance, especially in warm, damp conditions. Our painters always follow paint label instructions regarding dry times. Acrylic latex paints generally have better early block resistance then vinyl latex paints or alkyd and oil-based paints; however, alkyds develop superior block resistance over time. Application of talcum powder can relieve persistent blocking.

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5) How do you remove interior mildew?

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Description:

Mildew appears as black, gray, or brown spots or areas on the surface of paint or caulk. It forms most often on areas that tend to be damp, or receive little or no direct sunlight (e.g., bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms).

Possible Causes:
Use of an Alkyd or Oil-Based Paint, or Lower-Quality Latex Paint
Failure to Prime Bare Wood Surface Before Applying the Paint
Painting Over a Substrate or Coating on Which Mildew Has Not Been Removed

Solution:
Our painters remove all mildew from the surface by scrubbing with a diluted household bleach solution (one part bleach, three parts water). They then rinse thoroughly. To protect against future mildew, we use top-quality latex paint.

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6) How do you remove interior framing?

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Description: 

An effect of non-uniform color that can appear when a wall is painted with a roller, but is brushed at the corners. The brushed areas generally appear darker, resembling the frame of a picture. Also, sprayed areas may be darker than neighboring sections that are brushed or rolled. Picture framing can also refer to sheen effects. Framing is usually a hiding (coverage) effect. Brushing will generally result in lower spread rates than rolling, producing a thicker film and more hiding.

Possible Causes:
Variations in Spread Rates and Hiding
Adding Colorant to a Non-Tintable Paint
Using the Wrong Type or Level of Colorant, Resulting in Variation in Color

Solution:
Our painters are experienced professionals and don't cut in the entire room before roller coating. We work in smaller sections of the room to maintain a "wet edge."

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7) How do you prevent poor interior flow/leveling?

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Description:

Failure of paint to dry to a smooth film, resulting in unsightly brush and roller marks after the paint dries.

Possible Causes:
Use of Lower-Quality Paint 
Application of Additional Paint to "Touch Up" Partially Dried Painted Areas
Re-Brushing or Re-Rolling Partially Dried Painted Areas
Use of the Wrong Type of Roller Cover or Poor-Quality Brush

Solution:
d'Lanes Painting only uses top-quality latex paints and materials, which are generally formulated with ingredients that enhance paint flow. Brush and roller marks thus tend to "flow out" and form a smooth film. The type of brush is important; a poor brush can result in bad flow and leveling with any paint.

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8) How do you prevent poor interior scrub resistance?

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Description:

Poor scrub resistance results in wearing away or removal of the paint film when scrubbed with a brush, sponge, or cloth.

Possible Causes:
Choosing the Wrong Sheen for the Area
Use of a Lower-Quality Paint
Use of an Overly Aggressive Scrub Medium (See Burnishing)
Inadequate Dry Time Allowed After Application of the Paint Before Washing

Solution:
Areas that need frequent cleaning require a high-quality paint that is formulated to provide such performance. High-traffic areas may require a semi-gloss or gloss paint rather than a flat paint to provide good scrub resistance.

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9) How do you prevent interior roller marks and stipples?

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Description:

Roller marks and stipples are unintentional textured patterns left in the paint by the roller.

Possible Causes:
Use of Incorrect Roller Cover
Use of Lower Grades of Paint
Use of Low-Quality Roller
Use of Incorrect Rolling Technique

Solution:
d'Lanes Painting only uses quality rollers to ensure adequate film thickness and uniformity. High-quality paints tend to roll on more evenly due to their higher solids content and leveling properties.

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10) How do you prevent interior poor stain resistance?

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Description:

Poor stain resistance results in failure of the paint to resist absorption of dirt and stains.

Possible Causes:
Use of Lower-Quality Paint That is Porous in Nature
Application of Paint to Unprimed Substrate

Solution:
Higher-quality latex paints contain more binder, which helps prevent stains from penetrating the painted surface, allowing for easy removal. Priming new surfaces provides maximum film thickness of a premium top coat, providing very good stain removability.