Peeling is the spontaneous loss of ribbons or sheets of paint due to loss of adhesion. When the surface is coated with a primer and topcoat, or with several coats of paint, the peeling may involve all the coats, some of them, or just the topcoat.

Efflorescence is the formation of crusty, white salt deposits, leached from mortar or masonry as water passes through it.

Mould or mildew is the formation of brown, black or grey spots or blotches on the surface of paint or caulk due to the presence of fungi that feed on the paint film and other organic matter.

Blistering is the formation of bubbles resulting from localized loss of adhesion and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface.