Paint alligator cracking — Zaandam, North Holland

Alligator cracking (also called crocodile cracking or checking) is a pattern of deep, interconnected cracks in paint that resembles reptile scales. Unlike fine surface cracking, alligator cracking penetrates through multiple paint layers, indicating a fundamental adhesion failure. Common causes include painting over uncured or incompatible layers, applying paint in extreme heat or cold, or decades of UV degradation without maintenance. Fixing alligator cracking requires scraping and sanding down to bare wood or a stable substrate, priming, and repainting — simply painting over it will repeat the failure within months. A professional painter can assess whether the issue is localized or the entire surface needs stripping.