Common Paint Problems

How-To

Detailed solutions from Porter® to the most common paint problems faced by both painting professionals and do-it-yourselfers.

Exterior

Efflorescence:

The formation of crusty white salt deposits, leached from mortar or masonry as water passes through it.

Possible Causes

  • * Failure to adequately prepare the surface by removing all previous efflorescence
  • * Excess moisture escaping through the exterior walls from the inside

Solutions

If excess moisture is the cause, eliminate the source. You may have to repair the roof, clean your gutters and downspouts, or seal cracks in the masonry using a quality water-based all-acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk. If moist air is originating inside the building, consider installing vents or exhaust fans, especially in kitchen, bathroom and laundry areas. Remove all efflorescence and loose material from the masonry with a wire brush, power brush or power washer. Apply a masonry sealer and allow it to dry completely; then apply a coat of top-quality exterior house paint.

Porter® System Recommendations

  • Primer: Mild Efflorescence - One Coat of PORTERLOCK WB Acrylic Pigmented Sealer No. 6010
  • Primer: Moderate to Severe Efflorescence - One coat of PORTERLOCK Pigmented Bonding Coat No. 898
  • Finish: One or more coats of Super Premium ACRI-SHIELD Acrylic Finish No. 519 Flat, 739 Satin, 619 Gloss
  • Or:
  • One or more coats of ACRI-PRO 100 Acrylic Finish No. 929 Flat, 3729 Satin, or 6029 Semi-Gloss