What is Surfactant Leaching?
You’ve just painted your guest bathroom and wander in to take another look at a job well done. Rather than the sleek, new look you’d expected, there are run marks on the wall. It looks as though the paint is running or has a greasy film. You have a classic case of surfactant leaching. Surfactant leaching happens in very cold or humid conditions. Surfactants are paint additives used during pigmentation to stabilize the paint and ensure it spreads evenly. The surfactants should cure as the paint dries. Still, extreme humidity or cold conditions can make the surfactants rise to the surface, creating a greasy appearance. Surfactant Leaching Causes The professionals at your Grand Lake Ace paint store in Oakland, California, have identified several conditions that can cause surfactant leaching. These include. ●High humidity – hot steamy conditions can stall the paint drying process. This is most common in bathrooms and kitchens. ●Poor ventilation – paint dries best in a well-ventila...