What You Need to Know About Paint Saponification

Painting is one of the easiest ways to change the look of your living space. For best and long-lasting results, your contractor must use the appropriate type of paint for the surfaces they will be working on. They must also apply it correctly. Failure to do so can result in a type of paint failure called saponification. 

A local design and build expert explains what paint saponification is and gives tips on how to avoid it. 

What Is Paint Saponification?

Newly plastered substrates are highly alkaline. Saponification can happen when you apply oil-based paint on a surface with high alkalinity, like cement or concrete. It typically occurs when the surface has a pH higher than 10. A soap-like substance can form when alkaline surfaces react with oil-based paint. 

Aside from using the wrong type of paint, saponification can develop due to excess humidity. Over time, it can cause the paint to deteriorate and lose adhesion. Unsightly specks can also form on the affected areas, negatively affecting your living space’s aesthetic appeal. 

What Can You Do to Avoid It?

Whether you’re starting a whole-home or kitchen remodeling project, you must work with an experienced contractor. It’s among the best ways to avoid paint saponification. They know the right products to use and how to apply them properly. 

Unfortunately, you can’t stop saponification once it occurs on your walls. Your contractor would have to scrape the paint film from the wall. They will clean the area, ensuring there is no residue left behind. Then, they will wait for the surface to completely dry and properly prepare it before applying new alkali-resistant paint.

Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!

Visit us at reliablerem.com, and like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!