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Paint Bubbling

Why Is My Spray Paint Bubbling?

By ProPaintZone Off

Spray painting is a popular technique for achieving a smooth, even finish on various surfaces, whether you’re tackling an interior or outdoor project. However, encountering bubbles or blisters in your spray paint can be frustrating and time-consuming to fix. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why is my spray paint bubbling?” you’ve come to the right place.

This guide dives into the causes, solutions, and preventive measures for spray paint bubbling across different surfaces, such as metal, wood, plastic, glass, and walls. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to achieve a flawless finish every time.

What Causes Spray Paint to Bubble?

Spray paint bubbling occurs when the paint film lifts from the surface beneath it, creating small blisters. This can result from several factors, including improper preparation, environmental conditions, and application errors. Below, we discuss the top causes of spray paint bubbling and how to address them.

 

Top 5 Reasons Spray Paint Bubbles

 

  1. Improper Cleaning of the Surface

    • Cause: Dirt, grease, or dust on the surface can prevent paint from adhering properly.
    • Example: Painting a kitchen cabinet without cleaning off grease.
    • Solution: Clean the surface thoroughly using a degreaser or soapy water, followed by a wipe-down with rubbing alcohol.

  2. Skipping Primer

    • Cause: A primer creates a strong bond between the surface and the paint. Without it, the topcoat may bubble or crack.
    • Example: Painting directly on wood without priming first.
    • Solution: Use a high-quality primer suited for your surface, such as Rust-Oleum or KILZ.

  3. Excess Moisture or Heat

    • Cause: Painting in high humidity or direct sunlight can trap moisture under the paint, causing bubbles.
    • Example: Spray painting a metal railing on a humid day.
    • Solution: Paint in conditions with less than 50% humidity and temperatures between 50°F and 90°F.

  4. Applying Paint Too Thickly

    • Cause: Thick layers of paint trap solvents and air, leading to bubbling.
    • Example: Spraying multiple heavy coats in quick succession.
    • Solution: Apply thin, even coats, allowing proper drying time.

  5. Using the Wrong Tools

    • Cause: Poor-quality spray guns or rollers can lead to uneven application and bubbling.
    • Example: Using a low-quality HVLP spray gun with a small nozzle.
    • Solution: Invest in a high-quality spray gun or roller designed for your project.

 

How to Fix Spray Paint Bubbles

If bubbles have already formed, follow these steps to fix the issue:

1. Let the Paint Dry

  • Allow the paint to dry completely before addressing the bubbles. Some bubbles may shrink or disappear on their own.

2. Scrape the Bubbles

  • Use a putty knife or razor blade to remove the bubbled areas carefully. Be gentle to avoid damaging the surface.

3. Sand the Surface

  • Sand the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper (220-400 grit) until smooth. Clean off any dust with a damp cloth.

4. Apply Primer

  • Use a primer to prepare the surface for repainting. Allow it to dry completely.

5. Repaint

  • Reapply spray paint in thin, even coats, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Spray Paint Bubbling by Surface Type

 

1. Metal

  • Cause: Dirt, grease, or high temperatures.
  • Solution: Sand the surface, clean it thoroughly, and use a rust-inhibiting primer before repainting.

2. Wood

  • Cause: Moisture in the wood or improper sealing.
  • Solution: Sand the wood, seal it with a wood primer and apply spray paint in light coats.

3. Plastic

  • Cause: Lack of adhesion due to improper cleaning or skipping primer.
  • Solution: Use a plastic-specific primer and clean the surface with rubbing alcohol before painting.

4. Glass

  • Cause: Shaking the spray can too much or applying paint too thickly.
  • Solution: Allow the paint to dry, then pop the bubbles with a pin and sand the surface smooth.

5. Walls

  • Cause: Poor ventilation, moisture, or uneven surface preparation.
  • Solution: Scrape the bubbles, sand the wall, apply a primer, and repaint with quality paint.

 

How to Prevent Spray Paint Bubbles

Prevention is key to avoiding the frustration of bubbling paint. Follow these expert tips to prevent bubbles in your spray paint projects:

  • Clean the Surface: Remove dirt, grease, and debris before painting.
    Recommended Product: Krud Kutter Original Cleaner
  • Use Primer: Always apply a primer appropriate for the surface.
    Recommended Product: Rust-Oleum Spray Primer
  • Paint in Ideal Conditions: Avoid painting in high humidity, extreme heat, or direct sunlight.
  • Apply Thin Coats: Build up layers gradually, allowing each coat to dry fully.
  • Use Quality Tools: Invest in high-quality spray paints, primers, and tools for the best results.

Common Questions About Spray Paint Bubbling

Why Does Spray Paint Wrinkle?

Spray paint wrinkling occurs when the top layer of paint dries faster than the underlying layer, causing it to shrink and wrinkle. This is often due to applying thick coats or painting in high temperatures.

Will Paint Bubbles Go Away?

Paint bubbles will not go away on their own. You’ll need to sand the bubbled area and repaint it to achieve a smooth finish.

How to Fix Cracked Spray Paint?

Cracked spray paint is often caused by applying too thick a coat or painting over an incompatible layer. To fix it, sand the cracked area, clean it, and reapply thin, even coats of paint.

CategorySpray Paint