Have you ever painted a wall and suddenly noticed a bunch of odd bubbles? If so, you probably wondered, “why is my paint bubbling and how can I fix it… ASAP?” Paint bubbling (AKA, blistering) is a frustrating sight after you’ve just finished painting a wall or ceiling. Paint that has bubbled can make even a freshly painted wall or ceiling look like it’s been neglected for years. Paint bubbling is a common, yet totally fixable problem. In this blog post, we’re breaking down why it happens and how to fix bubbling paint like a pro, quickly and effectively so it never happens again!
In This Post
What Is Paint Bubbling?
Paint bubbling happens when pockets of air or moisture get trapped underneath the surface of the paint. This causes the paint to lift from the surface due to improper adhesion. As the paint lifts away, it forms little (or big) blisters. This is what causes that bumpy, bubbly, uneven look that no one wants to see on their walls or ceilings.
Paint bubbling is often caused by improper paint application or environmental factors (such as too much moisture, unclean surfaces, humidity, etc). If you notice raised blisters, soft spots, or peeling in your paint, that’s often a sign that the paint isn’t adhering properly, which could mean having to repaint down the road if you don’t take care of it sooner rather than later.
What Causes Paint to Bubble? The 5 Most Common Reasons
What causes paint to bubble anyway?
Here are the 5 most common reasons paint bubbles for homeowners:
1. Moisture Issues
Water is the #1 culprit of paint bubbling on walls or ceilings. Think… a leaky roof, basement dampness, or a humid bathroom. If you paint over a damp surface with moisture under the paint or behind the wall, that moisture will try to escape, pushing the paint out in “bubbles” with it.
If you see bubbles that appear on ceilings or near windows, smell a musty scent, or see visible water stains, moisture is probably to blame.
Before painting, always check for signs of water damage or leaks first. If you’ve gotten a lot of rain lately or have super humid weather, hold off on painting to avoid moisture build-up and paint bubbling.
2. Dirty or Oily Surfaces
If the surface you’re painting isn’t clean, the paint won’t adhere properly. That’s why we take surface preparation so seriously at Oak City Coatings. Dust, dirt, grease, old wallpaper glue, or even leftover cleaner on the wall can prevent the paint from sticking.
To ensure your surface is squeaky clean, always wash the walls with a degreaser. Our preferred cleaning solution is the Sherwin-Williams Simple Green Surface Prep Cleaner.
Use this product to clean and degrease surfaces thoroughly prior to painting. This will ensure all dirt, grease, and oils that can cause paint to be uneven, blister, or peel are removed.
It can be used on any washable hard, non-porous surface, including walls, cabinets, doors, floors, furniture, and more. It’s especially important to clean the areas near the stove, fireplace, or other high-touch spots.
We love Simple Green Surface Prep because it’s a phosphate-free alternative to TSP with a non-caustic and non-flammable formula that doesn’t require respirators, gloves, or other protective equipment.
3. Skipping the Primer
Primer helps paint grip to slick or stained surfaces, like wood paneling or glossy finishes. If you skip the primer and paint right onto a raw surface, like drywall or bare wood, it can cause bubbling, peeling, or uneven color.
We recommend using a bonding primer for most interior jobs. Our favorite brand is Sherwin-Williams, which has multiple primers for different surfaces. Just be careful with paints that say “paint and primer in one.” When you read the fine-print, it’s still recommended that raw surfaces be primed before use. You can read more about that in this blog post.
4. Rushing Between Coats
Another cause of paint bubbling on ceilings or walls is rushing between coats and not letting the first coat of paint dry before applying the second coat. If the first coat isn’t dry, the next coat can trap moisture under the paint surface, causing bubbling.
Our advice for homeowners? When in doubt, wait it out. We recommend waiting 2-4 hours between coats. Want to make paint dry faster to speed up the process without sacrificing adhesion or the end result? Check out these tips.
5. Painting in Hot, Humid, or Cold Conditions
Weather and room conditions matter… a lot! Paint needs the right environment to adhere and dry properly, so if it’s too hot, humid, or cold, the top layer of paint can dry faster than the bottom layer. This traps moisture and causes bubbles in the paint.
It’s ideal to paint in temperatures between 50–85°F and low humidity levels, between 40-50%.
If you’re painting inside, you can use a fan or dehumidifier to help achieve those optimal conditions for painting.
How to Fix Bubbling Paint
If you find yourself with paint bubbled on your surface, it won’t just go away on its own.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Small Bubbles: Lightly scrape the bubbles away, sand the surface smooth, wipe away the dust, re-prime, and repaint.
- Widespread Bubbling: You may need to remove entire sections of the paint and start over with a fresh coat. Don’t forget to re-prime!
- If Moisture’s the Issue: Fix the leak or source first, or the problem will return.
How to Prevent Paint Bubbling
In order to prevent paint bubbling from occurring, there’s a few steps you can take to ensure you get the best possible adhesion.
Prep Like a Pro
First, make sure to prep like a pro by cleaning the walls well (using that Surface Prep Cleaner we mentioned above), use a high-quality primer that’s made for your specific surface, and take your time.
We rarely use primers on previously painted surfaces unless there are noticeable stains or contaminants. If it’s a raw surface, priming is a must!
Follow Drying and Temperature Guidelines
Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on the back of your paint can to find the proper drying time and temperature guidelines for your specific paint product. Follow those to a “T” to get the best adhesion.
Use High-Quality Products
From your primer and paint to your paint tools, make sure to use high-quality products to get the best results! At Oak City Coatings, we are always big fans of Sherwin-Williams products and stand by them.
Paint Bubbling FAQ for Homeowners
Can I just paint over bubbles?
It’s best not to. Painting over bubbles without removing them will only make the problem worse and will likely lead to repainting if ignored.
What paint should I use in a humid room?
For humid rooms like bathrooms, opt for moisture and mildew-resistant paint formulas. We share a few of our favorite options in this blog post.
Will all paint bubble if it’s too humid?
Yes, even the best paint needs proper conditions to adhere properly.
Get a Professional, Bubble-Free Finish
Bubbling paint is a hassle, but it’s a very common, fixable problem. Now that you know what causes paint bubbling, you can fix it properly and take the right steps to avoid it next time.
If you’re looking for a professional, bubble-free, flawless finish, we’d love to help with your next paint project. We take surface prep seriously and only use the best paint products and techniques.
Visit our contact page to schedule your free estimate with our professional team of painters today!
