What is Alligatoring defect in paint?

Hey Prajakta, alligatoring defect in paint refers to the formation of shallow or deep cracks. These cracks can form in a pattern as well. They are called alligatoring defects because the cracks appear like the skin of an alligator. I will tell you the steps to prevent alligatoring on your walls below.

What Causes Alligatoring in Paint?

Before I share the prevention methods, you must know the causes, too. They are as follows:

1. Hard paint is applied over a softer or partially dried primer or undercoat.

2. When coating materials that have been under excess exposure to the environment or are too old are applied on the walls. 

3. When paint that has low flexibility, too much thickness or its top coat hasn’t bonded well is applied.  

How to Prevent Alligatoring in Paint?

These are the preventive measures to follow:

1. Go through a proper painting method, i.e. applying coating only once the previous one has dried, mixing materials correctly and following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

2. Usage of suitable coating substances.

I hope this helps.

Our balcony was painted with plastic paint and now, after three years, I witnessed that the paint was coming out. I hired NoBroker’s painters to give the walls fresh paint coats and that is when I learned that the defect is called an alligatoring defect in paint. 

Alligatoring is a paint defect where cracked patterns, resembling alligator scales, form on the surface. It's usually caused by poor adhesion between layers of paint, improper surface preparation, or excessive paint application. This issue compromises the appearance and durability of the painted surface. The alligatoring paint defect can happen for several reasons so let me share a few of them.

What causes alligatoring in paint?

Alligatoring paint defect can happen for several reasons, like:

• Poor Adhesion: 

Inadequate bonding between new paint layers and the underlying surface due to improper cleaning, a lack of primer, or incompatible paint types.

• Excessive Coats: 

Applying too many layers of paint without allowing sufficient drying time between coats can lead to tension, causing cracks.

• Temperature Extremes: 

Rapid temperature fluctuations or extreme heat can cause differential expansion and contraction, resulting in cracks.

• Inadequate Surface Preparation: 

Failure to clean, sand, or prime the surface prevents optimal paint adhesion.

• Incompatible Paints: 

Using incompatible paints, especially when mixing oil-based and water-based types, can result in poor bonding and cracking.

• Age and Weathering: 

As paint ages and weathers, it loses elasticity and can crack over time.

These are some major reasons why alligatoring defects happen. In our case, it was due to the extreme temperature.

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