Paint Bubbles & Blisters

Paint Bubbles

• Paint bubbles occur as the result of a chemical reaction. According to House Painting Info, paint bubbles most commonly form as the result of painting on a surface that is too warm. The heat causes the top layer of paint to dry prematurely, preventing the solvents in the lower layers of paint from escaping. With nowhere to go, these solvents become trapped underneath the surface layer and push out, causing the paint to bubble off of the surface of the wall. To prevent paint from bubbling, avoid painting in direct sunlight or in temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Paint Blisters

• Paint blistering occurs when sections of paint begin to lift away from the surface of the wall, resulting in unsightly air pockets and cracks. Paint blisters are the result of lack of adhesion, and there are several things that can cause this problem.

  Painting on a dirty wall is one of the most common causes of paint bubbles, as dirt and dust prevent the paint from adhering to the wall properly. Thoroughly wipe down the surface of a wall prior to painting to prevent paint bubbles from popping up.

  Humidity is another common cause of paint bubbling. Make sure the walls are dry, and test the humidity of the room prior to painting, especially when painting bathrooms or if you live in a humid area. Humidity prevents the paint from clinging to the wall and drying properly. Paint blisters caused by humidity generally develop over time and will not be noticeable upon drying.

  Applying oil-based paint over latex paint can also potentially cause paint blisters to form. When painting over a wall that has already been painted, make sure you are using a paint with the same base as the previous paint for proper adhesion.

Removing Paint Bubbles

• Paint bubbles can be removed from walls by scraping off the top layer of paint that has bubbled using a paint scraper, and then sanding the area around the bubble using sandpaper. Once the area is even with the rest of the paint, paint over it once again. Since bubbles form as the result of a chemical reaction, and generally because of heat, be sure that the temperature conditions are adequate before attempting to remove paint bubbles.

Removing Paint Blisters

• Paint blisters are removed from walls using the same techniques as those used to remove paint bubbles. Scrape the blistered layers of paint off the walls using a paint scraper, and then use sandpaper to sand down the paint surface so it is even with the rest of the wall. Use a rag to wipe off any paint dust before painting over the surface again. Because blisters may be caused by humidity, make sure the climate conditions are adequate before attempting to remove paint blisters from your walls.