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Bubbles on wall when painting? You're not alone. Few things are more frustrating than spending hours painting a room only to notice tiny, ugly bubbles forming under the paint. Also known as paint blistering, these raised areas often lead to peeling, cracking, and rework—and can affect both interior and exterior walls.
The good news? Bubbles on wall when painting are preventable, fixable, and often avoidable with the right prep, tools, and timing.
In this guide, we’ll explain what causes bubbles on the wall when painting, how to fix the issue if it’s already happened, and what to do next time to avoid it altogether.
Bubbles on the wall when painting are small pockets of air, water, or solvent that get trapped under the paint layer. As the paint dries, these pockets expand, causing blisters or bubbles to form. Over time, they can rupture, peel, or crack.
These bubbles not only look bad, but they also compromise the longevity of your paint job. That’s why spotting and preventing bubbles on wall when painting is so important.
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If your walls have dust, grease, or old paint residue, new paint can’t adhere properly. This often results in bubbles on the wall when painting.
Fix: Clean walls thoroughly using a mild detergent and let them dry completely before painting.
Moisture is the number one cause of bubbles on wall when painting. Whether it’s humidity, leaks, or damp drywall, trapped moisture creates air pockets beneath the paint.
Fix: Use a moisture meter or check for leaks before painting. Allow walls to fully dry after cleaning or priming.
Primer isn’t just optional. It seals the surface, promotes adhesion, and creates a smooth canvas. Skipping it can lead to bubbles on the wall when painting.
Fix: Always apply primer, especially on new drywall or surfaces that have been patched, sanded, or exposed to humidity.
Painting in hot weather or direct sun causes paint to dry too fast, trapping solvents and moisture underneath. Result? Bubbles on wall when painting.
Fix: Paint in mild, shaded conditions (ideally between 10–25°C). Avoid peak sun hours for exterior projects.
Oil and latex don’t mix. Applying oil-based paint directly over a latex layer can create adhesion issues and cause bubbling.
Fix: Sand the wall and apply a transition primer when switching between paint types.
Rolling too fast, pressing too hard, or using the wrong roller cover can trap air and lead to bubbles on wall when painting.
Fix: Use the right roller nap for your surface, apply gentle even pressure, and avoid overloading the brush.
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Already noticing bubbles on the wall when painting? Don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
Want flawless walls without the frustration? Hire the pros who know paint inside and out.
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Can I paint over bubbles on the wall?
No. Always scrape, sand, and prime the area before repainting, or the bubbles will return.
Why do bubbles appear hours after I finish painting?
This is often due to trapped moisture or improper adhesion. The bubbles rise as the paint cures.
Does using a dehumidifier help prevent bubbling?
Yes. Reducing humidity before and after painting can prevent moisture-related bubbles on wall when painting.
Seeing bubbles on the wall when painting can be discouraging. But with the right prep and techniques, you can prevent paint blistering and achieve a professional finish.
Need help? Our team at Pro Works Painting has seen it all—and fixed it all. We deliver smooth, durable, bubble-free results.
Because when it comes to painting, every detail matters.