Fixing Three Common Paint Problems

If you are like most of us, you have experienced a few common problems when painting. Dripping paint here and there or getting stains from other sources on a freshly painted wall, we have all been there. After you spend all the time and effort plus sweat, who wants a mediocre job? To help, we have listed a few tips and tricks below that will help if you do make a couple of these mistakes. Happy painting!

Removing Stains

This step is always critical and will determine how your finished paint project turns out. Always prime the area before painting. If you do not and you simply paint over an area, the chances a previous stain on the wall will usually bleed through the new paint is high, and the stain makes its reappearance! If you have already painted and the stain has peeped its ugly head through, use a degreaser like TSP or Trisodium Phosphate. Professional painters have used this product to remove grease, mildew, and dirt from interior and exterior surfaces.

1. With TSP, clean the area completely. 
2. Make sure the area is entirely dry. 
3. Using an oil-based undercoat, paint over the stain. 
4. When dry, repaint over the stain. 
5. Make sure it is completely dry before repainting with topcoat paint. 

Removing Drips 

Make sure you do not put too much paint on the paintbrush. If you do end up with drips, please do the following: 

1. Using a scraper, gently scrape the paint drips. 
2. Make sure the area is dry and gently sand the area until the wall is smooth. 
3. Repaint the area with your topcoat paint. 

Flaking Paint

If you apply your topcoat paint to a damp wall, flaking paint is usually the result.  

1. Using a scraper, gently remove the flaking paint. 
2. Gently sand the area. You can start with coarse sandpaper and then complete with fine sandpaper. 
3. Do your best to make sure the areas between the painted area and the sanded area are smooth to the touch. If you do not, the new topcoat paint will easily show the lines between the two areas. 
4. Now, simply prime the area and let dry completely. 
5. Repaint and allow to dry. 

We hope that these tips will help if you do happen to make a couple of mistakes when painting. Although experts say the best advice is to make sure you prepare and prime your walls and woodwork for a beautifully smooth finished job, these tips and tricks can help you avoid any unforeseen accidents and errors. Thanks for reading