1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Home Repair

Top 10 Most Common House Paint Problems and How to Fix Them

By Bob Formisano, About.com

1 of 10

Introduction and Blistering Paint

Blistering Paint

Blistering Paint

© Home-Cost.com 2006
TUTORIAL INTRODUCTION
This tutorial "Common House Paint Problems" will illustrate and discuss common paint problems and paint failures found around the home. We'll review the problem, cause and solution for the top 10 house painting problems, starting with Blistering Paint.

Symptoms: Blistering
Blistering paint is identified by small to medium sized bubbles or blisters under the paint film and is most common on wood siding and trim.

Potential Causes:

  • Painting in direct sunlight on a hot substrate (surface being painted) which traps solvent vapor as the paint dries too quickly.
  • Painting when the wood is damp causing trapped moisture to expand the paint film.
  • Dew, rain or very high humidity after latex paint has dried if the latex paint is of lower quality or the substrate surface preparation was inadequate.
  • House moisture escaping through the walls due to improper house ventilation.

Possible Repairs:

  • Scrape away blistered paint and sand to bare wood.
  • Let wood completely dry.
  • Sand, prime and paint in non-direct sunlight and non-humid conditions.
  • Use high quality latex paint.
  • If due to lack of home ventilation, corrective repairs must be made to properly ventilate the home's walls, roof and eaves, bathrooms, etc.
  • Check and repair any loose or missing caulking around windows and doors.
  • Consider providing siding ventilation.

Explore Home Repair

About.com Special Features

Home Allergy Center

Banish mess, reduce allergens, and maintain a clean, healthy home. More >

Home Improvements Made Easy

Inspirational ideas and expert tips to help you pull off your next DIY project. More >

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Home Repair
  4. Exterior Home Repair
  5. Common House Paint Problems and Repairs - Blistering

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.