Nailhead Rusting

Reddish-brown stains on the paint surface.

Possible Cause:

• Non-galvanized nails have begun to rust, causing bleed-through to the top coat.

• Non-galvanized nails have not been countersunk and filled over.

• Galvanized nailheads have begun to rust after sanding or excessive weathering.

Solution:

When painting new exterior construction where non-galvanized nails have been used, it is advisable to first countersink the nailheads, then caulk them with a top quality, water-based all-acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk. Each nailhead area should be spot-primed with a quality latex house paint. When repainting exteriors where nailhead rusting has occurred, wash off the rust stains, sand the nailheads, then follow the same surface preparation procedure as for new construction.