Paint blistering means lifting the paint layer from the underlying surfaces. It is usually caused by moisture, heat, or even a compound of both. Without correction, it will lead to the peeling of paint.
Paint bubbling is another way to say paint blistering. Paint bubbling is an air pocket of fluid to gather dried paint. It will expand and develop into bubbles or blisters. After blistering, it breaks open and weakens the paint surface. In this article, we will discuss the blistering paint causes and solutions. You will know about the various reasons for paint crackings and answers to prevent it.
Causes of Blistering Paint
There are some reasons for paint blistering on your surface. We present some common causes that are given below;
Dirty Painting Surface:
Generally, filth, dust, and smudge occur on the dirty painting surface. It is difficult to stick fresh paint on the surface because of accumulating dust on the substrate. As a result, these accumulating dust or smudge lead to loosening paint particles and their adhesiveness.
The soiled areas lift from the surfaces to a certain extent while evaporating the new paint. It forms some unsightly bubbles around the filth spots.
Apply Paint over Damp or Wet Surface:
Apply Oil or Alkyd Based Paint over Damp or Wet Surface sometimes happens bubbling paint. Generally, dampness occurs for plumbing errors or moisture on the rooftop or basement. Usually, plaster absorbs both resins and pigments of paint.
As a result, moisture weakens the paint particles of a damp surface. Only milk and chalk paint can not resist water. These paints also will not bind properly. Lack of sticking between coats and walls can cause blistering. After that, moisture from the plaster unties the paint particles. So the paint surfaces become blistering.
Painting Surfaces Surrounded by Moisture:
Painting surfaces surrounded by moisture have occurred to excess wet or moisture on painting surfaces. Excessive moisture mainly happens for high humidity, plumbing problems or leaks, water droplets due to weather, etc.
Water-filled blistering on the paint surfaces originate from the substrate. This blistering problem is common for kitchens and bathrooms. Even the basement without a proper ventilation system increases humidity level on the surfaces.
Paint Surface Surrounded by Overheating:
Paint surface surrounded by overheating is common in living rooms, kitchens, and other spaces. Extreme heat mainly originates from direct sunlight. The heat from sunlight gathers in the room.
After the new painting job, the paint dries in a faster way than the average rate. As a result, the paint surface faces blistering underneath the surface.
Paint Surface by the Wrong Roller Cover:
The paint surface by the wrong roller cover is sometimes responsible for blistering paint. Usually, the roller cover and its nap length differ to provide suitable paint coverage. Using a short nap roller on the too rough surface brings paint blistering.
Paint Blistering Solutions
To get rid of the paint blistering problem on your surface, we also present some solutions according to some reasons that are mentioned before;
Select the correct paint:
It is essential to select the correct paint according to its situation and place. Generally, the moisture surface can not hold the paint properly.
Water loosens the oil or alkyd-based paint particles and its adhesiveness on the surface. Plastic enamel can tolerate high temperatures and moisture.
So, It is better to select plastic enamel paint for the kitchen and bathroom. It helps to reduce your paint surface blistering on your surface. We suggest Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams paint to use.
Clean the Surface:
Before painting your surface, clean the surface properly with some technique. You can use the scraping-and-patching technique to clean your surface.
Using sandpaper for removing dust on the rough surfaces. After removing dust, clean the surface with soapy water, and a sponge dampened. Let the surface dry with a rag.
Then use a putty knife to fill any cracks or holes in the substrate thinly. Let the filling materials dry overnight. Then apply paint with the primer properly. This technique prevents your paint from blistering in the future.
Apply Primer over Damp Surface:
Primer free paint does not help stick tightly paint on the surface. If you see that paint blisters on your paint surface, then eliminate all the blisters. You can use the scraping and patching technique.
- Clean your surface correctly.
- Before painting your surface, use a stain-blocking primer to the blistering spot on the surface. Either latex primer or oil-based, pick your matching type paint.
If you decide to use a new topcoat, then select the oil-based primer. Because it can resist moisture adequately. It is better to paint high-moisture space such as kitchens or bathrooms using an oil-based primer.
