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Factory Built Housing Painters Handbook: Chapter 6
Best Practices for Factory Built Housing
During the 20+ years while working with our partners in the Factory Built Housing (FBH) industry, we’ve received occasional comments or complaints regarding poor uniformity of applied texture. These comments are most often directed to the following areas: banding of wall and ceiling mudded joints, and shadowing and/or streaking. Here you will learn more about these conditions, and best practices for tape and texture processes. See All Chapters View Chapter 7: Smooth Wall Processes
Banding and Shadowing
Identify the Source of the Problem
Banding and shadowing/streaking are conditions that are most evident following paint application, and are often mistaken as paint problems. In many cases, these issues are the result of the tape and texture processes. To identify the source of the problem, apply an additional coat of paint. If the issue remains, most likely it is due to a flaw in the mud/texture process, and not an issue with the performance of the paint. See All Textured Products
Defined
Banding
When mudded joints and seams are highlighted and stand out, this is referred to as “banding.” The joints and seams appear darker or shadowed, and can be more pronounced when viewed from an angle. Banding occurs most frequently and is most noticeable on ceilings, due to the ceiling’s large surface area. View All Interior Paints
Common Cause
Banding is most often the result of the surface reaction between “hot mud” and texture. As it cures, hot mud consumes moisture. Conventional joint compound materials (including texture) and paint expel moisture during the curing process. This creates a condition during the curing process in which the hot mud consumes moisture from the texture and paint. As a result, the texture material fractures and appears rougher than the texture applied to the surrounding smooth field of the drywall. Banding is almost guaranteed to occur in a closed, humid curing environment in which the temperature is below 50°F (10°C) for either the ambient or surface temperature, or both. Explore All Exterior Paints
The Best Practice Solution
Allow “hot mud” to cure as quickly as possible. This can be achieved by exposing the hot mudded area to heat and air movement, preferably dry air. Application of a quality primer-sealer after the mudding and before applying the texture reduces the potential for banding. This process allows any uncured hot mud to consume moisture from the primer, not from the texture. The primer will help to provide a more uniform base, allowing the texture to cure more evenly. A “kiss” coat (fog coat) over the mudded area alone, will help to unify the field with the mud. Since texture lays down differently on smooth surfaces versus rough surfaces, providing a more uniform primed surface from field to joint areas also reduces the potential for any noticeable variation in texture. If you have questions about applying a fog coat, contact your PPG FBH representative. Explore More Pro Painting Tips
Shadowing and Streaking
Like banding, shadows and streaks are more obvious when viewed from an angle. Most often, problem areas include stripes down nail rows, marriage lines/close-up issues, and drywall paper that has been “furred” as a result of sanding. See All Paint Colors
Common Causes
Shadowing and streaking most often occur as a result of over-atomization of the texture. When texture machines run at high psi, excess grit accumulates in the finish. Many plants run texture units “wide open,” with pressure settings at 100 psi. Sanding of the drywall’s paper field often causes the paper to “fur up.” When texture and paint are applied, these “furred up” areas take on a distinctly different texture from the surrounding surface. Inconsistent texture materials are sometimes the culprits. Texture materials may vary in quality and age of the material. When two different qualities of material are applied to the same finish, or when old material is applied in the same area as new material, the variation becomes apparent when the material cures. Inadequate equipment can also contribute to shadowing and streaking problems, when used for repair and during close-up. See the TEXSPRAY RTX 1500 Texture Sprayer
Prior to work each day, establish a grit-free job standard on a separate piece of board. The “hand test” is a good indicator for properly applied texture. The cured texture should not hurt the back of your hand when you swipe your hand across the surface.
CAUTION: Avoid breathing sanding or grinding dust, as they may be harmful if inhaled. See All Abrasive Supplies
Wet Sanding Alternative
Many professional painters favor the wet sanding method. The term is misleading because it involves no sanding. Instead, a wet sponge or rage is applied to drywall compound to create a smooth surface. Paint application and finish are greatly improved in dust-free work environments. View All Joint Compounds
Advantages
Wet Sanding
No dust is produced, eliminating the need for a dust collector or respirator.
Little cleanup is required for both floors and walls.
Wallboard face paper is not scuffed during sanding.
Joints that are wet-sanded are easier to conceal with paint than joints that are conventionally sanded.
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Method
Apply an even, thin coat of compound as smoothly as possible to minimize sanding. The best material to use is a high-density, small-celled polyurethane sponge. This type of sponge resembles high-quality carpet padding. For minor touch-up, a general-purpose sponge or smooth, soft cloth will work.
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