Newly appeared cracks in paint??

[mandymog]

Hiya,
I've searched everywhere for an answer to this but can't find one!!
Thanks in advance if you can help,
Egg shell type cracks have appeared behind the door in our lounge, it's in the paint on top of lining paper. There has definitely been a few coats on before we painted it 3 years ago.
I can only see explanations for cracks on freshly painted walls, but these were painted 3 years ago and the cracks have just appeared.
Any idea what could cause this?

 

[TheDec]

Mandy.

What you describe is often termed as crazing, however 3 years is a long time and this would normally show itself much earlier.

It is possible that this has been going on for sometime and only now started to breakthrough your finish paint, it is a sign that your topcoat is unhappy with what is beneath it.

If I were you I would sand the affected area, dust off and apply an oil based undercoat before you repaint.

Dec.

 

[sparkwright]

Possibly some old wallpaper paste or grease that has been creeping through.

Or a dollop of paint that was never brushed out properly.

Is this an interior or exterior wall?