What damage can lichen removal cause that resembles another type of damage?

Lichen removal can lead to blistering on surfaces, particularly when done improperly. This occurs because lichen often adheres tightly to a substrate, and the removal process can involve scraping, chemicals, or pressure washing, which might disturb the underlying material. If the removal method is too aggressive or if the substrate is not suitable for such treatment, it can cause blisters. These blisters form because of trapped moisture that expands and disrupts the surface layer, resulting in a raised area resembling damage caused by other factors, such as moisture intrusion or poor adhesion of paint.

While cracking, peeling, and fading are also potential issues associated with various forms of surface treatment, they do not typically arise directly from the lichen removal process in the same way that blistering does. Cracking tends to be a result of substrate stress or temperature changes, peeling is frequently associated with failed finishes or paint, and fading usually pertains to the degradation of color in materials exposed to sunlight. Hence, blistering is the most directly related damage that results from improper lichen removal and can easily be mistaken for other forms of damage, making it the correct answer.