Why Is My Spray Paint Bubbling? Real-World Problem and How To Fix It

Using spray paint on the interior or outdoor projects is always wondering when it’s all about smooth finishing! Sometimes, the most annoying things can be noticed, such as bubbling on spray paint. At this point, additional time is required to sand and repaint again. So if the question is arising in your mind, like why is my spray paint bubbling, then you are welcome to this guide

Generally, it is caused when the coating is too thick or the excessive moisture present in the air at the time of painting. Also, remaining dirt on the surface can be another reason for spray paint bubbling up. There can be more reasons for spray paint bubbling, which we’ll discuss in the entire article.  

Let’s dive into the reasons for spray paint bubbling and try to get a solution by step-by-step guidelines. Stay tuned.   

Why is my spray paint bubbling and cracking?

The most common paint problem is air bubbles or blistering that occurs after spray paint. As usual, painters want to get their final result very fast. 

And, thus they made fewer mistakes. These mistakes are the main cause of blisters or air bubbles on paint. So, what causes spray paint to bubble?

Let’s know the exact reasons!  Here they are-

Top 4 reasons: spray paint bubbling and cracking

Cause 1: Improper cleaning of the surface

Before painting, there are several things you need to notice carefully. The minor steps can make significant changes in your project. 

Such as cleaning the surface before painting is the step you need to do. But, sometimes painters work so fast that they start painting on a dirty surface. 

As a result, after spray paint, it causes bubbles or cracking.   

Cause 2: Skip applying primer 

Using a primer is an important step while you’re painting because applying the primer helps to stick the painting with a base coat. When you intentionally make this mistake, the base coat gets thinner. As a result, bubbling on the topcoat is noticed. 

Cause 3: Excess moisture or heat 

Moisture, humidity, temperature also affects the painting very closely. At normal temperature, the topcoat is dry at an average rate. But, excess moisture (airflow) or direct sunlight can make an uneven and fast dry where the underneath surface (base coat) remains almost wet. And, this causes blisters or bubbles on spray paint.

Cause 4: Use of the wrong roller

Using the right tool is also a great deal for a project.  Roller covers type and size make a difference in paint in drywall. Using the wrong roller size can cause uneven paint and blisters. 

Why is my paint bubbling the next day after spray paint?

You finish your paint job with spray paint, and the next day it becomes bubbling! The most heartening scene you’ve got! Actually, before painting, preparation was poor which turned into a mistake and thus paint bubbling the next day. You can match these reasons with your job. You’ll find the answer-

  • The surface was dirt.
  •  Paint might be old.
  • Use of low-quality paint.
  • Painting in direct sunlight or the door & window was open.
  • The base coat wasn’t dry perfectly.
  • The surface between the two coats was uneven. 
  • Painted oil-based paint over latex paint

Why is my second coat of spray paint bubbling?

One most common painting problem is “why is my second coat of spray paint bubbling”?

Usually, this paint problem is related to how the base or primary coat was applied or dried. If the base coating is too thick, then the second coat remains uneven. Again, before applying a second coat, the base coat must be clean and dry. 

If the direct sunlight or excess moisture dries it quickly, then the solvents of paint shrink, which turns into blisters. Hence, spray paint bubbling on the second coat occurs.

Why do air bubbles occur when spraying latex paint?

Latex paint is a water based paint. To spray latex paint you need to carefully follow some instructions. If the steps aren’t done properly, an air bubble occurs. Such reasons are-

Air bubbles when spraying latex paint: Top 5 reasons

  • Using tap water instead of distilled water(contaminant with chemical)
  • Improper cleaning of  the working surface.
  • Improper cleaning of spatter and drips.
  • Using a low quality of HVLP spray guns.
  • Fluid nozzle of the spray guns was small.

Can bubbled paint be fixed?

In general, painters face spray paint bubbling, and they are concerned about repainting! 

But there are alternative ways to fix it. Yeah! Bubbled paint can be fixed. Usually, if bubbles pop quickly, then let it dry. Again, if bubbles are seen after applying a second coat, they’ll go away independently. 

If you notice bubbles remaining the same as before, you need to follow some tricky steps that we’ll discuss later below! 

Spray paint bubbling on metal: Causes and solution

Why is my spray paint bubbling on metal?

