Patchy paint can result if paint has been applied unevenly. Patchy paint can be down to a variation in surface absorption. Walls might appear patchy if they have variation in texture. Using paint that is not fully mixed can cause a patchy appearance.
What are common causes of patchy paint drying? Wall has absorbed the paint more in particular areas. Giving an extra thick layer on specific patches. Painting another layer of the whole room. Not allowing enough dry time between each layer of paint. Not following the manufacturer's recommended recoat time.
- Lightly sand the patchy areas with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges and help the new paint adhere better. - Wipe the sanded areas with a clean cloth to remove dust. Prime if Necessary: - If the patchy areas are significantly different in color or texture, apply a coat of primer to those spots.
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. Secondly, the paint may have been applied too thickly, which will also create a texture or grain.
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.
When paint remains tacky to the touch and refuses to dry, the issue often lies with quality of the paint. But the problem may also be linked to your painting environment (in terms of humidity and temperature) or application issues like failing to prepare the surface properly or not letting the paint dry between coats.
The best way to make sure each coat of paint dries evenly is to use the right tools and apply a thin, even layer of paint with each coat. Using a paint roller will help distribute paint evenly and apply a thinner layer than a brush, which often holds more paint than needed, leading to unwanted drips.
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.
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.
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.
Preparing the surface properly is key to achieving good coverage. Make sure the surface is clean, smooth, and primed. Sand down any rough spots and fill in any holes or cracks. This will help the paint adhere better and provide a smoother finish.
Patchy paint can result if paint has been applied unevenly. Patchy paint can be down to a variation in surface absorption. Walls might appear patchy if they have variation in texture. Using paint that is not fully mixed can cause a patchy appearance.
The Chemistry of Paint Drying: Why Temperature Matters
When temperatures are too low, the molecular reactions that enable paint to harden and adhere to a surface slow down significantly. In some cases, the paint may never fully cure, leaving a soft, sticky surface that's prone to damage.
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.
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.
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.
If you have various stains, shellac Bonding primer is the ideal choice. It can be used to cover rough surfaces and old varnish as well as metal and ceramic.
It is typically safe to apply a second coat after four hours for latex paint and 24 hours for oil-based paint. Latex paint is dry to the touch in about one hour, while oil-based paint is dry to the touch in about six to eight hours.
Both can work, but acrylic paint's elasticity and resistance to wear and tear make it better for high-touch areas and furniture. Latex paint works well for larger indoor projects where low toxicity and easy cleanup with a brush are priorities.