Typical signs
- Blisters, flakes, chalking, alligator cracking or stains bleeding through.
Where it is often found
- Interior walls, bathrooms, soffits, exterior cladding and previously painted surfaces.
What it can mean
- Damp or dirty surface, wrong primer, incompatible product or coating too thick.
What to check next
- Test adhesion in a small area.
- Measure moisture and identify older coatings before sanding.
Reasonable immediate actions
- Eliminate the moisture source and control dust while scraping.
When to stop and call a professional
- Suspect older paint, large area, wet substrate or failure linked to water intrusion.
Prevention
- Cleaning, drying, preparation and a compatible primer/paint system.