Alligatoring
 

Description:
Patterned cracking in the paint film resembling the scales of an alligator.

Possible Cause:
Application of an extremely hard, rigid coating, like an oil enamel, over a more flexible coating, like a latex primer or topcoat.

Application of a topcoat before the primer or basecoat is dry.

Natural aging of oil-based paints due to temperature fluctuation. The constant expansion and contraction results in a loss of paint film elasticity.

Solution:
Old paint should be completely removed by scraping and sanding the surface; a heat gun can be used to speed work on large surfaces, but take extreme care to avoid igniting paint or substrate. Follow all manufacturer instructions before using a heat gun. The surface should be primed with a high quality latex or oil-based primer, then painted with a quality exterior latex paint.

Recommended System:
Primer
1 Coat of FLEX BON #169 Series Exterior Alkyd Primer or
FLEX BON #194 Series Exterior 100% Acrylic Latex Primer
Topcoat
2 Coats of Top Quality FLEX BON Exterior Latex Paint