Common Paint Problems

How-To

Detailed solutions from Porter® to the most common paint problems faced by both painting professionals and do-it-yourselfers.

Interior

Foaming/Cratering:

The formation of bubbles (foaming) and resulting small, round concave depressions (cratering) when bubbles break in a paint film during paint application and drying.

Possible Causes

  • * Shaking a partially-filled can of paint
  • * Use of low-quality or very old latex paint
  • * Applying paint too rapidly (especially when rolling)
  • * Use of a roller cover with wrong nap length
  • * Excessive rolling or brushing of the paint
  • * Applying a gloss or semi-gloss paint over a porous surface

Solutions

All paints will foam to some degree during application. However, higher-quality paints are formulated so the bubbles break while the paint is still wet, allowing for good flow and appearance. Avoid excessive rolling or brushing of the paint or using paint that's more than a year old. Apply gloss and semi-gloss paints with a short-nap roller, and apply an appropriate sealer or primer before using such paint over a porous surface. Problem areas should be sanded before repainting.

Porter® System Recommendations

  • Primer: One coat of BLANKIT Interior Acrylic Primer/Finish No. 1129
  • Finish: One or more coats of Super Premium SILKEN TOUCH Interior Wall and Trim Paints. No. 939 Flat, 999 Eggshell, 1119 Satin, 1139 Semi Gloss
  • Or:
  • One or more coats of Premium HI-HIDE Interior Latex Wall and Trim Paints. No. 689 Flat, 389 Eggshell, 379 Satin, 109 Semi Gloss