Surfactant leaching occurs when the concentration of water-soluble paint ingredients called "surfactants" surface after using latex paint. It may look like a tan, brown, or clear spots or paint streaks and can sometimes feel glossy, soapy, oily, or sticky.

Surfactant leaching generally stems from a few common causes.

First, it's important to note that latex paints contain surfactants designed to make applying them possible. All latex paints may exhibit this tendency to some extent if used in areas where moisture (rain, dew, showers, laundry rooms, etc.) comes in contact with uncured latex paint.

Another cause is cooler temperatures, which will retard the paint's curing process, allowing surfactants to separate out and float to the top of the coating.

Lastly, it's possible that moisture accumulates on fresh latex paint, which also retards the paint's drying. This moisture may extract and concentrate different water-soluble materials from within the paint onto the paint surface. When the water evaporates, a concentrated residue is left behind, causing staining, unsightly runs, and gloss patterns.

Determining how to fix surfactant leaching depends on the location of the surface where it occurred. If inside, wash the affected area with soap and water, and rinse. The discoloration may occur once or twice again before the surfactant is completely removed. When the paint is applied in a bathroom, it should dry thoroughly before using the bath or shower. Remove as much staining as possible before repainting.

If you have observed the leaching on a surface outside, apply paint to all surfaces during weather conditions that allow proper curing of the paint film. When surfactant leaching occurs, flush with clean water immediately, before the stains have sufficient time to set up or harden. Light scrubbing with a soft brush is acceptable. If stains cannot be removed in this manner, then repainting will be necessary during more favorable weather conditions.

In many minor cases, exterior surfactants will wash off with normal weathering.

Be sure to visit our lead information page for tips on staying safe during restoration projects requiring preparation prior to paint application.