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-ventilated space.

●Low temperatures – paint won’t dry properly at temperatures below 50° Fahrenheit.

●Dark shades – darker paint contains more surfactants, so leaching is more likely.

Fixing Surfactant Leaching

The team at your local Grand Lake Ace Paint Store in Oakland, California, can help you with all your paint problems. Here are some tips.

●Wash the area with mild soap and water after the pain has dried – you may have to wash the area more than once.

●Repaint if necessary, but only after removing the greasy film.

●Leave the paint to cure – if the surfactant leak is on an outdoor wall, the weather will clear the problem, though it may take up to a month.

How to Avoid Surfactant Leaching

Find quality paints at your Grand Lake Ace Paint Store in Oakland, California, and follow the instructions. If you’re painting a bathroom or laundry, avoid steamy conditions until the paint has dried. Use a fan to ventilate the room.

Your Oakland paint store has all the quality paint supplies to keep your home looking good.

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