Smooth finishes made simple: your guide to common paint issues

Even the most experienced DIYers and pros encounter paint problems from time to time. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or repainting
an entire exterior, knowing how to spot and fix common issues can save you time, money, and stress.

We believe every surface deserves a smooth, lasting finish so here’s how to tackle five common paint problems like a pro.

1. Peeling paint

Paint that lifts or flakes off the surface is usually a result of poor adhesion. This can occur when paint is applied to a dirty, wet, or glossy surface or when moisture seeps in from behind.

How to fix it:

• Scrape away all peeling paint using a paint scraper or wire brush.
• Sand the edges to feather them out and smooth the surface.
• Check for moisture problems and fix them before repainting.
• Apply a suitable primer in the Prominent Paints product range depending on
  the surface type and condition.
• Repaint with a high-quality paint like Prominent Premium Satin Silk for
  interior or Neuklad for exterior use.

Pro tip:  Always let each coat dry fully and avoid painting during rainy or humid weather.

2. Bubbling/blistering

Bubbles or blisters under the paint film form when paint loses adhesion due to heat, moisture, or painting over a damp or dirty surface.

How to fix it:

• Gently scrape or sand the affected area.
• Identify and eliminate the source of moisture (e.g. leaks or trapped moisture).
• Apply a primer suited to the surface and conditions.
• Repaint with a breathable, water-resistant product like Prominent Damp Cure, and select your choice of paint in the Prominent Paints range based on the surface and environment that the paint will be exposed to.

Pro tip: Never paint in direct sunlight or on a hot surface as this could traps moisture and causes bubbling and you will use a lot more paint.

3. Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a white, powdery deposit that appears on masonry surfaces. It’s caused by water drawing salts to the surface and affecting the paint layer.

How to fix it:

• Brush off the salts using a scraper, hard nylon brush or if noticed on face bricks, the surface must be washed with acid and then washed with Prominent General Purpose Cleaner and rinsed with water.
• Allow the surface to dry completely, this could take several days.
• Seal with Prominent Damp Cure to prevent further moisture migration if it’s a painted wall surface or seal the face-brick walls using Prominent Surface Sealer.
• Repaint with a quality exterior product like Prominent Neuklad – Neuklad or Prominent Premium Textured Coat.

Pro tip: Always allow new cement or plaster to cure properly before painting ideally 28 days.

4. Uneven coverage

What’s happening?
Patchy or streaky results can occur when paint is applied unevenly, over-rolled, or used on highly absorbent surfaces without proper priming.

How to fix it:

• First, let the coat dry fully.
• Apply a second (or third) even coat using a roller or brush with the right nap or bristle for the surface.
• Depending on the surface conditions and the type of surface, you are welcome to contact Prominent Paints for the best recommended primer to use.

Pro tip: Use consistent pressure and maintain a “wet edge” when rolling or brushing to avoid streaks and lap marks and do not paint dry.

5. Cracking or flaking

Fine cracks or flaking paint may result from the incorrect paint system being used. Matt paint coating is not suitable for rough surfaces or to be used for overcoating onto a flexible paint coating.

How to fix it:

• Remove mud cracking by scraping and sanding back to a sound, smooth surface finish.
• Apply a primer if needed, then repaint with a durable, flexible finish like Prominent Premium Textured and can be followed up with two coats of Prominent Premium Satin Silk to achieve a smooth finish.

Pro tip: Avoid over-brushing or diluting paint, this weakens its protective properties and increases the chance of cracking, premature fading and many more defects.

Paint problems can be frustrating, but with the right know-how, products, and prep work, you can achieve professional-looking results every time.

Prominent Paints offers a wide range of high-performance primers, topcoats, and speciality products to help you overcome these challenges with confidence.

Need tailored advice for your project?

Visit your nearest Prominent Paints store or speak to one of our in-store consultants today or contact the technical department on 011 389 4746.

Happy painting!