Paint With Confidence
Exterior Common Issues & Solutions
Text & image courtesy of the Rohm & Haas Paint Quality Institute
Blistering
Bubbles resulting from localized loss of adhesion and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface.
Possible Cause
- Painting a warm surface in direct sunlight.
- Application of oil-based or alkyd paint over a damp or wet surface.
- Moisture escaping through the exterior walls (less likely with latex paint than with oil-based or alkyd paint).
Solution
- If blisters go down to the substrate, try to remove the source of moisture. Repair loose caulking; consider installing an exhaust fan. Remove blisters (see below).
- If blisters do not go all the way down to the substrate, remove them by scraping, then sanding; prime any bare wood and repaint with a quality exterior paint.
