Exterior painting changes the way the home looks. It makes it look good and protects it from the tropical weather of Singapore. However, we’ve found some common exterior home painting problems that people struggle with.

So, if you’re a concerned homeowner, this guide is just for you. Because, in it, we’ll share with you the 7 common exterior home painting problems and how to fix them. Therefore, PS Painting Services Singapore explains the common exterior home painting problems and how to fix them. Moreover, they also offer room paintingwall painting, and interior painting services in Singapore.

7 Common Exterior Home Painting Problems and How to Fix Them

We’ve been receiving many complaints from people about struggling with the 7 most common exterior home painting problems in Singapore.  Let’s discuss each and the best fix to avoid them.

1. Peeling Paint

It’s so annoying to see your pain peeling off; you spent thousands of dollars on getting it done.  It happens when the paint starts losing its grip on the surface and then comes out in flakes and looks terrible.  

Why does it happen? The culprit is moisture that gets under the paint and causes it to peel off. Poor surface preparation and low-quality paint can also cause the same issue. 

Best Fix:

  • Scrape off loose paint – Don’t paint over peeling areas. It won’t stick.
  • Sand it smooth – This helps the new paint grip better.
  • Use a good primer – A firm base stops future peeling.
  • Pick quality paint – Cheap paint peels faster. Get weather-resistant exterior paint.
  • Paint properly – Apply thin, even coats and let each one dry thoroughly.

2. Cracking or Flaking Paint

The other most common exterior house painting problem that we’ve found is the cracking or flaking of the paint. There are cracks in the paint that start small but turn into huge ones and ruin the overall look of your place. 

If you neglect them, they will grow and peel off in big flakes. The cause of them is usually the paint being too thick, an unprepared surface or the paint being too old. The guide shows how to fix this exterior home painting problem.

Best Fix:

  • Remove cracked paint – Scrape or sand it off completely.
  • Smooth the surface – Sand down rough spots.
  • Use a flexible primer – Helps the paint stretch with weather changes.
  • Choose durable paint – A good-quality exterior paint lasts longer.
  • Paint in thin layers – Thick coats crack faster.

exterior home painting issues

3. Blistering or Bubbling Paint

The other issue that the moisture in Singapore causes to the paint is the blistering and bubbling. The bubbles get created under the paint, which makes your paint bumpy and messy.  If you paint directly into the sunlight, then the top layer of the paint dries faster than the layer beneath it, which results in the same issue.

Best Fix:

  • Scrape off bubbles – They’ll pop and peel later if left alone.
  • Let the wall dry – Moisture is a common cause.
  • Use breathable primer – Helps moisture escape instead of getting trapped.
  • Pick the right paint – Use weather-resistant paint that handles humidity.
  • Avoid painting in heat – Don’t paint under direct sun or when it’s too humid.

4. Fading or Discoloration

Fading and dislocation are other common exterior home painting issues in Singapore. The scorching sun exposure causes these issues, especially when your paint doesn’t have UV protection. Other than that, the dark colors tend to fade faster than the light ones. The low quality paint and applying too thin color can also cause the same issue.

Best Fix:

  • Wash the walls – Sometimes, it’s just dirt, not fading.
  • Use UV-resistant paint – Helps keep the color fresh longer.
  • Apply more coats – A thin coat fades fast. Do two or three coats.
  • Go for lighter colors – Dark shades fade quicker in sunlight.

5. Mildew or Mold Growth

Mildew or mold growth usually happens in the damp or shaded areas of your home. The cause of it is the moisture that sits on the surface for too long without preparation. If you don’t clean it, then it can spread quickly, damaging the paint and ruining the home’s appearance.

Best Fix:

  • Clean with bleach – Mix bleach with water and scrub off mildew.
  • Let the wall dry – Never paint over damp areas.
  • Use mold-resistant paint – It stops mildew from coming back.
  • Improve airflow – Trim plants or let more sunlight in to keep walls dry.

6. Chalking (Powdery Paint Residue)

Ever rubbed your hand on an exterior wall and found a white, powdery residue? That’s chalking. It happens when paint slowly breaks down under the sun and rain. While some chalking is normal, too much means the paint is failing. If left alone, the surface will become weak, making future paint jobs harder.

Best Fix:

  • Wash off the chalky layer – Scrub or pressure wash the wall.
  • Test if it’s clean – Run your hand over it. No more powder? Good.
  • Apply a bonding primer – Helps the new paint stick properly.
  • Use 100% acrylic paint – It resists chalking better than cheaper paints.

fix exterior home painting problems

7. Staining or Water Marks

The last common exterior home painting problem is staining or watermarks. If you see the dark streaks, rust stains, or yellowish marks, they may be because of the water stains.  They can come from leaking gutters, rusty roofs, and also water seeping through the cracks. 

Best Fix:

  • Find and fix leaks – Check gutters, pipes, and walls for water issues.
  • Clean the stains – Vinegar and water can help remove marks.
  • Use a stain-blocking primer – Stops stains from showing through new paint.
  • Repaint with moisture-resistant paint – Prevents future stains.

Final Words:

These are the 7 common exterior home painting problems and how to fix them. Peeling paint? Scrape it off, sand, prime, and repaint. Cracking? Remove old paint, sand, and use a flexible primer. Bubbling? Scrape bubbles, let the wall dry, and use a breathable primer. 

Fading? Use UV-resistant paint. Mildew? Clean with bleach and repaint. Chalking? Wash off, prime, and use acrylic paint. Stains? Fix leaks, clean, and apply a stain-blocking primer.

Frequently Asked Questions

To prevent exterior paint peeling, ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and properly primed; avoid painting in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Bubbling occurs from trapped moisture or painting on damp surfaces; allow proper drying between coats and use breathable paint.
Acrylic latex paint lasts longest, resisting UV rays and weather fluctuations due to its flexible, durable finish.