Interior Paint Mud Cracking

Possible Cause

Mud cracking can occur when:

• Paint is applied too thickly, usually over a porous surface

• Paint is applied too thickly, to improve inherent poor hiding (coverage) of lower quality paint

• Paint build up in corners during application 

Solution

Remove the cracked paintwork by scraping and sanding. Prime and repaint the surface with a premium water-based paint like Dulux Wash&Wear®, and use the correct roller sleeve (5mm nap for gloss & semi gloss and 12mm nap for low sheen and flat finish).

Sanding the surface smooth before repainting with a premium water-based paint can also repair mud-cracked areas. Premium quality paints have a higher solids content, which reduces the tendency to mud crack. They also have very good application and hiding properties, which minimise the tendency to apply the paint too thickly.