Fast Guide to Fixing a Paint Run

By Ellen Russell

While a paint run may seem like a distressing sign of wasted effort, if you notice one on your wall, don’t panic. Fortunately, it is possible to repair a paint run without painting the entire wall, and the same goes for peeling paint, crackling paint, and paint blistering. Follow these tips for removing and preventing paint imperfections:

Blistering
Blistering develops when paint surfaces dry too quickly because the painted surface is too hot (such as when painting a metal door in the sun). Blistering can be prevented by painting out of direct sunlight when the surface is cool.

Remove blistered paint with a paint scraper and sand the area to a smooth surface. Repaint the area when the sun is not hitting it.

Blistering can also be caused by painting a damp wall surface, or moisture building up in a wall. Remove blistered paint caused by moisture as noted above; correct moisture problems and dry the wall thoroughly before reapplying fresh paint.

Peeling Paint
Peeling that is not caused by age is usually the result of painting over a dirty surface. Scrape the area, sand, and clean the area as needed. Be sure the surface is completely dry before reapplying a new, fresh coat of paint (moisture is sometimes the cause of peeling paint, too).

Alligatoring or Crackling
Alligatoring refers to paint surfaces that crackle, leaving rough, checker-like patches in or under the surface paint. Alligatoring results when a second coat of paint is applied too quickly before the first coat is thoroughly dry.

Severe crackling may require the area to be stripped and repainted completely. Mild cases can be remedied by sanding away the affected area, then smoothing joint compound over the section to match the depth of the rest of the painted wall. Cover sanded compound with a fresh coat of paint.

Paint Runs, Sags and Wrinkles
Running, sagging and wrinkling in paint is the result of paint applied too thickly. The paint either drips down the wall, leaving a thick line behind, or wrinkles when the surface dries before the heavier paint below can dry. Prevent these paint problems by applying paint in thin layers and smoothing drips and runs while they are still wet.

To repair a paint run or a sagged or wrinkled paint surface, scrape and sand away the flaw, then apply fresh paint in thinner coats. For an extra tip: stretch a strong rubber band around an open paint can, center the band across the middle of the can opening, and wipe excess paint off brushes as you go.

Peeling, running, crackling, dripping and sagging are all common problems that are sometimes only noticeable after the paint job is finished. Use these fast fixes to smooth away paint flaws and refinish imperfections for great looking walls and paint finishes.