The Best Ways To Improve Adhesion When Painting

A fresh coat of paint is the simplest way to transform any room. Light-colored paints help a room feel open and brighter, while dark-colored paints give a room a dramatic, intimate air. But the paint color doesn’t matter if the paint surface begins bubbling just a few weeks later.

No paint job lasts forever. Still, you can ensure it will last years instead of weeks by doing what you can to improve how well your paint adheres to the wall. Here are some of the best ways to improve adhesion when painting.

Prepare the Wall

One of the major reasons paint bubbles is that something on the surface prevents adhesion. This may be dust, grime, oil, or even the nature of the surface itself. That is one of the primary reasons to prepare a wall before painting.

To make sure your surface is in the best possible state for paint adhesion, make sure you do the following before you start painting:

• Remove damaged paint
• Gently sand the surface
• Thoroughly clean and wipe down the area with a damp cloth
• Allow the space to dry completely after cleaning
• Apply a primer to the surface and allow it to dry

Walls that are already painted with paint that is in good condition and lighter than the new paint don’t need primer. But if the surface is unpainted, has poor-quality paint, or has a darker shade of paint, primer is an essential way to improve adhesion when painting.

Consider Environmental Factors

Even if you prepare the walls, the environment may still interfere with paint adhesion. For instance, if it’s too hot, the paint may dry before it gets a chance to properly prime. If it’s too cold, the paint may dry too slowly and bubble later. The air being too moist can also hinder adhesion.

The best way to counteract this is to be selective about what day you choose to paint. If you are painting outside, try to avoid painting on days that are colder than 40 degrees or hotter than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether you’re outside or inside, avoid painting on days that are too humid.

Use Proper Roller Technique

At times, bubbles occur when the painter uses improper techniques, especially when they are using a roller. When you apply paint too quickly or with a roller that is not suited to the surface, you may trap air under the surface, which will bubble later.

When applying paint, make sure you use slow, even rolls. Also, be sure to use thin roller covers for smoother surfaces and thick roller covers for textured surfaces such as stucco or brickwork.

Pro Tip

Paint can bubble before you even put it on the roller. Make sure you are not using old or bad-quality paint. Also, try not to stir the paint too vigorously when it’s still in the can.

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