Painting your home is one of the most affordable and easiest ways to improve its appearance. However, when the coverage is patchy or uneven, the results are immensely disappointing, as you are left with streaks, discoloration spots and ugly blotches. Understanding how to prevent problems with coverage will save you time, money and frustration.
What Causes Uneven Paint Coverage?
There are several mistakes that homeowners make that cause paint to be patchy or uneven. Poor surface preparation is the most common reason paint does not properly adhere to surfaces. When proper sanding, cleaning and priming don’t take place, paint won’t stick to the walls correctly. What’s more, dirt, grease and dust can cause blotchy spots.
Walls that have blemishes need to be repaired before you can apply any paint, which is why primer is so critical. Paint soaks into some spots, such as repaired spots and bare drywall, more than others, giving the finish an uneven look.
Some homeowners try to cut corners by using cheap, low-quality paint. These paints don’t have as much pigment, meaning that you’ll need to apply more coats to have a remote chance of proper coverage. The chances of making mistakes are high, and you won’t save as much money as you thought. And applying paint unevenly by failing to overlap strokes, not putting enough paint on the roller and pressing too hard will create thin spots and streaks that can leave your walls looking like an eyesore.
The conditions in which you paint also matter because these will have a bearing on how the end result turns out. For example, hot and humid temperatures can cause bubbling, and the cold will make the paint thicken, making it more difficult to apply.
The problem with uneven coverage is that thin spots are more vulnerable to moisture, stains and scuffing, and patchy coverage will fade faster. You will have to paint again, sooner than you planned.
How to Prevent Patchy Coverage
Fortunately, this problem is preventable. First, you must adequately prepare the surface by filling in any holes, sanding the walls and giving them a good washing. Then, apply primer. Make sure you also choose top-quality paint. Sure, you will spend more money up front; however, the cost will be well worth it because you can apply fewer coats, and the paint job will last longer and look better.
The tools that you choose also matter. For example, if you have textured walls, you will need a thicker roller nap. Make sure you also apply the paint correctly. Load the roller evenly. Then, make sure you blend the paint by moving in a “W” or “M” pattern. It’s easiest to work in sections.
To guarantee a good outcome, hire professional painters. They have the proper tools and experience to make sure every paint job turns out nicely every time. You can sit back, relax and watch your home be transformed into a work of art.
If you want to spruce up your Lansing, MI home with a fresh coat of interior or exterior paint, reach out to Standby Brothers, and we’ll make sure the results are what you expect.