Uneven paint can cause a space to look unfinished, whereas a well-painted smooth ceiling gives a polished feel. Patchy ceilings can also be caused by streaks from the paint roller, brush marks or stipple from an uneven roller. Here's how to give your ceiling an even, smooth look.
Patchy paint can result if paint has been applied unevenly. Patchy paint can be down to a variation in surface absorption.
The rough marks, are most likely from the paint drying too fast when you were painting. This happens with all the newer paints. It is best to add floetrol to extend the drying time, so if you roll back over something it will still be wet, and it wont leave those rough marks.
There are a few reasons why your wall might look patchy after painting. Primarily, the paint may not have dried properly. If it is still wet when the light hits it, it will cause a reflection that looks like a texture or grain.
Paint in Sections With a Roller
The best way to paint a ceiling is to use a paint roller and work in grid-like sections of 3 square feet to 5 square feet each. This helps keep edges wet and allows you to see your progress to ensure an even coat. For smooth ceilings, use a low nap roller.
How to fix uneven or blotchy paint: No matter how many additional coats of paint you add, this problem likely requires going back to the drawing board. If you run into uneven or blotchy paint, the best thing to do is start over.
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.
First, roller marks are a common culprit. 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.
If the paint is still wet, spray some glass cleaner on a small brush and wipe the marks away. If your paint is already dry, touch up the marks with white paint and a small brush.
Applying the second coat of paint before letting it adequately dry will result in your paint peeling, clumping, and bubbling. It can also result in a different colour than what you intended.
There are several ways to determine whether a surface is dry: OIL BASED products are dry if they are no longer tacky and do not emit a smell. WATER BASED products are dry if they no longer feel cool to the touch and a powder will form with light sanding.
Use the correct amount of paint
Check the paint coverage on the side of the can to ensure you're applying the right amount of paint. Spread it too thinly and it will look patchy; spread it thick and it can look lumpy or uneven.
It's best to roll your paint onto the ceiling in straight lines, all going in the same direction. Start in one corner of the room and work in small sections. Finish your rolled sections by lightly rolling off in the same direction. This will help to avoid unwanted streaks.
The larger patches show through because of differences in the texture of the surrounding wall, which has had several coats of paint applied over the years. So you have roller texture and smooth drywall patches.
Without primer, the touched-up spot will stand out, and it'll look a right mess. The trick is to blend the new paint with the original surface. Priming will also prep your surface for paint and seal any stains - especially those that wouldn't come off.
This happens when the paint coating fails to dry to a smooth film. You might be seeing unsightly brush and roller marks, or other unintentional textured patterns left in the paint by the roller.
DIY beginners sometimes assume that one coat of wall paint will do – and end up with patchy or thin paintwork. Usually, you'll have to apply at least two coats of paint to achieve a smooth, even finish. Applying multiple coats also helps build up the paint so it's more durable, and less prone to chipping.
When painting smooth ceilings, the best strategy is to roll parallel with the main source of natural light, such as a big window, as it helps prevent roller lines. If you roll perpendicular to the dominant light source, the roller lines can form a slight shadow. The same applies when spraying.
Applying the second coat too early will result in lost time, money, and effort. Not only that but it'll also create additional stress that's not necessary. Applying the second coat too early will result in streaks, peeling paint, and uneven color.
If the humidity is too high, the solvents in the paint will take longer to evaporate. This long drying time cause the paint to dry with a darker appearance, though it can also lead to uneven drying, streaks, and paint discoloration.