Introduction
Are you tired of the unsightly paint bubbling on your interior walls? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Most homeowners have experienced this issue.
Paint bubbling or blistering is a painted surface defect caused by several reasons, such as the high substrate temperature, loss of adhesion between coats, excessive moisture content, and more (1).
Fortunately, with the proper preparation and application, it’s easy to prevent and fix this problem. Wade Paint Co. will show you how to keep your walls looking perfect.
Identifying the Causes of Paint Bubbling
You need to identify the cause of your paint bubbling before you can fix it. To do so, examine the wall; is there any water damage or moisture present? If so, this could be the culprit. Look for any signs of dripping or running water down the walls. It could also be due to a leaky pipe in an adjacent room that is causing moist air to get into your walls and cause bubbling.
Another common cause of paint bubbling is poor preparation before painting. This includes not sanding the wall smooth enough and not priming correctly. If you didn’t use a primer when you painted, then it’s likely that dampness from underneath caused your paint to bubble up later on. Make sure you thoroughly clean and prepare your walls before applying any paint.
Sometimes, poor-quality paints are also responsible for this issue; if you used a cheap paint brand with low-grade ingredients, it may have been unable to bond properly with the wall surface and caused bubbling. Replacing the old coat of paint with a better quality one will solve your problem quickly and easily.
Preparing the Surface for Painting
Before you start painting, preparing the surface is essential to avoid any issues. Sand down rough areas and fill in cracks or holes with spackle. You may also need a primer if the wall has been exposed to moisture or if you’re painting over a dark color.
Clean the surface of dirt and dust using a dry cloth. Ensure to rinse any residue left behind from cleaning products with clear water after wiping down the wall. If you’ve recently stripped wallpaper, sand down the area for better adhesion to your new paint job. After sanding, wipe away all debris and let the area completely dry before applying a coat of paint.
Once everything is ready, use painter’s tape around the edges and corners for extra protection against bubbling paint!
Applying Primer and Paint

Once the surface is prepped, it’s time to apply primer and paint. First, use a roller or brush to spread a thin coat of quality primer onto the walls. Roll in an up-and-down pattern and cover any cracks or holes in the wall. Once it’s dry, sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth texture.
Next, mix your paint with water until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency. Pour some into a tray and dip your roller into the mixture before spreading it on the wall in an up-and-down motion. Add additional thin coats of paint until all the walls are evenly covered. Make sure you allow each coat to dry completely before applying another one.
Checking for Poor-Quality Paint
After finishing the painting, inspect the walls for any bubbling or peeling paint to ensure proper coverage. If you notice signs of bubbling or peeling, it could be due to poor-quality paint. This can happen if you use low-grade paint that doesn’t adhere properly to the wall or needs to be stored properly. Check your paint cans’ expiration dates and ensure they’re still good before starting a project.
If you find out that your bubbling problem is caused by lousy paint, there are some steps you can take to fix it. First, you’ll need to remove the affected areas and sand down any rough patches left behind. Once this is done, apply a coat of primer so that the new layer of paint will adhere better. This extra step ensures that your repairs last longer and won’t bubble in the future.
Taking Precautions to Avoid Future Bubbling
To avoid future bubbling, use high-quality satin or semi-gloss paint finishes and avoid oil-based paints. Read the labels carefully and select a brand designed for interior walls. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s directions when painting; this includes using a primer if necessary, mixing different cans of paint for even color, and waiting the recommended time between coats. When you’re finished, adding a layer of polyurethane varnish over your work is also a good idea to help protect against moisture damage.
Cleaning your walls before painting is another essential step in avoiding bubbles in your paint job. To clean the wall’s surface, use soap, water, and a soft brush or vacuum. This will give your paint job something smooth to adhere to once applied. If there are any cracks in the wall, fill them with spackle or caulk before applying any paint so that you don’t get air bubbles underneath your fresh coat of paint.
It can also be helpful to purchase some sticky tack at your local hardware store for hanging items on freshly painted walls without damaging them. This will allow you to hang items without having them pull away from the wall and cause stress on newly painted areas, which could lead to bubbling down the line.
Conclusion
You can prevent paint from bubbling on your interior wall with proper preparation and quality paint. Before painting, inspect your walls for any issues that may cause bubbling, such as moisture or structural damage. Then apply a primer and two coats of high-quality paint.
For example, one homeowner noticed their newly painted walls were beginning to bubble in certain areas. After finding some moisture coming through the wall, they applied a sealant before repainting the room with a better paint quality – this time with no bubbling.
But what if you could avoid these mistakes altogether? That’s where professional expertise comes in. With Wade Paint Co.’s high-quality painting services, you not only get a flawless finish but also the assurance that every step is taken to prevent common mistakes, like when spray painting.
With these tips, you’ll have smooth and lasting results on your interior walls! If you are looking for a professional who offers high-quality painting services around Charleston, South Carolina, then Wade Paint Co. is the one for you!
Elevate your space with the unparalleled excellence of Wade Paint Co.’s high-quality painting services. Our skilled painters blend creativity and precision to transform your vision into reality. Whether it’s residential or commercial, experience the art of perfection. Schedule a consultation today and let your walls tell a story of craftsmanship!
Unleash the potential of your walls! Discover Wade Paint Co.’s interior painting solutions!
Reference:
(1) https://www.tikkurila.co.uk/faqs/blistering-and-bubbling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to use a primer when repainting an interior wall?
Yes! Primers help create a better bond between the wall and the new paint. Using one can increase paint adhesion by up to 90%. So when repainting an interior wall, it's best to use a primer for optimal results!
What is the best way to remove bubbling paint?
Remove the loose paint with a putty knife to fix the bubbling paint. Then sand the area smooth and apply a new coat of primer and paint.
Is there a specific order of steps to follow when painting an interior wall?
You absolutely must follow a specific order when painting an interior wall! Clean the wall, prime it, and finish with a top coat. Be sure to complete all steps and avoid bubbling paint!
Are there any specific techniques to ensure a smooth finish?
To ensure a smooth finish, use quality paint and primer. Using a brush or roller, apply thin coats of paint. Work in sections; don't overload the brush or roller, blending each section into the next. Allow adequate drying time between coats.