Blistering

Interior Paint Solution

Blistering: Bubbles resulting from localized loss of adhesion and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface.

Possible Causes:

Applying oil-based or alkyd paint over a damp or wet surface.
Moisture seeping into the home through the exterior walls (less likely with latex paint).

Exposure of latex paint film to high humidity or moisture shortly after paint has dried, especially if there was inadequate surface preparation.

Solution:

If blisters do not go all the way down to the substrate: Remove

blisters by scraping and sanding, and repaint with a quality acrylic latex interior paint.

If blisters go down to the substrate: Remove the source of moisture, if possible. Repair loose caulking; consider installing vents or exhaust fans. Remove blisters as above, remembering to prime before applying the top coat.

Painting tips & tricks

Painting old moldings
Over the years and after many coats of paint, door frames, windows and wall molding joints are no longer well defined and easy to trim. Carefully trace over the joints with a plasterboard knife using a yardstick if necessary. The traced cut will act as a paint dam? as long as you don't use too much.

Paint without removing fixtures
To avoid having to remove fixtures before painting, particularly when the pieces are difficult to get off, nothing works like Vaseline petroleum jelly. Just spread it on the surfaces to be protected before starting to paint and when finished, clean the fixtures with a paper towel or a soft cloth.

Removing paint on glass and windows
It is well known that dried paint can be removed from glass with a razor blade. If the glass objects are textured or uneven, soak them in water and dishwasher liquid for a few hours.

Doing clean touch ups
During light painting jobs, put a "Zip Lock" type sandwich bag in a plastic margarine tub and fold the bag edges over the rim. Pour the paint into the bag of your "paint tray" and once the job is over, remove the bag and seal it, or throw it away.