If you paint with a brush, dependent upon the type of paint and brush you used, the application can be spotty if the humidity was low and the conditions were hot or windy. If you applied additional coats without light sanding a dry paint coat you can build up your spotty look or brush strokes.
Also, a second coat of paint helps remove roller marks by allowing you to feather out some of the unevenness in the finish. You can do this by overlapping the uneven areas to create a more uniform finish. However, you need to apply the paints with the proper technique for this to work.
To correct this error, allow the paintto dry entirely before reapplying, then once the coat is dry and ready, add your second coat. Using a primer as your first coat will alleviate the problem, however, make sure you are using the proper roller cover, as this can effect the paint coverage.
If you run into uneven or blotchy paint, the best thing to do is start over. The first crucial step in getting back on track is to prime the area you're painting. Once your primer is dry, begin painting—this time knowing that you've primed your surface and set your project up for success.
Usually, patchiness in dry ceiling paint is caused by not having a 'wet edge' as you paint. This means keeping the edge of the painted area wet so that when you roll into the next section, it blends smoothly so no lines appear. The only way to even out a patchy ceiling finish is to re-paint the whole ceiling.
If your roller runs dry, you'll find yourself with uneven patches, leaving your walls looking inconsistent. Also resist the urge to rework wet paint and trust the process… it will look patchy whilst drying! Another common culprit in achieving a patchy effect is not maintaining a wet edge whist cutting in.
Try to maintain a wet edge. When using a roller keep the open side towards the area just painted. Try to complete one full surface at a time. Paint in an even grid pattern from top to bottom.
These can occur when the paint roller isn't fully immersed in the paint or is applied unevenly, leaving a patchy, streaky appearance once the paint has dried. Second, brush marks are another common cause of streaks.
Uneven edges usually happen when painter's tape isn't used, or you paint too close to the edge of a surface. Messy lines are the worst. Avoid this by working in small sections and use a great tape to get a nice, even finish. If the damage is already done, simply go back over the edge.
Dilute the paint by 5 to 10 percent with water for latex-based paint or mineral spirits for oil-based paint. Stored paints can lose moisture, making it more difficult for touch-ups to match the original coat.
Not Fully Loading the Roller
The roller needs to be fully loaded with paint to the core, otherwise you'll get air bubbles on your wall, resulting in “paint acne.” To avoid this mistake, roll back and forth on the roller tray until all bubbles are gone and the roller feels heavy.
Using Rubbing Alcohol: This method is particularly effective for removing dried latex or oil-based paint splatters. Soak a clean cloth or sponge in rubbing alcohol and gently dab the affected area, allowing the alcohol to soften the paint.
Reapply another coat to fill in bare spots. If there are clumps or bubbles on the painted surface, sand it, wipe clean, and reapply a coat of paint. To avoid streaks or lap marks from a roller, maintain a wet edge by applying paint toward the unpainted area and then back into the just painted area.
Feathering with a brush will produce a flat "halo" (outline) around the touch-up. Feathering with a synthetic roller cover will aid in blending slight differences in color and sheen without producing a noticeable halo.
Wall condition: If your walls are in good condition, you may only need one or two coats of paint to achieve a smooth, even finish. However, if your walls are rough or damaged, you may need to apply additional coats to cover up imperfections.
Painting over existing layers of paint is usually the easiest option. A paint that has high coverage and a thick texture, such as our Claypaint or Lifestyle emulsions, will even out any hairline cracks and slightly bumpy surfaces. Both products can go over a multitude of wall substrates.
Sand the wall lightly to smooth out any imperfections. Prime the wall with a good quality primer before painting. This will help to seal the surface and prevent the paint from soaking into the drywall, which can cause the paint to appear uneven.
Lightly sand the troublesome area with 150-grit sandpaper, then tack the walls. That's painter lingo for “Wipe it with a cloth to get rid of dust.” (Easier than the lingo makes it sound!) Then re-paint the area, maintaining a wet edge—meaning, don't let the paint dry until you finish the wall.