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Close up image of a surface with reddish-brown stains.

NAIL HEAD RUSTING - EXTERIOR

Reddish-brown stains on the paint surface.

Causes

  • Non-galvanized iron nails have begun to rust, causing bleed-through to the top coat.
  • Non-galvanized iron nails have not been countersunk and filled over.
  • Galvanized nail heads have begun to rust after sanding or excessive weathering.

Solutions

  • When painting new exterior construction where non-galvanized nails have been used, it is advisable to first countersink the nail heads, then prime with a rust-inhibitive primer, and caulk them with a top-quality, water-based all-acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk.
  • Each nailhead area should be spot-primed, then painted with high-quality exterior paint. When repainting where nailhead rusting has occurred, remove rust stains, sand the nail heads, then follow the same surface preparation procedures as for new construction.

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8 Oz. Sample
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5 Gallon
The following product(s) is required to properly prep and pre-treat wood prior to any stain project.
Required product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
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The following product(s) is required to properly prep and pre-treat wood prior to any stain project. Only available in store at Home Depot.
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BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
The 9 in. x 1/4 in. Polyester Adhesive Roller Cover has a hard texture, making it ideal for applying all types of adhesives to smooth surfaces. It can be used for stippling and applying sand paints.
The following product(s) is recommended when stripping is needed.
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