Spray paint on metal surfaces gives a result of smooth finishing with a metallic shine. But after finishing,  wrinkles, cracks, or air bubbles on metal paint can make you upset!  The common causes of this paint problem are-

  • The metal paint surface wasn’t well prepared. 
  • The surface was stained with previous dirt, dust, or any other contaminate.
  • The surface was too warm due to the high temperature. 
  • The base coat wasn’t fully dried.
  • Applying the second coat was too thick.

How to fix spray paint bubbles on the metal?

Before fixing bubbles on metal, you need to know the exact cause of occurrence. Basically, heat or moisture can make the difference.  

Again, how the base coat or top coat applies the main point of blistering or air bubbles, next, find out the reason and get ready to fix it. The step-by-step guidelines are as follows!

  • Step 1: Let the paint dry

After applying spray paint, if any air bubbles are noticed, then wait for smooth dry. Don’t hurry to remove it. Sometimes, after application, immediate bubbles go away on their own without any crack or peel.

  • Step 2: Remove the damaged paint

Before removing the paint,  you must notice if there are few or many bubbles on the metal paint. A number of one or two bubbles are normal to have, but more than five are obviously matters of concern. 

 In this step, you need a putty knife to scrape away the paint. Give continuous vertical and horizontal strokes and pull it out! 

  • Step 3: Sand the surface areas

After removing the paint, you’ll notice some free hole or indentation in the substrate. Fill those holes with a layer of patching compound and let them dry. If the mixture is dry ideally, then take sandpaper to sand the patched areas. Here, you’ll need grit sandpaper for smooth finishing.

  • Step 4: Prepare the metal surface

Improper cleaning of surfaces creates bubbles or blisters. So, before repainting, preparation of the metal surface is essential. Clean the dirt, dust, or any contaminants. Then dry it. Don’t forget to use a suitable primer on the surface.

  • Step 5: Repaint the metal surface

After drying the primer, use the correct brush to repaint the metal surface. Do your paint very carefully and at the same time obviously slowly. It’ll reduce the risk of getting any bubbles or wrinkles on metal paint. 

Spray paint bubbling on wood: Causes and solutions

Why is my spray paint bubbling on wood?

Forms of air bubbles on wood after spray painting occur for many reasons. If you notice an immediate bubble pop up after painting, then it’s a matter of moisture or heat. 

In the general case, the topcoat layer loses its adhesion and thus, it separates from base coat layers which occurs blistering or bubbles on wood. Also, there can be more related reasons which are given below- 

  • Applying coat on a dirty surface. 
  • Painting at the time of high humidity or temperature (above 85°).
  • Applying oil-based paint over latex base. 
  • Continuous moisture in the air. 
  • Improper construction techniques like uncaulked vertical joints or seams around the door and window allow moisture or rain to enter the substrate. 
  • Roof and gutter leak.

How to fix spray paint bubbles on wood

To fix the paint blistering on the wood deck or stain, you must try the step by step guideline given below:

Step 1: Prepare the necessary tool

To begin the removing paint project, know the tools which you’ll need. Basically, for a wood deck or stain, you just need – 

  • Brush
  • Deck stripper
  • Sandpaper
  • Primer

Step 2: Brush out the bubbles

If your paint is not already dried and you just notice bubbles, then be ready to brush the bubble. Simply, you just need a brush. With the support of the grain of the wood, brush it politely over bubbles. You just see the vanishing power of bubbles within a short time.

Step 3: Strip the wood surface

If your wood surface is already dried and you notice blistering on paint, then you need to follow step 3. Here, the only option is to Strip the wood deck surface. 

Take your deck stripper and wipe off the stain as much as you can. Carefully do it and must protect the side of the house.

Step 4: Use sandpaper

After complete stripping of the deck, use sandpaper to remove blotches.  After that, repaint your wood surface carefully. And you’re done!

Spray paint bubbling on glass: Causes and solutions

Why is my spray paint bubbling on glass?

During glass paint, you may notice air bubbles.  The form of an air bubble causes for the same reason in different particles. 

Moisture blistering or high temperature at the place of painting can be the reason for bubbles on glass paint. Again, there is a reason for improper preparation at the time of painting. Such as-

  • Shaking the bottle too much more than average. 
  • The applying coat was too thick.
  • The primary or base coat wasn’t thoroughly dried.

How to fix spray paint bubbles on the glass?

