Data on the types and applications of exterior paints used in the United States are reviewed from the perspective of potential damage by air pollution or acidic deposition. Although both new construction and maintenance painting are economically important, the more difficult conditions involved in painting over existing finishes make this an important class for research. The most important mode of paint failure appears to be peeling, which in its various manifestations accounts for about half of residential paint problems. Such problems often occur within two to three years after painting. Although chalking and erosion have been observed, their roles in decisions to repaint are less apparent. Paints containing acid-sensitive components may be found in today's retail market at all price ranges, especially oil-based glossy paints. The report recommends that selections of coatings and substrates for acid deposition research should include both those combinations that are widely used (latex over wood and over previous paint) and that are sensitive to acid deposition (paints containing CaCO3; alkyd over steel).

Caption title. Distributed to depository libraries in microfiche. "April 1989." "EPA/600/3-89/040." Microfiche.