There's nothing worse than finishing a project and finding that you have to redo it because of paint bubbling. Paint bubbling, also called paint blistering, occurs when the paint starts lifting from the surface, forming large bubbles in the finish. These imperfections can ruin an otherwise flawless project, but knowing the causes can help you avoid paint bubbling on your next project. And that project you think is ruined? We'll help you fix that, too.

You may have heard of paint blistering but not paint bubbling and vice versa. Paint bubbling and blistering are the same thing so the terms can be used interchangeably. No matter your terminology preference, there are many reasons why paint bubbling occurs and understanding this will help improve your projects' final results.

Paint bubbling can occur for several reasons, but the most common culprits are surface contamination, improper cleaning, environmental factors and incompatible additives.

• Surface Contamination: Painting over surfaces contaminated with oil, wax, grease, or silicone.
• Improper Cleaning: Using a thinner or reducer instead of a proper solvent cleaner. This only highlights the importance of wiping down surfaces before you paint them.
• Environmental factors: High humidity, moisture or painting in extreme temperatures. Not allowing enough time for paint to cure before being exposed to extreme conditions can also lead to blistering. Find the optimal conditions for painting on the manufacturer label to ensure you create the right conditions for paint curing the first time.
• Incompatible Formulas: Using latex paint to paint over an oil-based paint and vice versa.

Proper preparation and paint application is time-consuming, but it can prevent imperfections that will take longer to fix. You can avoid the above causes of paint blistering with these steps:

1. Always clean surfaces with detergent and hot water, followed by a solvent cleaner.
2. Install an air filtering system to remove oil and moisture contamination in your workspace. A dehumidifier can also help to remove moisture in your workspace.
3. Regularly maintain air supply systems by draining, cleaning and replacing filters.

Unfortunately, paint bubbles are one imperfection that won't disappear with time. Once they appear, you must repair the blistered area to restore a smooth, professional finish. If ignored, the bubbles will only get larger or burst, resulting in further peeling and cracking over time.

The key to fixing bubbling paint is spotting the problem early and addressing the issue once the paint is completely dry. In most cases, fixing blistering paint is as simple as sanding the bubbled area smooth, thoroughly cleaning the area of contaminants and repainting. However, depending on the environment and type of paint, the process may look a little different.

Water damage is a frequent cause of paint bubbling, especially in areas like bathrooms or basements. Start by identifying and repairing the source of the water leak or moisture intrusion. Sometimes, paint bubbling is a symptom of premature exposure to moisture before the paint has fully cured. If this is the case, there's nothing to repair. Allow the surface to dry completely before scraping away any bubbled or damaged paint. Sand the area smooth and apply a stain-blocking primer designed for water-damaged surfaces. Repaint using high-quality paint formulated for moisture-prone areas.

If unexpected rain ruined your project before the paint has cured, try this fix on your freshly painted deck or home exterior.

Spray paint bubbling occurs if you've applied too thick of a coat or are spray painting in extreme weather conditions. When doing this repair, choose a day that's not too hot or humid. The best conditions are those recommended on the can.

1. Sand the bubbled area lightly to smooth out imperfections.
2. Wipe the surface clean to remove dust or debris.
3. Apply thin, even coats of spray paint, allowing adequate drying time between layers.

Bubbling on a second coat often indicates issues with the first layer. To fix bubbling paint, lightly sand the bubbled areas to create a smooth surface. Before applying the second coat, confirm that the first layer is dry. Generally, you should wait at least four hours between coats. Apply the second coat evenly, avoiding overloading the brush or roller.

The right conditions and the right products can significantly reduce the likelihood of paint bubbling. Sherwin-Williams offers a range of solutions to prevent and repair paint blistering.

• Pre-Paint Primers
  • Premium Wood & Wall Primer: Ideal for interior surfaces, providing excellent adhesion and a smooth base.
  • Exterior Latex Wood Primer: Designed for outdoor use, offering durability and resistance to weather-related bubbling.
• Post-Paint Solutions
  • ProClassic®: Perfect for achieving a smooth, durable finish on trim and doors.
  • SuperPaint®: Engineered to withstand the elements, reducing fading, peeling and bubbling.

The next time paint bubbling ruins your project, incorporate these primers and finishes to achieve a long-lasting, professional-grade finish.