Why Exterior Paint Chalks and Peels in the Arizona Sun

If you run your hand along your exterior wall and it comes back dusty, or you're seeing paint flake and peel, the Arizona sun is doing its work. Here's why it happens and how to slow it down.

Chalking: the sun breaking down the paint

That chalky residue is the binder in the paint breaking down under constant UV. Every exterior paint chalks eventually, but cheaper paints and dark colors on sun-blasted walls chalk faster. A light chalk is normal. Heavy chalk means it's time to wash and repaint.

Peeling: usually a prep or moisture problem

Peeling and flaking usually trace back to paint that didn't bond: painting over chalk or dirt, skipping primer on bare stucco, or moisture getting behind the coating. Once it starts, it spreads, so it's worth addressing before the next coat.

How to slow it down

• Repaint with a quality, UV-resistant exterior coating rated for our climate.
• Wash off chalk and let the surface dry before any new paint.
• Prime bare and repaired areas so the finish actually bonds.
• Lean toward lighter body colors on the sunniest elevations.

Seeing chalk or peeling on your house? We'll take a look and give you a straight answer during a free estimate.