A rough, crinkled surface can usually be traced to painting in less than perfect weather conditions.

Causes:

• The surface being painted, or the weather itself, was too hot.

• A freshly painted latex surface was exposed to rain, dew, fog, or other high humidity levels before it could dry.

• A top coat was applied before the undercoat was fully dry.

• A solvent-based paint was applied too thickly.

• Paint was applied over a dirty, waxy, or otherwise contaminated surface.

What to do:

• Remove all old paint by scraping and sanding. Once you are down to the bare wood (or other substrate), prime and then top with two coats of exterior latex paint.