Latex paint can bubble if it is not applied correctly.
You just finished painting your wall and thought the job was done, only to discover tiny bubbles marring the surface of your wall. This is a common problem and there are a few different reasons for it to occur. Prevent having to re-do your walls by following a few steps before you begin painting.
Wet Surfaces
If the surface beneath the latex paint is wet, even only slightly, this will disturb the adhesion process of the paint, which will cause small bubbles to form where the paint cannot adhere. If you wash a wall before you paint it, you must allow the surface more than enough time to dry thoroughly. Even if it appears dry, touch the surface. If it feels damp, keep waiting. You can speed up the drying process by aiming fans at the wall.
Mixing Paint Types
Mixing paint types as well as the kind of finish of the paint also will cause small bubbles to appear. For example, if you previously used an oil-based paint on the wall, and now are trying to use a water-based paint without primer in between, it will not adhere properly. Likewise, if you used a semi-gloss paint before, and you are using a semi-gloss paint again without preparing the surface, the paint simply cannot stick to the wall.
High Humidity Levels
High humidity levels within your home also can affect how well paint adheres to the wall. Never paint on a rainy day, or when there is excess moisture in the air. A few days before you plan to paint a room, install a portable dehumidifier and let it take the moisture out of the air. Place a hygrometer in the room. If the levels are above 40 to 50%, do not paint on that day.
Application Techniques
How well you apply the paint is another reason that bubbles can occur in the surface. Rolling on paint too quickly or going in opposite directions with a roller will cause bubbling. Always work slowly and skim the roller over the wall. Properly loading the roller also will help prevent bubbles. Put latex paint in a bucket and use a paint screen to help you squeeze excess paint off of the roller before using it on the wall.
Related posts
Understanding the ins and outs of remodeling can be an important weapon in your home improvement arsenal. Simple things, such as knowing tell the difference between oil and latex paint, can help s...
Cracked paint can be caused by environmental conditions or human error.A number of things can cause indoor paint to crack. Unless you want to live with the cracks, you need to do some detective wo...
Prepare your walls properly before painting.Preparing your walls before painting is an important step in order to get the professional-looking finish you want. Different sheens of paint, such as f...
Tell if Paint is Oil Based or Water Based- Latex AcrylicBeing able to determine if a paint is oil base can be important. Especially if you plan on painting over it. Here is an easy, inexpensive wa...
Before painting over trim, determine whether the existing paint is oil-based or latex.Oil-based and latex are the two most commonly used types of paint in the home, and before you repaint any trim...
