During the task of painting drywall or plaster sometimes inconveniences arise. It can be frustrating to find an explanation and they surely complicate the job. Theyusually appear as a consequence of poor surface preparation or incorrect paint application.

Let’s answer some of the most common questions we might come across during the painting work or immediately after the paint dries:

Why are there bubbles left as the roller passes?

In textured walls this is not a problem, but in smooth walls this can cause the surface to have a quite perfect finish. An option for this problem is to use a short nap roller, precisely because the long hair and sponge are causing these bubbles.

Why does paint drips or runs down the wall?

This happens because the paint is too thin. Generally the material or paint comesready to use, but in the event that the wall has a lot of absorption it is necessary to add only a little water, evidently in the case of water-based paints.

Why is paint covering the wall poorly?

Poor coverage is caused by applying the wrong number of coats of paint. The above case can be another cause, the paint is too diluted. An additional reason may be that you are not charging the roller with enough paint, so it often happens that you are applying consecutive hands without fully covering the previous color. Do not attempt the paint to render wider surfaces than what it is intended for and respect the drying time between coats. Sometimes this problem combines with prominent streaks in the paint caused by paint buildup on roller edges during application

Why does paint cracks as it dries?

If you just painted and once the paint is dry it cracks, it means that for some reason the material or paint has not been properly attached to the wall. The loss of adhesion is caused by improper surface preparation and the possible presence of grease, oil, glue. To solve the problem the entire surface should be left to dry, remove the paint by scraping and sanding and eliminate what is causing the problem with soap and water, rinse to dry. Then apply a coat of matt syntheticpaint, and once it is dry, repaint.

Why does paint stick out from the roller immediately as it passes?

Usually this happens when there is some kind of moisture and salt on the wall. Thearea can be painted with a brush instead of a roller, to avoid the problem, but surely the paint won’t last long. This is a major problem. Check advice for moisture on walls.

Why does spots appear once already painted?

Sometimes stains that we thought the paint would cover come out again, these stains are generally smoke, soot or any other substance that dissolves in the solvent of paint, becoming visible once the paint dries. Also they appear when the wall was not properly primed before painting To solve the problem, remove what causes the stain. If you have already done so, try applying a coat of faux paintmatte finish (or synthetic enamel) and once it dries continue with the usual paint.

Why is the brush leaving marks?

Prominent brush marks are caused by poor application technique. If you notice thatas the brush is passing, it leaves lines of paint in the wall, make sure you areloading the brush properly. This means, dip 1/3 to 1/2 of the bristle length into the paint, and then taps the brush against the inside of the paint container to remove the excess paint. And consider paint should always be applied with the broad side of the brush, not the edge.

Use a soft bristle brush in good condition. It should be pre-wetted with water if a latex paint is being used, or mineral spirits for an oil base paint. The excess liquid should then be removed, leaving the brush damp but not wet. 

Why is the roller leaving marks when using satin or gloss paint?

As the area is being covered, paint begins to dry quickly while in contact with the surface and air. So the work must be done as quickly as possible trying to avoid going back to a painted sector. It is better to paint one wall at a time.

Why paint blisters?

When the paint blisters appear, the main cause is moisture on the wall. Although it can be only a small area and it does not endanger the structure of the wall, moisture can cause the paint to surface blow and blisters to appear. To fix this problem clean the area thoroughly with TSP, then allow the surface to dry completely. To fix it you need to apply stain blocker or oil-based undercoat over the stain and allow the stain blocker or undercoat to dry, then recoat with spare topcoat

How can I remove drips?

Drips are caused usually by overloading the brush during application. They may look unsightly but can be easily removed; you just need to use a scraper to scrapeback the paint drips. Then sand the area for a smooth finish and repaint.

Why is the final finish gritty?

Poor preparation or impurities introduced into the paint during application can cause rough or gritty finishes. Before starting a painting project always decant paint into a kettle when using a brush, and stir and sieve old paint before you use it again.

Gritty finish can be easily remedied by using sandpaper to sand the area back and then clean down with a cloth to remove dust. Repaint the area with topcoat

Why does paint have a wrinkled appearance?

This effect is produced when painting coats too quickly, not allowing adequate drying time. It can also be caused by extremes of temperature while the paint is drying.

This problem requires stripping, sanding and repainting in order to get the desired finish. Strip paint completely using chemical stripper or a hot air gun; then down the area and repaint.