WALLS & CEILINGS

Causes
• Movement, settlement
• Shrinkage

The development of minor cracks is not uncommon in walls and ceilings of buildings. Large and continually widening cracks however may be the result of a more serious structural problem requiring remedial repairs following an investigation by a professional building surveyor or structural engineer.

Solution: Rake out and make good all cracks using a suitable interior filler. Allow to dry before rubbing down and dusting off.

Causes
• Aged, eroded
• Moisture
• Physical damage
• Structural damage

Eroded, friable, defective interior plasterwork provides unsuitable foundations for coating systems. Remedial works must include appropriate repairs.

Solution: All areas of defective plasterwork must be removed, and renewed using a suitable proprietary plastering system. Finish to match surrounding surface, allow to dry prior to decoration.

Causes
Soluble salts within the substrate are brought to the surface during the drying out of residual moisture. Normally efflorescence has the appearance of white ‘fluffy’ crystals and once all excess moisture has dried from the substrate, these effects should cease. The presence of efflorescence in an existing building may indicate a structural problem, e.g. defective damp proof course or leaking pipe. All structural defects should be investigated and rectified prior to redecoration.

Solution: Remove efflorescence deposits by dry scraping, brushing with a stiff bristle brush (not ferrous wire) or a rough, coarse sacking (hessian) type material.

Causes
• Powdery, chalky or friable substrate
• Moisture ingress
• Weakly adhering underlying coatings
• Inadequate surface preparation

A frequent cause of paint failures is the deterioration of the underlying substrate or coating systems. In addition, failure to prepare surfaces to the required standard prior to painting will also reduce the long term performance of the paint system.

Solution: Remove all loose and defective coatings by thorough scraping or brushing with a stiff bristle brush (not ferrous wire) to a sound edge. Feather the edges of remaining sound coatings using a suitable grade abrasive paper.

Causes
The germination of organic spores contaminating offending surfaces under damp/humid conditions. These unsightly developments can occur on any interior surface. Ventilation and/or improved insulation of interior surfaces, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms and shower rooms will reduce the risk of condensation, and subsequent organic growth development in these locations. It is essential that all infected surfaces are completely sterilised prior to decoration.

Solution: All visible signs of organic growth must be removed by careful scraping, brushing with a stiff bristle brush (not ferrous wire) and/or washing. The offending areas should then be treated with a liberal application of Fungicidal Solution, used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Causes
• Eroded substrate or finishes
• Deterioration of underlying coatings/treatments

All loose and powdery deposits must be removed during preparation and surfaces fully stabilised in order to provide a good foundation and ensure the satisfactory adhesion of all subsequently applied coating systems.

Solution: Remove all loose and powdery deposits by thorough brushing with a stiff bristle brush (not ferrous wire) or washing off before applying a liberal application of an Alkali Resisting Primer.

Causes
• Soot/flue condensates, iron pyrites, water, rust/corrosion products
• Surface contamination

Surface contamination or the presence of soluble materials within the substrate can result in unsightly visual effects disfiguring the paint finish. Surface contaminants should be removed and residual stains should be treated with an effective ‘barrier’ coating to prevent ‘bleeding’.
In order to determine suitability of the proposed treatment, sample site trials are recommended.

Solution: Following appropriate surface preparation, apply one full coat of an Alkali Resisting Primer to all offending areas. Allow to dry before overcoating Soot/flue condensates, iron pyrites, water, rust/corrosion products.

Causes
• Oil/grease etc

Surface contamination has adverse effects on the quality of finish, adhesion and long term performance of all coating systems. All forms of contamination must be removed prior to redecoration.

Solution: Wash with hot water and liquid detergent solution to remove any contaminants, frequently changing the water. All glossy surfaces should be wet abraded to provide a key.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all residues. Allow to dry.