Paint bubbling on the wall can be caused by moisture, dirty or oily surfaces, painting over wet surfaces, heat, and poor surface preparation. To solve the problem, let the paint dry completely, scrape off the bubbles, sand the area, clean the surface, priming, and repaint.
The purpose of this guide is to walk you through the common culprits of bubbles on the wall when painting and the detailed solutions you can try to fix this issue. Start reading and get ready to see your walls neatly painted again!
Why Does Paint Bubble On A Wall? 5 Top Causes
Moisture, dirty or oily surfaces, painting over wet surfaces, heat, and poor surface preparation can lead to the bubbling of paint on walls. Understand the reasons in the list below; after all, painting a home is not only about choosing the best house paint colors!
- Moisture: Water from leaks, humidity, or damp walls can make the paint bubble.
- Dirty Or Oily Surfaces: Dirt or grease can prevent the paint from adhering well if the wall wasn't cleaned before painting.
- Painting Over Wet Surfaces: Painting before the previous coat or primer is fully dry can cause bubbling.
- Heat: Painting in direct sunlight or very hot conditions can make the paint dry too fast and bubble.
- Poor Preparation: Skipping steps like sanding or priming can lead to bubbles because the paint does not stick properly.
If your paint is blistering on the wall, it is most likely due to one of the reasons mentioned above. Knowing the causes is the first step; now, continue reading to learn the alternative ways to solve this unpleasant issue before the paint starts peeling off the wall.
How To Get Rid Of Air Bubbles On Painted Walls? 6 Basic Steps
To get rid of air bubbles on painted walls and ceilings, you must let the paint dry completely, scrape off the bubbles, sand the area, clean the surface, prime, and repaint. Read the detailed steps below!
- Wait for the paint to dry and see if the bubbles settle. Sometimes, they disappear on their own as the paint dries.
- Once the paint is dry, gently use a putty knife or scraper to remove the bubbled areas.
- Smooth the surface by sanding the scraped spots with fine-grit sandpaper so the wall is even.
- Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt before repainting.
- If the issue was caused by a poor surface, applying a primer can help the new paint stick better.
- After the surface is smooth and clean, repaint the area with a new coat of paint.
Whether paint bubbles on the ceiling or the walls of your home, the final look will not be pleasant if you do not address the issue properly. Call eHARDHAT's painters to help you achieve smooth walls without bubbling paint.