How to fix the 5 most common painting problems
The experts at Dulux share their tips and tricks for getting rid of any eyesores on our walls
Image: Dulux
With warmer weather on the way, the long Bank Holiday weekend seems like the perfect time to get our homes fit for visitors. Nervous to tackle blemishes on your walls for fear of making them 10x worse? Dulux have got the solutions for some of the most common paint-related decorating dilemmas.
1. Blistering and flaking
If moisture has been trapped beneath the surface of the paint film, then blistering and flaking can occur. Similarly, applying paint on powdery surfaces where contamination of dirt, oil or grease is possible can also be a major cause.
Image: Dulux
To solve this, you’ll need to remove all loose material back to a firm edge, spot prime the area to ensure it’s clean, and then apply a recoat of your paint. However, if it’s a larger area, then it’s best to totally strip the surface back and start again.
2. Bleeding and Staining
A spot-like discolouration that’s reddish or yellowish in colour typically means you’ve got a stain bleeding through your paint. Essentially, there’s a soluble stain underneath the top-coat, and it’s contaminated your surface.
Image: Dulux
In order to get rid of the discolouration, you’ll need to redecorate – but sealing the original stain first is crucial to prevent it reappearing. Polycell One Coat Stain Stop will permanently prevent existing stains reappearing through your paint.
3. Powdery or chalky outdoor surfaces
After a few rainy months, it’s not surprising if you find that your exterior paint work is looking a little chalky. Weathering can cause the protective paint film to wear away, which can really impact its finish.
Image: Dulux
Brush the affected area down with a stiff bristle brush to remove as much powdery material as possible. Then, apply a coat of primer – such as Weathershield Exterior Stabilising Primer – before repainting in your chosen finish.
4. Shrivelling and wrinkling
When too much paint is used, or when a second coat of paint is applied before the first has dried, shrivelling can occur. This is because the surface of the paint has dried before the underneath layer – which leads to a skin forming.
In order to fix this, you’ll firstly need to allow several days or weeks for the paint to completely dry and harden. Once dry, rub the surface down using ‘wet and dry’ abrasive paper, and clean it with warm water and a little detergent. Then, rinse the surface with clean water and allow it to dry before repainting.
5. Foaming
Foaming happens when air gets into the wet paint film and creates air bubbles – which then burst and leave craters on the film surface. Using the right roller for your paint is the main way to avoid this happening. If it’s a water-based paint, then avoid sponge or foam!
To get rid of the bubbles, rub the surface down with ‘wet and dry’ abrasive paper, as well as water and a little detergent. Rinse the surface, allow it to dry, and then repaint.