If you’re painting your walls, it may appear uneven if there are spots where the paint is a bit thicker than the others. This problem may be caused by several factors. These include not priming and sanding the surface well, using an excessively rough brush, or applying too many coats of paint. In this article, we’ll discuss how to fix these issues. Once you know which one causes your uneven paint, you can move on to more challenging issues.
Not properly priming
When it comes to applying wall paint, not priming is a major cause. Without it, the finished product will not adhere properly. Whether the walls are oily, dirty, or both, there are several causes of uneven coverage. In most cases, the problem is that the paint is not properly prepared for painting. The paint was either applied directly to the drywall or was too thick and not primed. The primer may have been applied unevenly or too thinly, or the paint was too rushed to properly dry.
An improperly primed surface will cause the paint to come off in splotches. Leaving debris or paint on the surface will prevent the paint from adhering properly. Similarly, the uneven surface may lead to portions of the wall that are clean and pristine while other parts are dirty and textured. Performing proper preparation is essential to avoid uneven painting. In addition, using a proper interior paint roller cover with a three-eight-inch nap will ensure a smooth finish.
Painting the walls is only one part of the process. Before applying paint, the surface must be free of any debris that can prevent the paint from adhering. Even a single nail-head can cause uneven results if it has a rust stain. Then, it is necessary to spackle nail heads to prevent a rust stain from penetrating the paint. This method may also improve the paint’s absorption and hide any irregularities.
When painting, it is important to remember that primer is not only needed to help the paint adhere to the wall, but also to prevent moisture from penetrating the surface. Without primer, paint can peel or become uneven and look splotchy. This is why you should thoroughly clean the area before painting. Similarly, don’t forget to wipe the primer surface clean after sanding. This will prevent any dust or debris from getting into the paint and prevent any further problems from arising.
Not properly sanding
If you don’t sand your walls correctly, you may find that your wall paint will be uneven. This problem typically occurs when the painter does not keep a wet edge, which makes roller marks appear. To repair these marks, sand the wall first and wipe off any dust. Next, re-apply a coat of paint to the area to achieve a smooth, picture-perfect finish.
If the paint is thicker, you can try sanding down the walls, but if the unevenness is still too large, you might have to plaster the wall first. A layer of plaster helps the paint adhere to the wall. Allow the plaster to dry completely before painting. Finally, apply the second coat of paint, allowing the plaster to dry to create an even surface. If you find that your wall is still too uneven, you can always apply a second coat to smooth things out.
While sanding is not necessary for every paint job, sanding walls is a must if the paint is glossy or has bumps. To get a smooth finish, you need to sand the wall with a fine-grit sandpaper. If the paint is water-based, you can use medium grit instead. Sanding the walls using sandpaper helps you avoid damaging the wood.
While you’re painting, you must make sure that your wall is properly primed before you begin the painting process. Primer is important because it helps the paint adhere to the wall and seals moisture, which can cause the new paint to peel. For small repairs, you can use a paint patch and apply it to the affected area using the same method and color as the original wall. After that, allow the new paint to dry completely before you begin the next step.
Overloading brush
You may have noticed your wall paint is uneven. In this case, your problem may be caused by overloading your paintbrush. You need to take some precautions before painting. First, make sure you’re using the correct painter’s tape. If you don’t use the proper tape, your paint will not be evenly applied. Then, you can use the proper brush to apply paint to the wall.
Overloading your roller is another common reason for uneven wall paint. It may look like a patchy area on the wall, but it’s easy to fix. If the paint is too wet, simply repeat the painting process. You should also make sure your roller is wet and that you paint from the wet edge. Overloading your roller or brush may result in drips and dried paint that look like an icy trail.
To avoid drips, don’t overload your paintbrush. If you do, you may end up with paint that dries before it can spread evenly. Moreover, the paint might also not spread as desired due to volatile chemical compounds. If you’re unsure of what type of paint to use, consult a professional. Overloading your brush will result in streaks, drips, and wasted paint.
If you’ve used poor quality paint or a very old one, chances are you’ve overloaded your brush. This will make the paint uneven and may result in poor hiding and coverage. Besides, overloading your brush with too much paint can lead to bubbles as well. But if you’re using good quality paint, you can get seamless coverage with two coats of paint. If you’re worried about a drip, you can easily fix it by lightly sanding down the area. Or you can simply paint over the entire wall again.
Not applying enough coats of paint
Whether you’re painting a whole room or just a small area, uneven wall paint is not a pretty sight. Most likely, you didn’t apply enough paint coats. You need to fix this problem by applying a second or third coat, or you’ll have to redo the entire project. Evening out paint is easy to fix; simply apply a few coats in multiple layers until you reach the desired coverage.
Not mixing the paint properly is another reason for uneven coverage. Paint tends to separate over time and the solids sink to the bottom. Luckily, stir sticks can act as a paint stir. Mechanical paint stirrers are also available, making the job easier. In any case, make sure you stir the paint well before applying the first coat. If you’re using a roller, make sure to keep the edge wet and sand down to avoid the appearance of roller marks.
Poor sheen uniformity is another common cause of uneven wall paint. This problem is also known as joint flashing. If you’re painting a wall, it’s likely that you’ve experienced this problem. The problem can be easily spotted from a distance or when reflected light shines on the surface. The result is uneven walls that are shiny or dull. These walls often show more signs of uneven paint than others.
If you’re not applying enough coats of paint, you could be leaving a splotchy mess. It can also be caused by improperly applied paint or too thinned paint. The temperature of the room may also be a contributing factor. Ensure the walls are at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels that are moderate. Then, redistribute the paint while it’s wet to correct any sagging problems.
Using elastomeric wall coatings
If you have trouble painting your walls because of uneven surfaces, you should consider using elastomeric latex paint. This type of paint covers uneven surfaces by filling in gaps in the walls. It is thicker than ordinary paint and is usually used to cover large holes and cracks in walls. Compared to regular paint, this type of coating covers the entire wall in just one coat.
This type of coating is usually applied to textured walls to hide imperfections. Unlike regular paint, it is thick and resistant to wear and tear. Even if it’s too thick, you can sand it down to a manageable level. If you’re not sure how to tackle this type of paint job, you may want to plaster the wall first. Then, apply elastomeric wall coating.
When applied properly, elastomeric wall coatings can fill in areas of unevenness, and make it possible to create themes or raised abstracts. Depending on your artistic talents, you can even create theme-based designs on uneven walls. To achieve the desired result, use high-quality techniques and tools. Begin by applying the coating to the wall’s topside, and work your way down.
When applying elastomeric paint, make sure you choose a professional for the project. Because elastomeric paint is thicker than regular paint, it’s not appropriate for every painting project. If you want to paint stucco walls, you can opt for masonry primer or a double coat of quality paint instead. If you prefer, you can also use elastomeric paint on wood and masonry surfaces.