You're having problems with your paint not holding and cracking whatever the substrate, it's most likely because you haven't followed one of the following steps:
Preparing the substrate before painting
Before any paint application, it's essential to work on a clean, dry substrate. Poor preparation is one of the main causes of cracked or flaking paint.
Take the time to clean the surface, removing any dust, grease or factory varnish.
Depending on the type of support (wall, wood, metal, plaster), sanding and a specific undercoat are required. This step ensures good paint adhesion and prolongs its life.
Use compatible, quality products
To prevent paint from cracking over time, we recommend using compatible, quality paints. For example, don't apply water-based acrylic paint over old glycerol paint without a suitable undercoat. Don't apply water-based paint over oil-based paint either, to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Prefer quality products, from the same range or manufacturer if possible. This limits the risk of chemical reactions.
In this case, the SneakArts paint is a professional paint that prevents the paint from cracking if you follow the instructions for use.
Respect drying times
Always take the time to do things right to achieve a quality result that won't crack over time and thus avoid cracks, blisters or peeling.
Count on 10 to 15min in the open air, or use a hair dryer to speed up drying time (1 to 2 min).
If you're applying paint outdoors, choose a time when climatic conditions are optimal: neither too cold, nor too hot, nor too humid. An ambient temperature between 10°C and 25°C is ideal for painting.
Apply paint correctly
Applying paint too thickly or unevenly can cause cracking in the short to medium term. It's important to apply thin, even coats of paint in criss-cross strokes for a uniform finish.
Always use a clean brush or roller to avoid leaving streaks. Feel free to consult the FAQ page as well as the tips on the site.
What's the difference between cracking and blistering paint?
| Default | Appearance | Main cause | Key treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloque | Bubbles under the paint | Excessive moisture or heat | Drying, treating, undercoating, repainting |
| Craquelure | Surface cracks | Thick layers or incompatibility between layers | Sanding, correcting, repainting in thin layers |
| Chipping | Paint peeling off | Poor adhesion to substrate | Scratching, sanding, undercoating, repaint |
How do you catch cracked or peeling paint?
If your paint is peeling or causing cracks, it's because one of the steps listed earlier wasn't followed. Make sure you don't make the same mistake again later.
To make up for cracked paint, remove the paint with paint stripper or sandpaper to return it to its original state. If necessary, apply an undercoat or primer to reinforce adhesion. Make sure there's no dust, then reapply the paint in thin coats.
The use of poor-quality paint is often at the root of the problem. That's why it's better to use a long-lasting paint, sometimes a little more expensive, than a first-price paint.
In conclusion, there's no such thing as a paint that won't crack, but there are paints of varying quality that can reduce this risk. The most important thing is to follow all the preparation steps and apply the paint properly to avoid cracking or peeling.