By sudip, 7 October, 2025

Painting a house in India does not involve selecting colours and coating the paint. Our weather significantly influences the lifespan of a wall finish. Lashing rains, burning sun, excessive humidity and even arid winds in some places are always straining the paint. Without considering these reasons, issues such as peeling, blistering, or even fading will arise quite soon.

This blog will take you through the popular painting issues that confront Indian homeowners and provide their solutions in straightforward language.

Top 8 Painting Problems In Indian Weather (And How To Fix Them)

Each season in India leaves its mark on walls. With express painting services, you can tackle the major painting issues effectively. Let us explore the major painting issues and the right approach to fix them.

1. Paint Peeling And Flaking

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Peeling is among the most frustrating paint defects because it ruins both the look and strength of a wall. Large flakes begin to fall off, especially after the monsoon.

Why does it happen:

  • Continuous seepage from terrace cracks or leaking pipes
  • Dust or grease left on walls before painting
  • Cheap distemper that cannot handle moisture

How to fix it:

  • Stop seepage at the source with a proper waterproofing solution
  • Remove all loose paint and sand the wall to create a grip
  • Apply a damp-proof primer followed by crack sealing paint where necessary
  • Use quality acrylic emulsions that resist water damage

In coastal cities like Kochi, walls exposed to rain show peeling within a year if no damp-proof coat is applied.

2. Blistering And Bubbling

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Blisters are small bubbles under the paint film. Once they burst, the wall looks uneven.

Why does it happen:

  • Painting during high humidity
  • Moisture trapped between coats
  • Using low-quality paint with weak adhesion

How to fix it:

  • Scrape away blistered areas and sand the surface smooth
  • Apply an alkali-resistant primer before painting again
  • Use a trusted paint blistering solution
  • Always avoid painting during rainy or extremely humid days

In short, blistering can be avoided entirely with the right timing, good surface preparation, and quality paints.

3. Mould And Fungal Growth

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Dark patches of mould often appear in bathrooms, kitchens, or rooms with poor ventilation.

Why does it happen:

  • Moisture trapped in corners or shaded areas
  • Absence of anti-fungal properties in paint
  • Poor ventilation and lack of sunlight

How to fix it:

  • Clean infected walls using a fungicidal solution or some bleach water
  • Re-coat with emulsions with anti-fungal and anti-algal additives
  • Enhance the ventilation by the use of exhaust fans or opening the windows

Mould does not only concern painting, but also a hygienic problem. Preventing it early saves both money and effort.

4. Efflorescence (White Chalky Deposits)

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Many homeowners notice white powdery deposits on external walls. This problem, called efflorescence, weakens paint over time.

Why does it happen:

  • Salt deposits rise with moisture through masonry
  • Saline water is used during construction
  • No protective primer on exterior walls

How to fix it:

  • Brush and wash off deposits thoroughly
  • Apply alkali-resistant primer before repainting
  • Choose solutions painting with weatherproof emulsions

Efflorescence is common in older brick houses, especially in areas with high groundwater levels.

5. Colour Fading And Chalking

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Over time, colours lose brightness, and a chalky layer rubs off on touch.

Why does it happen:

  • Harsh UV rays in dry states like Rajasthan
  • Paints without UV resistance
  • Thin application with insufficient coats

How to fix it:

  • Invest in UV-resistant acrylic emulsions
  • Apply at least two topcoats for adequate coverage
  • Wash walls gently to keep them clean

In hot cities like Jaipur, homeowners prefer lighter shades outdoors because dark colours fade faster under strong sunlight.

6. Cracking And Crazing

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Thin cracks make walls look old and invite further damage if ignored.

Why does it happen:

  • Expansion and contraction of walls due to heat
  • Rigid paints with no flexibility
  • Ignoring hairline cracks before painting

How to fix it:

  • Use crack sealing paint before repainting
  • Choose flexible, weather-resistant emulsions
  • Always follow the three-coat method for strength

Once cracks open up, seepage follows. Treating them early avoids bigger repairs.

7. Alligatoring

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Here, paint develops a scaly pattern resembling alligator skin.

Why does it happen:

  • Applying a hard coat on a soft undercoat
  • Old coatings left unremoved before repainting
  • Harsh temperature changes are affecting adhesion

How to fix it:

  • Strip away old paint layers
  • Use a proper primer and finish with compatible emulsions
  • Get expert paint advice to avoid mismatched products

In short, preventing alligatoring comes down to proper surface preparation and using compatible paint layers every time.

8. Rusting

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Metal grills, gates, or window frames often rust, leaving reddish marks on nearby walls.

Why does it happen:

  • Painting metal without an anti-rust primer
  • Continuous contact with water during the rains

How to fix it:

  • Sand away rust and coat with a rust-proof primer
  • Use enamel paints suitable for exteriors
  • Inspect grills and gates regularly to stop stains from spreading

In short, tackling rust early with the right primers and paints ensures both the metal and surrounding walls stay protected for years.

Pro Tips To Protect Paint In Indian Weather

Knowing the paint defects and solutions is only half the job. Here are some painting tips for Indian households.

1. Time Your Painting Right

Proper timing ensures lasting paint performance in Indian weather.

  • The best months are October to February, when the humidity is low and the weather is pleasant.
  • Painting during the monsoon is risky, as moisture gets trapped and causes peeling.
  • Always confirm wall dryness before application.

Painting at the right time guarantees stronger, longer-lasting walls.

2. Use The Right Tools

The right painting tools deliver smoother, cleaner, professional results.

  • High-quality rollers and brushes give even finishes
  • Nylon and polyester rollers suit emulsions best
  • Painter’s tape ensures neat edges, while sheets protect floors

Using the correct tools reduces many paint issues linked to uneven coverage.

3. Follow The 3-Coat System

A three-coat system guarantees durability and a flawless finish.

  • Start with a damp-proof primer
  • Add a base coat to seal micro-cracks
  • Finish with two topcoats for strength and beauty

This method prevents early chalking, peeling, and fading.

4. Invest In Premium Paints

Budget paints may save money initially, but wear out quickly. For durability:

  • Choose acrylic emulsions over distemper
  • Opt for alkali-resistant and weatherproof options
  • Premium paints last longer and reduce painting problems and solutions in the long run

Premium paints ensure durability, protection, and vibrant walls for years.

5. Regular Maintenance

Consistent wall care prevents costly repairs and frequent repainting.

  • Inspect walls every year for cracks or damp spots
  • Clean external walls with a mild soap solution to remove dirt
  • Repair cracks immediately with crack sealing paint before the monsoon

A little care each year saves the cost of major repainting.

6. Waterproof Your Roof and Terraces

Roof protection is vital to keep interior walls damage-free.

  • Apply a professional waterproofing solution to terraces and rooftops
  • Prevents seepage that causes peeling and mould inside
  • Particularly important for heavy-rainfall states like Kerala and Assam

Waterproofing roofs strengthens walls and ensures long-lasting paint protection.

Conclusion

Indian walls have to withstand violent weather, be it hot weather or harsh rainy rains. The problems, such the paint peeling, blistering, and fading, are issues that should be addressed appropriately. Through the right kind of products, application techniques, and scheduling of maintenance, homes can continue to look new years down the line.

Use professionals to get the best results. Berger Express painting service makes the finishes quicker, cleaner, and durable. Your home is bound to withstand all tests of weather after professional painters with sophisticated equipment.

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Common Painting Problems In Indian Weather And Expert Solutions For Long-Lasting Walls
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Painting a house in India does not involve selecting colours and coating the paint. Our weather significantly influences the lifespan of a wall finish.
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