What is : Alligatoring

What is Alligatoring?

Alligatoring is a term used in the home renovation industry to describe a pattern of cracking in paint or varnish that resembles the scales of an alligator. This phenomenon occurs when the top coat of paint dries and shrinks faster than the underlying coats, causing the surface to crack in a pattern that resembles the skin of an alligator.

Causes of Alligatoring

One of the main causes of alligatoring is applying a top coat of paint over a surface that has not been properly prepared. This can include painting over a surface that is dirty, greasy, or glossy, or applying a top coat of paint over a surface that has not been primed. Alligatoring can also occur when incompatible paint layers are applied, or when the top coat of paint is applied too thickly.

Preventing Alligatoring

To prevent alligatoring, it is important to properly prepare the surface before applying a top coat of paint. This includes cleaning the surface, sanding it to create a rough texture for the paint to adhere to, and priming the surface if necessary. It is also important to use compatible paint layers and to apply the top coat of paint in thin, even layers.

Fixing Alligatoring

If alligatoring does occur, it can be fixed by sanding down the cracked paint, applying a new coat of primer, and then applying a new top coat of paint. It is important to sand down the cracked paint to create a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to, and to use a high-quality primer and top coat of paint to prevent the issue from reoccurring.