Why does my paint form bubbles when I paint? What you need to know

Most people assume that painting is one of the easiest DIY jobs there is, but if you’re looking at your work and wondering, “Why is my paint bubbling?” you may be facing a familiar problem that many have faced in the past.

Of course, if you have a Idea for painting in mind, you probably don’t want anything to get in the way. But there are so many Paint problems out there, and they all make paint a room extremely difficult – especially if you notice the telltale signs of bubbles as you paint. And if you’ve ever tried to ignore blistering, you know that it can leave stains and imperfections on your walls for years to come.

That’s why you need to understand why your paint bubbles when you paint and what to do about it. That’s why we talked to painting professionals to get the information you need.

(Image credit: Getty Images/FreshSplash)

While it’s important to know how to fix blistering in paint, you first need to understand why it occurs. The main causes are moisture and lack of care.

Michael Rolland, paint expert and managing director at The Color Shedexplains: “Blistering can occur for a variety of reasons. In some cases, it is due to moisture collecting in pockets beneath the paint surface, and in other cases, it can happen when a surface has not been properly prepared or primed prior to painting.”

Of course, it can also be a combination of both, as poor technology paired with Moisture penetrates through walls can cause instant blistering when you hold your brush to the wall, but there are things you can do to fix this.

How to fix blistering in paint

1. Prime and prepare the wall before painting

One thing that many people forget before they unpack their brushes and rollers is that Clean and prepare the walls before painting. This is an essential step that can make or break your painting efforts and can ultimately result in bubbles forming while painting if you are not careful.

Michael says: “This involves cleaning them thoroughly to remove dirt, grease and dust. Then priming them with a primer suitable for the surface you are working on. Using a primer not only gives a professional finish that lasts longer, it also prevents blistering by improving paint adhesion.”

Of course, it’s worth buying a quality primer for this job. But don’t worry if you don’t have sugar soap to clean your walls before painting – you can just use dish soap instead.

A ladder with paint cans

(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)

2. Use a dehumidifier to combat moisture

You can assume that the best dehumidifiers are used to Prevent mold or Drying clothes if you don’t have a tumble dryerbut they can also help combat the moisture that hampers your painting efforts.

This is especially true if you have limited time (or patience) to wait for each coat to dry, or if you’re painting a room that typically has a lot of moisture—such as a bathroom or kitchen.

Michael agrees, saying, “You need to take care of any moisture issues in the area you are working in. If you are working in a damp or humid room, blistering may occur more frequently. To prevent this, use a dehumidifier when painting to reduce the humidity.”

He also adds: “Always make sure the area is dry before painting and do not expose it to moisture until the surface paint is completely dry.”

3. Use different tools

In addition to too much moisture and a hasty painting job, the use of certain tools can also cause bubbles to form while painting. This is especially common if you are using a paint roller.

Emma Bestley, Creative Director and co-founder of YesColorsexplains: “When working with a foam roller, air bubbles often form on the surface. This is a natural process. It is the air in the foam that is transferred to your surface.”

In many cases, this should only be a temporary reaction. Emma advises: “Let the air bubbles dry naturally (no drafts or wind in the room) and they will disappear completely once they dry.” However, if the bubbles don’t go away, there is something you can do.

“Another tip is to use a dry, unloaded roller to smooth over the paint a few minutes after applying the paint. This usually gives an even coat and reduces the orange peel effect,” adds Emma.

Brushes in glass jars

(Image credit: Getty Images)

4. Refine your painting technique

Another reason your paint may bubble as you paint is because your technique isn’t quite right. However, it’s incredibly easy to refine your painting technique – as long as you have a little patience.

Michael recommends, “When painting, always apply thin coats and allow each coat to dry properly before applying the next. If the paint is applied in thick coats and not allowed to dry sufficiently, paint bubbles can set in and cause the blistering you are trying to avoid.”

Therefore, always check the drying time of the paint you are using, as drying times often range from 4 to 24 hours, depending on whether it is chalk paint, watercolour or oil paint.

What you need

Yellow sugar soap 500ml on white background

The white-violet Pro Breeze 1500ml mini dehumidifier

Pro Breeze 1500ml Mini Dehumidifier

Lick White Multi-Surface Primer & Base Coat

A quality primer can make the difference between whether or not your paint bubbles when you paint, so make sure you use it.

FAQ

Why do bubbles form during the second coat?

If your paint bubbles on the second coat, it means that the first and second coats are not bonding together or creating the adhesion they need to provide a solid coverage of your walls. This is generally due to excess moisture in the area.

In some cases, you may simply need to let the first coat sit longer to ensure it is dry enough for the second coat. In extreme cases, damp and wet conditions can affect the wall itself. Although you can use a dehumidifier to help you, you will ultimately need to address these moisture issues if you want even coverage.

Does blistering in the paint mean there is a leak?

Possibly yes. Blistering paint is a sure sign of moisture, and it may be that a leak in your home is the cause. For this reason, it’s best to inspect your home and the area around the blistering paint to look for other signs of water damage. If you spot them – or are simply unsure – call a plumber as soon as possible.

However, it’s important to note that blistering paint isn’t always a sign that there’s a leak. It may simply mean there’s too much moisture in the room you’re trying to paint, which is common in kitchens and bathrooms.

If you suspect that excessive humidity is the cause, open the windows in your home and use a dehumidifier if possible.

Now that you know why bubbles appear when painting, you can focus on fixing the problem…

topicnews · September 5, 2024

Why does my paint form bubbles when I paint? What you need to know

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