How to Fix Common Paint Problems

Whether you need tips to correct a previous paint job or want to prevent the most common paint problems, our troubleshooting guide is here to help. Learn how to stop paint blistering, cracking, chalking, yellowing and grinning to ensure a professional and long-lasting finish on any surface.

How to fix bubbling paint

Bubbling or blistering paint is an unsightly problem, and it often occurs on older paintwork. But why does paint bubble? Our paint specialist, Mike Kirk, Store Manager, Leigh, suggests it’s usually caused by poor adhesion or moisture between the paint and the surface. Woodwork is especially susceptible to bubbling paint, as it has poor moisture resistance.

Bubbling can also happen in bathrooms, kitchens and other humid areas where mould and damp may occur, especially if the wrong kind of paint was used. Learn more about the different types of paint to find the right option for any room or surface.

Then, follow these steps to fix blistering paint:

1. Depending on the severity of the damage, you can sand or strip paint from the affected area.

2. If moisture is causing the bubbling, allow the surface to dry out thoroughly once the old paint has been removed and the surface is smooth.

3. Then, recoat with the correct paint type.

Amending cissing paint defects

Cissing paint is a common defect, where freshly applied paint recedes from the surface, resulting in a patchy application. It can happen on surfaces that haven’t been prepared properly – usually if oil, wax or silicone residue is left behind from previous decorating jobs. It can also occur when applying water-based paints over oil-based paints.

Here's how to fix cissing paint, according to our expert:

1. Strip any paint or varnish from the surface, then sand it to ensure a smooth finish.

2. Clean the surface with a degreaser, like sugar soap, to remove any impurities that could impact paint retention.

3. Once dry, repaint the affected area with suitable paint.

Fixing paint cracking

If your paintwork is cracking, the paint used may not be flexible enough for the surface. It could also be a sign of ageing, which makes paint more brittle. Surface cracks can be remedied by sanding and recoating. However, Mike Kirk suggests the best way to remedy severely cracked paint is to remove and repaint the surface using suitable paint.

Restoring chalking paint

Chalking is common on exterior surfaces when the paint erodes due to weathering. You’ll notice a powdery residue, which can be removed with a damp cloth to restore the paint’s appearance. Need solutions for a severe chalking paint problem? Mike Kirk says this occurs when a surface hasn’t been sufficiently sealed and paint has been applied to a porous material. You’ll need to remove, prime and repaint the affected area.

Preventing gloss paint yellowing

Oil-based paints like gloss are prone to yellowing, especially in areas where there is no direct sunlight. White paint is most susceptible to this problem, but other shades can also discolour over time. In addition, yellowing may occur in areas where ammonia and sulphur are present or as a result of nicotine staining, so sufficient ventilation and not smoking indoors can help prevent the problem.

Want to fix yellowing paint? Our expert, Mike Kirk, says the best solution is to strip, sand and repaint the affected area.

How to fix paint grinning

According to our expert, grinning paint can be caused by various factors, including applying fewer coats than necessary, uneven application and using the wrong primer or undercoat. As a result, the paint’s opacity is impacted, so you’ll need to apply further coats to achieve the desired finish.