Back
SURFACTANT LEACHING
Concentration of water-soluble ingredients (evident as tan or brown streaks or spots and can sometimes be glossy, soapy or sticky) on the surface of a latex paint that can occur on the interior and exterior applications. For the interior, they typically occur on walls and ceiling surfaces in rooms that have high humidity (e.g., shower, bathroom, and kitchen). For the exterior, they occur on a freshly painted surface to mist, dew, rain, fog or other moisture exposure.
Causes
- All latex paint formulas will exhibit this tendency to some extent if applied in areas that repeatedly become humid (bathrooms, for example), especially in ceiling areas.
- Painting in cool, humid conditions, or just before or after rain. The longer drying time caused by these conditions allows the paint’s water-soluble ingredients to rise to the surface before the paint thoroughly dries.
Solutions
- Avoid painting when temperatures are below 50º F in the late afternoon and if cool, damp conditions are expected in the evening or overnight.
- If the surfactant leaching occurs in the first few days after the paint is applied, the blotches or stains can usually be rinsed off with a strong stream of water from a garden hose. A month of normal weathering will remove even stubborn cases of leaching. Surfactant leaching does not affect the ultimate durability of the coating.
- Never apply another coat of paint on any painted surface that exhibits surfactant leaching.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
READY TO GET STARTED?
CONTACT A BEHR PRO® REP
Your reputation depends on your ability to do the job right. BEHR can help.
Find a rep
JOIN THE HOME DEPOT® PRO XTRA LOYALTY PROGRAM
Save up to 20% OFF
BEHR® Paints, Stains & Primers.
S480-5
Sold Exclusively at The Home Depot
Sold Exclusively at The Home
Depot
6 Gallons
OLD SUBTOTAL
5 Gallon Bucket + 1 Gallon Can
NEW SUBTOTALS480-5
Sold Exclusively at The Home Depot
About Interior Paint Sheens
Get the look you want and the protection you need for any room in your home.
A flat sheen has a non-reflective finish that touches up well and hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls and ceilings
Ceilings
Medium-Low
A matte sheen has a low-luster, reflective finish that is durable, easy to clean, touches up well and also hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls
Family rooms, living rooms, kids' rooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, ceilings
Medium
An eggshell enamel sheen has a soft, velvety appearance that resists dirt and grime, as well as mildew.
Moderate-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, dining rooms
Medium
A satin enamel sheen has a pearl-like finish that's easy to clean.
All interior surfaces; moderate- to high-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant resisting mildew, moisture and wear.
Cabinets and trim; high-traffic, high-moisture areas
Kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheens provide have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
High
About Exterior Paint Sheens
Set the right curb appeal with exterior painting efforts that last.
A flat sheen is non-reflective, and easy to apply and touch up. It will minimize the appearance of minor surface imperfections.
Wood and vinyl walls and siding; brick and other masonry; fences
Medium-Low
A satin enamel sheen creates a pearl-like finish that's durable and dirt-resistant. It will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Virtually all exterior surfaces
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant with a hard, durable finish. It is formulated to withstand wear, and will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Doors, trim and shutters; Exterior furniture
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheen have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
High
- Free Same-Day, Next-Day Delivery*
- Call, Text, or Email Your Paint Order
- Will Call & Schedule Deliveries
- Custom Color Matching
- Product & Record Order Management
- Expert Paint Knowledge
- Save up to 20% off BEHR® Paints, Stains, & Primers when you join Home Depot's Pro Xtra™ loyalty program
- Call, Text or E-mail your orders to your dedicated BEHR PRO Paint Specialist
- Arrange will call & Schedule Deliveries for pick-up at your Home Depot location or for delivery to you
