Paint Leaching - Causes & Solutions

You may notice tan, brown or even colorless streaks after painting your wall. These streaks are known as paint leaching, also known as surfactant leaching. Paint contains surfactants, an ingredient that enhances the paint and increases its durability, color and smoothness. While these surfactants are harmless, they are sometimes troublesome and cause a large pile of stress.

Causes

Paint leaching is most frequently seen in humid and moist environments. The moisture in the air pulls the surfactants out of the paint, which causes those pesky streaks. Bathrooms are a common place for paint leaching because of the hot water steam that is frequently found there. You may also see paint leaching during the cooler months such as the fall and spring.

You may cause surfactant leaching by adding another coat of paint to the wall without allowing the previous coat to completely dry. By adding the extra coat while the paint is still wet, you are placing moisture on the wall and creating problems for yourself.

Solutions

One of the easiest ways to prevent paint leaching is to avoid painting in cool or moist conditions. Avoid painting in a bathroom after someone has showered or after a large rainstorm. If leaching has occurred, the easiest way to remove the surfactants is to wipe it off with a cold, wet cloth. However, make sure the paint is completely dry before wiping. If the problem is severe, you may need to repaint the area. Although once again, make sure the paint is completely hardened.

Paint leaching is a common problem when painting any surface. When taking the time to paint, make sure your surroundings are appropriate. Avoid moist and humid air for the best results. If problems do arise, wait until the paint is completely hardened before taking action. Paint leaching is avoidable and reparable if you take the right precautions.

Primers and Finishes

Surfactants are necessary to a paint formula. They evaporate and never are a part of the dried paint. Slow drying due to coolness or humidity, prevents the surfactants from evaporating and a blotchy sometimes glossy residue appears.

Substrates, Primers

Substrate: Various
Primer: Usually None
Finish Coats: 1240 Acry-Shield Exterior Flat Finish
1245 Acry-Velvet Ext. Low Sheen Finish
1250 Acry-Lustre Ext. Semi-Gloss Finish
1235 Seasons Ext. 100% Acrylic Flat
1236 Seasons Ext. 100% Acrylic Low Sheen

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