Paint Blisstering

Blistering or bubbling paint.

(Photo courtesy of The Paint Quality Institute)

Cause

Painting a damp, dirty, or hot surface

Applying oil-based or alkyd paint over latex
paint
Improper surface preparation
Moisture seeping into the home through the
exterior walls
Exposing latex paint to moisture shortly
after paint has dried

Fix

Make sure the surface is clean and dry

Apply primer-sealer over any stains and let
it dry completely
Prime new joint compound with flat latex
paint or latex primer
Avoid painting in hot or humid conditions
Let paint dry completely before exposing the
surface to moisture
Consider installing vents or exhaust fans in
humid areas

Paint Blocking or Sticking

Example of paint blocking on a door

(Photo courtesy of The Paint Quality Institute)

Cause

Insufficient time is allowed for the paint to

cure before closing doors or windows
Using low-quality semi-gloss or gloss paints

Fix

Use top-quality alkyd paint or semi-gloss or

gloss acrylic latex paint. Low-quality latex
paints can have poor block resistance,
especially in warm, damp conditions
Follow paint label instructions regarding dry
times

Burnishing

Excessive rubbing can result in burnishing.

(Photo courtesy of The Paint Quality Institute)

Cause

Frequent washing and spot cleaning painted

walls and surfaces, especially with an
abrasive cleanser
Using flat paint or paint with low stain and
scrub resistance in high-traffic areas
Objects rubbing against the paint (furniture,
for example)

Fix

Paint heavy-wear areas that require regular

cleaning (doors, window sills, and trim) with
a top-quality semi-gloss or gloss latex paint,
which is more durable and easy to clean.
Choose a satin or semi-gloss rather than a
flat sheen on walls in high-traffic areas
Prevent furniture and other objects from
rubbing against the painted surface
For maximum durability, wait at least two
weeks after painting before washing the
surface
Clean painted surfaces with a soft cloth or
sponge and non-abrasive cleansers, and
rinse with clean water

Caulk Failure or No Caulk

Window caulk wearing around the edges

(Photo courtesy of The Paint Quality Institute)

Cause

Not properly preparing or priming the

surface prior to caulking
Applying too thin a bead of caulk

Fix

Use a top-quality water-based, all-acrylic, or

siliconized acrylic caulk
Proper surface preparation.
In most cases, the surface should be primed
to give the caulk a good

Paint Cracking or Flaking

Cracks in paint can lead to flaking and failure of the paint.

(Photo courtesy of The Paint Quality Institute)

Cause

The use of low-quality

Oil-based paint applied over latex paint
Paint was spread too thin during application
Poor surface preparation, especially when
the paint is applied to bare wood without
priming
Paint drying too fast due to environmental
conditions
Paint becoming brittle with age, failing to
expand and contract with temperature and
humidity changes

Fix

Use Quality Latex Paint

Proper Surface Preparation
Allow proper Paint dry times

Paint Lapping

Lap marks appear where wet and dry painted

areas overlap.
(Photo courtesy of The Paint Quality Institute)

Cause

Improper painting technique

Applications vary from paint types and
brand

Fix

Hire professional painter

Mold or Mildew

Visible mildew spots indicate mold growth.

(Photo: The Paint Quality Institute)

Cause

Mold and mildew thrive in warm, damp, or

humid areas that receive little or no air
circulation, areas that have high
condensation, and areas that get little direct
sunlight, such as bathrooms, kitchens,
laundry rooms, and basements.

Fix

Properly prime the surface before painting

Use a high-quality latex paint

Poor Hiding

Paint Color Hiding Comparison

(Photo courtesy of The Paint Quality Institute)

Cause

Using low-quality paint

Spreading paint too thinly or unevenly
Thinning or diluting the paint
Improper priming
Painting a porous or absorbent surface
Using incorrect or poor quality tools
Inadequately mixed paint

Fix

Choose high quality paints with high hide

capability
Use high quality brushes, rollers and other
tools designed specifically for the job
Allow proper drying time between coats

Poor Sheen Uniformity

images provided by The Rohm & Hass Paint Quality Institute.

Cause

Unevenly spreading the paint as you apply it

or failing to maintain a wet edge, which can
lead to lapping, are two common causes of
poor sheen uniformity.
This condition can also develop if a porous
surface or a surface with variable porosity
was not properly primed before the paint
was applied.

Fix

Prime before painting

Use multiple coats

Wrinkling

images provided by The Rohm & Hass Paint Quality Institute.

Cause

Uncured paint that is exposed to high

humidity levels is also susceptible to
wrinkling.
Another possible cause of wrinkling is
applying a top coat of paint to insufficiently
cured primer.
Painting over contaminated surface

Fix

Have proper air circulation.

Clean wall of debris and dust.

Follow proper dry times.

Jagged Trim

Cause

Improper removal of painters tape

Poorly adhered take allows paint to seep
onto trim

Fix

Hand trimming/cutting in corners

Non-negotiable Terms
1. For Big Box store brand paint a minimum of 2 coats of primer and 3 coats of
paint is required for proper finish.
2. Professional paint (ex. Ben Moor, S. Williams) brand paints require a coat of
primer and 2 coats of paint for proper finish.
3. Red and Orange shades of paint may require up to 3 or 6 coats for proper
coverage and stain suppression.
4. If current paint is glossy, sanding is required.
5. No infants or toddlers are to be in the household during painting.
6. All prices are based on 8 ft ceilings, additional charges will apply if ceiling
height exceeds 8 ft.