Wax Bleed
 

Description:
The problem appears as a splotchy dirt collection. This discoloration can resemble mildew growth, yet will not change color when washed with household bleach.

Possible Cause:
• Stains that come from waxy substances in the reconstituted wood products used to make hard-board siding.

• These staining substances bleed through the paint; they can even bleed through some ordinary primers, possibly causing dirt pickup, mildew and/or poor paint adhesion.

Solution:
• New siding: In severe cases, wax can be felt with the fingers as an oily or waxy substance. Apply a few drops of water to the board surface. If the water beads up and runs off the board, a wax condition is indicated and must be removed.

• Old siding: The discoloration can be identified by applying household bleach to rule out possible mildew, tannin or sulfide staining. The presence of wax will not be affected by bleach. Follow above directions by applying a few drops of water to establish the presence of wax. If the spot does not lighten it is most likely wax bleed.

• In extreme cases of wax buildup, a clean cloth saturated with mineral spirits or VM & P naphtha solvent should be used to remove the deposits. Both rags and VM & P naphtha solvent should be changed frequently. An alternate method is to mix one gallon of water with one cup of TSP Substitute and scrub the entire surface with a scrub brush or high-pressure water wash. Rinse thoroughly with plain water. Rescrub areas where water continues to bead up on the surface to ensure that wax deposits are removed. Allow surface to dry thoroughly before priming.

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