by Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom

Created on: April 19, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

Common problems with paint, both in and outside the house include peeling, cracking, chipping, fading, and mildew. There can be several reasons for these problems occurring and they can be solved with a bit of paint and some other measures.

All paint, regardless of the brand, will last for a certain amount of years on its surface before it starts to "break down". Paint "break down" is when the first layer on your surface is failing. This is common in older homes with several layers of paint. When paint "breaks down", it will start to crack and peel from the wall or wood surface. This will cause the drywall or wood to be exposed. It may be hard to distinguish the paint from drywall at first look, if your walls are light in color. In this case, look to your chipped paint, feel the thickness and inspect it for fibers from the drywall.

Another reason for paint cracking and peeling is due to moisture build-up, excessive condensation, or a leak. You will often find mold and mildew concurrently with this problem because of the moisture. This is most commonly found in a bathroom because of ventilation problems. But this can happen in other parts of the house due to a leaky roof, or near outdoor shrubs. The moisture can pull paint off of the surface right down to the wall or wood in this case, as well, however, you will not see fibers in the chips of paint.

The last common problem with paint is fading color. This is mostly found as a common problem outside, but it can happen inside when certain colors are used for the interior walls. Color will fade when exposed to the sun in excess.

The good news about common paint problems is that they can be solved easily with a bit of time, primer, and paint. Paint brands are probably as vast as the paint colors themselves and have many features, benefits, warranties, and durabilities to them. Consulting a consumer magazine for comparisons or asking a paint sales associate is best when you want "the best" for your money. However, I find that most brands fall under a general rule of thumb. Most brands will have a "good", "better", and "best" product and there can be a considerable difference to each.

Your "good" paints are not great at durability or removing stains from the walls or exterior surfaces. They will also only have a slight, (one year) if any mildew resistance to them. Your "good" paints will remove stains or marks much easier from the surface and usually have about a three year mildew resistance. Your "best" paints have the

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