Tips & Tools

Blistering

Definition:

Lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface, which appears as bubbles or blisters in the paint, usually caused by heat, moisture or a combination of both. This condition will eventually lead to peeling of the paint if blistering not corrected.

Cause:

Painting in direct sunlight or on a surface that is too hot.
Applying solvent-based paint over a damp or wet surface
Film thicknesses too high. Thick coats of paint are more likely to exhibit this type of blistering than thin coats.
Finish that is incompatible with the surface.

Prevention

Keep to the film thicknesses specified on the Technical Data Sheet.
Avoid painting a dirty surface. Ensure surfaces are clean, dry and free from gease.
Avoid using a finish that is incompatible with the surface; for instance, never painting a latex base with an oil-based paint. Paint shrinks when it dries, and it will pull up sections that have not fully adhered.
Avoid painting in the heat.

Solutions for blistering caused by heat.

Remove blisters by scraping, sanding or
pressure-washing down to underlying coats of paint or primer.
Repaint the surface with high quality paint.
Use the correct primer, undercoat, finish specified on the Technical Data Sheet.

Solutions for blistering caused by moisture.

Repair loose caulking and improve ventilation of the building to prevent a recurring problem.
Remove the blisters by scraping or sanding down to the bare surface.
Prime all bare areas with the suitable primer which specified on Technical Data Sheet.
Repaint the surface with the suitable finish which specified on Technical Data Sheet.

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