What Causes the Blotchy Look to a Newly Painted Ceiling?

New Drywall

• The first coat of paint applied to new drywall often appears blotchy. The drywall and the joint compound have different levels of absorbency. If a primer or sealant is not applied to the wall before painting, the paint absorbs at different rates and produces a blotchy appearance. The blotches often appear along the seams and nail or screw heads of the ceiling.

Stained Drywall

• If the ceiling has water stains, they may bleed through the new coat of paint, producing a blotchy appearance. Manufacturers produce special primers designed to cover these stains, and in some cases, multiple coats of the special primers are needed to cover the stain. After the stain is sufficiently covered with the primer, the final coat or coats of paint are applied.

Fixing the Blotch

• Blotchy paint jobs on new drywall can be remedied by applying a second coat of paint to the ceiling. Special primers used to cover stains can be applied over previous coats of paint. Repair the cause of the stains before attempting to paint over the stains to avoid continuing problems.

Color and Finish

• The blotch may not be related to the color of the paint; some of the problems may be associated with the finish of the paint. A semi-gloss paint that absorbed at a high rate may result in a flat finish. Whether the blotching is caused by variations of the color or finish, the causes and treatments are the same.