Surfactant Leaching
 

Description:
Concentration of water-soluble ingredients on latex paint, creating a blotchy, sometimes glossy appearance, often with a tan or brownish cast.

Possible Cause:
• Many different water-soluble materials are used in the manufacture of latex emulsion paints. When these paints are applied during hot and humid periods and dry during cool evenings, the painted surface will cool, allowing dew to form. This accumulated moisture on a paint surface whose curing is temporarily delayed may extract and concentrate different water-soluble materials from within the paint at the paint surface. As the water evaporates, a concentrated residue is left behind, causing staining, unsightly runs and gloss patterns.

• Aluminum siding will react to temperature changes faster than solid vinyl or wood siding because of the smaller amount of material involved. Consequently, aluminum siding will develop surfactant leaching quicker and more easily; however, all siding including masonry is prone to this problem under identical conditions.

• Use of lower quality paint.

Solution:
Apply paint to all surfaces during weather conditions that allow proper curing of the of the paint film. When "surfactant leaching" occurs, flush with clean water immediately before the stains have sufficient time to set up or harden. Light scrubbing with a soft brush is acceptable. If stains cannot be removed in this manner, then repainting will be necessary during more favorable weather conditions.

Recommended System:
Topcoat
2 Coats of Top Quality FLEX BON Exterior Latex Paint