I Have Problems With Bubbles in My Ceiling Paint

Moisture

• To rid bubbles in the ceiling due to moisture, use a paint scraper to scrape away loose paint then sand the area to smooth the surface, and then apply a primer to seal in porous areas before you paint your final coat. Moisture is the most common problem in a bubbling ceiling paint. Leaky roofs allow water to travel through the drywall on the ceiling and collect behind the paint. At this point the paint no longer has any adhering properties, since the water has made its way between the paint and the wall and pulls away from the ceiling, creating a bubble. The only way to prevent future bubbles in the ceiling is to find the source of the moisture. Condensation in pipes, air vents or holes in a roof are the places to look.

Poor Surface Preparation

• While ceilings are typically painted with a flat finish, some are painted with satin or glossy sheens, which are are designed to be washed and to withstand surface marks. If that protective coating is not removed before repainting, it can keep a new coat of paint from adhering properly.

Old Paint

• Paint is made to last for years but it does eventually expire. It is common in older homes to have bubbling ceiling because the paint no longer adheres to the surface. Once the adhesion deteriorates, the paint separates itself from the ceiling and bubbles. Bubbles quickly turn into flakes and cracks as the paint loses its sticking abilities. Before you repaint the ceiling, use a paint scraper to remove as much of the loose paint as possible, then sand off the remaining flakes to ensure they do not ruin your new paint finish.

Contaminants

• Contaminants can block paint from sticking to the ceiling. Instead of adhering to the surface, the paint adheres to the contaminant, creating bubbles as the paint lifts from the surface. Dust from sanding and surface dirt has to washed away before you prime or paint the ceiling. Grease, another common contaminant, found most commonly in the kitchen, can also prevent paint from sticking. Most contaminants are easily removed with a damp or tack cloth, but for heavy dirt or grease, use soap and water to wash them away.