What Causes Paint to Bubble and How Is It Fixed?

Bubbles in your paint job will detract from the appearance of your home and make the application take longer, as you’ll need to remove the damaged paint, prepare the surface, and reapply. Understanding the underlying issues that can lead to this paint problem is the best way to avoid it from happening again. In this guide, we’ll discuss what causes paint to bubble so you can get a clean, professional look in your home and cut down the project timeline.

1. Moisture

Moisture on your walls prevents good adhesion to the surface, so trapped moisture can quickly cause paint to bubble. This can happen if the bare drywall is wet from plumbing leaks or high humidity while you’re painting, but you can also see bubbles if you apply a second coat before the first is completely dry.

2. Surface Contamination

Dirt and grime can also prevent paint from adhering to your surface and lead to bubbling. If you’re painting over dirty walls, stains, or minor mold growth, you should clean the surface and allow it to dry completely before getting started.

3. Extreme Temperatures

The binders in paint work best in temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so painting outside of that range can result in poor adhesion and bubbling. Colder temperatures promote moisture on the surface, and hotter temperatures cause the paint to dry too quickly. In both cases, you get poor adhesion that can result in bubbling.

4. Poor Paint Quality

Going with a more affordable paint is always tempting, but they can contain fewer binders that make it harder to get a smooth application. Opt for a high-quality paint for the best results and the lowest risk of paint bubbles. The cost to paint the interior of your home will be slightly higher, but it’s worth the investment.

5. Painting Over Damaged Paint Layers

If you’re repainting a previously finished wall, failing to sand down imperfections like chips, cracks, and bubbles in the old paint will result in the same issues in your new coat. Consider hiring a painter if you have extensive or tricky prep work ahead of you.

6. Poor Adhesion

If you paint clean walls in proper conditions and still see bubbling, you might just need to apply a coat of primer first. Primer adheres better to walls and prevents your paint from soaking into the material, leading to poor adhesion. If you’re painting bare drywall or wood, a coat of primer will reduce the risk of bubbles forming.

7. Using the Wrong Tools

Air trapped inside or behind your paint will quickly make its way to the surface and cause bubbling. This is a common issue when using a roller that’s too thick for the material you’re painting. Choose a short or medium nap roller for drywall and other smooth surfaces, like when you’re painting walls, ceilings, and trim, and reserve the long nap rollers for textured material, like concrete, brick, and plaster.

8. Using the Wrong Paint

The type of paint you choose will impact the final results. For example, oil paint hardens and won’t flex with materials that expand and contract with changes in moisture, so avoid using it on drywall and wood. Additionally, using flexible paint like latex over hardened oil paint can lead to air bubbles and poor adhesion.

How Do You Fix Bubbling Paint?

Fixing bubbling paint requires you to remove paint from the damaged areas using a putty knife and high-grit sandpaper. You’ll then need to prep the surface properly and repaint once the material is completely dry. Make sure you apply the new coat in proper moisture and temperature conditions, and always dry the surface before you start.

If you continue seeing bubbling, you may need to sand down the problem areas, apply a coat of primer, and then apply your paint. This will increase the cost to paint your room, but you’ll have fewer issues down the road.

How Do You Prevent Paint From Bubbling?

It’s easier and less time-consuming to avoid paint bubbles in the first place than it is to fix them once they’ve formed. You can do a few things to prevent your paint from bubbling.

• Clean the surface well. Dirt and grime will prevent your paint from adhering properly. Clean dirty or high-touch areas well before you apply your paint.

• Make sure your surface is dry. Moisture will also prevent your paint from sticking, so let your walls dry completely after cleaning and between coats to avoid bubbling. Patience is key.

• Paint in the right conditions. Check the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for temperature and humidity and aim for the middle of both ranges for the best results.

• Use high-quality paint. High-quality paint is a bit more expensive, but it has a higher concentration of binders that will help it adhere better and avoid bubbles.

• Use the right tools for the job. Choose your roller based on your surface. Use a long nap roller only on textured surfaces, and stick with a short or medium nap for drywall and wood.

• Mix your paint slowly. Mixing paint too vigorously can introduce air bubbles that will leave imperfections on your wall.

• Hire a professional. When in doubt, hire a local interior painting company to get the job done. They’ll use the proper tools and techniques to avoid bubbles and other imperfections. It may cost you more up front, but you’ll also avoid the cost of paint removal.