Gilbert's Arizona Painting Contractors

Painting Wax Bleed – For Phoenix/Gilbert Residents

Definition: Unsightly discoloration or a “wetting effect” on hardboard siding. The wax comes from the additives used to make the board more moisture-resistant.

 

CAUSES:

* Painting Wax Bleed is often the result of failure to apply the proper primer to the hardboard before painting
* Allowing hardboard siding to weather before painting
* Use of dark paint colors, which absorb heat and can accelerate wax bleed
* Too little paint; wax bleeding is more likely in thinly painted areas
* Applying a hard finish over a softer coat without priming, or painting over a glossy surface without sanding
* Using low-quality paints, whose low levels of resin allow wax to bleed through the paint film, causing wax bleed

 

PAINTING WAX BLEED SOLUTIONS:

* Unprimed boards should be primed or painted within 30 days. Factory-primed boards should be painted within 90 days of installation to prevent Painting Wax Bleed
* On unprimed boards, apply the recommended primer and two topcoats. Follow the recommended film thickness application on the label.
* Select top-quality, oxidative primers and topcoats for unprimed hardboard to help prevent wax bleeding.
* First determine if Painting Wax Bleed is the problem:

  • Place a few drops of bleach on the discolored area. Household bleach does not affect wax so if there is no whitening or bleaching, the stain is likely wax.
  • Place a few drops of water on both normal and discolored areas. If the water beads up and runs off, a wax film probably exists.
  • Rub the area with your finger. In severe cases, the wax feels like an oily substance. a few drops of bleach on the discolored area. Household bleach does not affect wax so if there is no whitening or bleaching, the stain is likely wax.

* Place a few drops of water on both normal and discolored areas. If the water beads up and runs off, a wax film probably exists to correct Painting Wax Bleed
* Rub the area with your finger. In severe cases, the Painting Wax Bleed feels like an oily substance.
* If the wax is light or moderate, the area can be cleaned with a detergent solution. In cases of severe Painting Wax Bleed, the surface must be cleaned thoroughly with mineral spirits. Dispose of all waste materials in accordance with local regulations.
* Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before priming. Prime the surface with a high-quality primer and finish with the recommended Dunn-Edwards top coat, limiting any Painting Wax Bleed

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