Crocodiling/Aligating Patterned cracking in the surface of the paint film resembling the regular scales of a crocodile or aligator. Possible causes: Application of an extremely hard, rigid coating, like a solvent-based enamel, over a more flexible coating, like a water-based primer. Application of a top coat before the undercoat is dry. Natural aging of solvent-based paints as temperatures fluctuate. The constant expansion and contraction results in a loss of paint film elasticity. Remedy: Old paint should be completely removed by scrapping and sanding the surface; a heat gun can be used to speed work on large surfaces, but take care to avoid igniting paint or substrates. The surface should be primed with high quality water-based or solvent-based primer, then painted with two coats of a top quality exterior water-based paint.