After applying the primer, just ensure that it dries thoroughly. Lastly, apply paint on your surface. Just remember that improper drying of primer with paint will become confined beneath the topcoat paint. As a result, it will lead to blistering.
Fix the Error Plumbing System:
It is essential to fix the error plumbing system in your structure. Faulty plumbing system damages your basement’ surfaces. It is one of the most responsible for the paint blistering on your paint surfaces.
You can solve this problem by pursuing some methods. Always inspect your central pipeline from the main tank and even sewerage system. Find out the leakage of the channel.
It weakens your plaster and lead paints blistering. Try to update your plumbing system yearly. It is also suitable for your basement to keep away from heavy moisture.
Select a Proper Roller Cover:
It is essential to select a proper roller cover to paint your surface correctly. If you notice that paint blistering on your surface is caused for using an incorrect roller cover, follow some steps to avoid such blistering conditions in the future:
- Wipe out the paint bubble.
- Clean your surface accurately.
- After cleansing, apply prime and paint on your surface with the proper roller cover.
The type of roller cover and its nap length differ to provide suitable paint coverage. It is essential to select a suitable roller cover according to your surface condition.
If you want to paint semi-smooth or smooth surfaces like plaster or untextured drywall, then enlist either a short nap roller cover (3/16- to ¼-inch nap for smooth or ⅜- to ½-inch for semi-smooth).
Usually, using a short nap roller cover for the too rough surface will lead to paint blistering. It is recommended for rough surfaces using a medium length nap roller cover (¾- to 1-inch). But it is better to use a long nap roller cover (1-¼- to 1-½-inch) for too rough surfaces like textured drywall.
Maintain paint mediums ratio:
It is crucial to maintain the paint mediums ratio properly. Because it ensures durability and adhesiveness of the paint. Improper paint mediums ratio can not stick on the surface tightly.
As a result, it leads to the paint blistering. A paint fluid additive enables your paint flowing smoothly across the surfaces. It helps to thin your paint to maintain a suitable consistency. It also makes cell effects.
For avoiding paint blistering, it is essential to mix your paint mediums with a perfect ratio. Firstly, mix mediums slowly into your paint to prevent bubbles.
Always follow the basic ratio guidelines to mix your mediums into the paint. Secondly, adjust the paint mixing with mediums until your mixture is thin enough to flow smoothly on the surface when you pour it.
For fluid acrylics: 1:2 medium to pour into paint; craft acrylics: 1:1 medium to pour into paint; medium body acrylics: 3:1 medium to pour into paint; heavy body acrylics: 6:1 medium to pour into the paint.
Apply the paint properly:
This stage is very crucial to apply the paint properly. It helps to avoid any paint blistering on your surface. Always try to reach the surface with similar paint materials.
Because least paint on the surface sometimes leads paint blistering on the surface. Choose the correct roller because it helps to apply paint on the surfaces.
Fixing Paint blistering on walls, cars, and woods:
It is a hassle for anyone to see their paint cracking on walls, cars, and woods.
Paint bubbling on the wall causes moisture or heat. Even the combination of heat and moisture is responsible for paint damage on the wall.
Sometimes painting on the surface without using the least primer brings less adhesiveness to the paint materials.
Even painting before cleaning on the surface is another responsible for the paint blistering. Paint over the dirty surfaces creates some pores and holes. As a result, paint can not stick on the wall tightly.
There are many reasons for blistering paint on a car. The automated car wash is one of the main responsible for paint damage on a vehicle. It damages the car’s paint layer and creates some pores.
Using abrasive or generic car wash products is another cause for blistering paint on a car. These products are acidic ingredients. It damages paint upper layer enamel. As a result, the car’s body can not tolerate extreme heat or moisture weather.
Paint blistering on wood has some reasons. It causes moisture on wood. Wood can not absorb moisture. As a result, the paint will not stick properly on the wood and creates blistering.
Sometimes, using a lack of spirit before varnishing is another responsible for paint blistering on the wood. Spirit helps to absorb water on the wood.
In summary, blistering paint on the surface is a common coating problem. It happens for several reasons. This article tries to present the common causes of paint blistering and also some solutions.
So, try to follow our given instructions step-by-step. Your blistering problems will vanish as early as possible if you follow our instructions.