Wall Surface Issues That Can't Be Fixed By a Coat of Paint

Don't like the color of your walls or want to brighten up your living room? A simple layer of paint can change the look and feel of your space. However, some wall and surface issues require more than just a coat of paint and usually need a professional to fix. Keep reading for some of the most common paint problems that need more than a coat of paint.

Peeling paint

Most commonly built up moisture in either the interior or exterior of a home causes chipping or peeling paint. You will notice because the edges of the surface or cabinet will curl. This is common and not usually a huge deal, but if you want to fix, simply putting a layer of new paint on there will not be ideal. Homes with more humidity than others tend to find more paint peel than their counterparts. You can often discover peeling on the outside of a home due to leaks or any other types of damp surfaces causing the paint to curl. 

The best way to repair or prevent this situation is by having better ventilation inside and outside of the home. This can be solved by adding new vents and properly working exhaust fans. The best way to fix peeling paint is by first sanding the surface, cleaning it, and then priming your wall or cabinet before putting on a new layer of paint.

Cracking, clumping, or flaking

When first painting a surface, it is incredibly vital to prep the space properly. Cracking, clumping, and flaking usually occur because the paint was applied too thinly. If the painter put on too thick of a coat of paint, you can also have clumping after it has dried. Paint jobs that have been done too quickly and did not allow time between the next coat or layer of paint can also cause them. Cracking, in most cases, is due to the paint being old. As time goes on, paint simply gets brittle or has a tougher time keeping up with the temperatures in the climate, especially if it is humid or hot. 

The best way to fix a clumpy, cracked, or flaking surface is to remove any paint with a scraper, or sometimes something more serious like a chemical application, should the problem be very severe. Afterward, you'll need to sand the edges and then clean and prime the surface similar to how you handle peeling paint. To repaint, you will want to apply the brush or roller properly and not put paint application too heavy or too soft. 

Always opt for even application and not have a heavy build-up in any of the corners or overlaps. One of the most important tips to remember when applying paint is to paint to dry between coats thoroughly. 

Bubbling, or paint blisters

Areas with a lot of moisture or high temperatures tend to see paint bubbles and blisters. Sunlight is a primary culprit for these issues, especially on the exterior of homes. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms see more moisture then say the bedroom, so you may find that blistering or bubbling can happen on these surfaces more often than throughout the rest of the home. 

The best way to prevent and repair paint bubbles or blisters is to determine the cause of the issue. First, examine the backside of paint blisters to decide where the problem originated. If you find that your paint bubbles have lots of paint coats in them, then it's likely moisture that caused the bubbling; it's not necessarily a simple fix, but proper plumbing and ventilation can be a reason for the surface to have blistered. 

While inspecting your paint bubbles, if you can tell that it only has affected the most recent coat of paint, heat is your culprit. To repair, you will want to remove blisters and any paint currently on the surface, including the primer. Sand smooth the surface, always clean and prime afterward, and then apply your new paint. If your wall or exterior is regularly exposed to a temperature higher than 90 degrees, you will want to get a heat-specific paint so that you can protect it against the elements.

Proper prep, sanding, and cleaning of surfaces before painting are vital to preventing and repairing common paint issues. Additionally, allowing the coats to dry adequately in between new applications will save you from hours of work or ruined paint down the road. If ever in doubt, contact a professional painting company in your area and have them take a look at your paint to help you decide what will be the best solution to make your surfaces smooth and beautiful.

Mark's Painting offers residential and commercial painting for Tampa, Hillsborough, and Pinellas County. Exterior painting, including priming, sealing, plaster & drywall service, pressure washing. We paint interiors, including ceilings, walls, trim, baseboard, fireplaces, mantels, paneling, wainscoting, doors, and windows. We offer wallpaper removal, caulking, staining and varnishing, refinishing, texturing, specialty finishes, and more. We are licensed and insured. Call us at 813-295-7926.