Proper preparation can reduce the risk of forming air bubbles on glass paint.  Again, if there’s already spray paint bubbling on glass, you can solve it with easy tricks. The steps are given in below-

Step 1: Allow the coat to dry

Don’t be too hasty to remove the damaged paint. Let it dry for a short time (about 10-15minitues). 

Step 2: Wipe off the stain

In this step, take a pin or a small knife and try to remove the paint as much as you can. A pin will help you get out the air from the paint; thus, bubbles pop up on their own. 

Step 3: Use primer and repaint

Use a suitable primer on the surface. Then,  you’ll be able to repaint your glass. Be careful to get the best result.

Spray paint bubbling on plastic: Causes and solution

Why is my spray paint bubbling on plastic?

Moisture or excessive heat is the relative reason for wrinkle, crack or air bubbles on plastic surfaces. Many more reasons also exist that cause bubbling on plastic.

  • The base coat is very thin.
  • Two layers of the coat were applied in a short time.
  • The plastic surface wasn’t properly clean.

How to fix spray paint bubbles on plastic?

After finding the exact reason, you have to get ready to fix these annoying bubbles.  Follow the easy steps and let fix the problem-

Step 1: Remove the bubble

Take a brush and make a dap on the bubbles lightly. Then, try to use the tip of the brush to remove the bubbles.

Step 2: Sand the bubbles

If the bubbles are hardly sticking with paint, you need to sand the bubbles.  In this step,  you’ve to use 120 grit sandpaper, palm sander to sand over a polyurethane surface.

Step 3: Use primer and repaint

After sanding the plastic surface correctly, you need to use a suitable primer.  Then apply a coat, and then you’re really done with your job.

Spray paint bubbling on the wall: Causes and solution

Why is my spray paint bubbling on the wall ?

Paint bubbling on walls are a common phenomenon that most house owners face! Most of the cases of paint bubbles on walls are caused by moisture. 

Again, the paint film loses its adhesion and lifts away from the surface. As a result, the air bubbles start on the wall painting. Some other reasons are including-

●        Poor ventilation

●        The preparation of the wall was poor.

●        Use an unsuitable primer.

●        Painting in direct sunlight

●        Exterior paint bubbling after rain for excess moisture

How to fix spray paint bubbles on the wall?

To remove the spray paint bubbles on the wall, you need to follow some basic steps which are given below. Follow the instructions and get it fixed within a short period.

Step 1: Scrape the paint bubble

The first thing you need to do is scrape the paint bubble. Just take a putty knife to wipe off the paint blistering.

Step 2: Sand the wall surface

Take sandpaper and sand the area of the paint bubble. Then, clean the surface of the wall and remove the dirt, oil, grease, joint compound, or any other contaminants.

Step 3: Apply a primer

After cleaning the surface of the wall, apply a primer. Let it dry completely. Next, just repaint your wall as you like

How To Prevent Air Bubbles/Blisters In Spray Paint?

Several facts have to be considered before painting any material.  Air bubbles are causes of improper preparation.

Therefore, first, take precautions and then follow the painting tips. Selecting the right tools is also a big fact! Sometimes, the quality of spray paint makes a difference to a painting.

There are many spray paints displayed in online shops or markets. But, we recommend the two best spray paints, which reduce the risk of air bubbles. 

  • To get the best results of paint, you can try Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Spray Paint.
  • If you’re looking for the best chalk paint, KILZ Chalk Spray Paint is all of the above choices!

In the below, there are some techniques and instructions which help you to prevent air bubbles on spray paint-

Techniques to prevent air bubbles on spray paint:

●   Clean the surface properly

●   Avoid painting in direct sunlight or excess moisture.

●   Always use a suitable primer before applying any coat.

●   Never apply an oil-based paint over the latex base.

●   Use quality paint.

 Should you pop paint bubbles?

You shouldn’t pop paint bubbles. When you notice any bubbles in the paint, keep trying to scrape the bubble area with a putty knife. 

It’s not necessary to pop the bubble because if your paint isn’t dry and the bubbles start to grow, then just leave it to dry. They will go on their own.

Conclusion

Getting the fresh paint with your expected result is a fact! And, spray paint is only the thing that may help you out. But, annoying blisters or air bubbles can make this worse!

So, take necessary precautions and carefully follow the steps of painting to prevent the air bubble. If you’re thinking you’ll be capable of fixing spray paint bubbles or repainting, then go for it. Otherwise, call a professional and get it fixed in a short time. 

Hopefully, this article will accompany you!!