Uneven Paint Flow - Causes & Solutions
If you are a DIY kind of person, interior painting is a relatively quick and inexpensive way to upgrade the aesthetic appeal and monetary value of your home. Depending on the color, a fresh coat of paint can make a drab room elegant, fun or arresting. At the same time, a fresh coat of paint can make any room appalling if applied incorrectly. One common problem you may encounter is uneven paint flow. Uneven paint flow, or flow/leveling failure, results in spotty surfaces, with dull areas that do not have enough paint cover to excessively glossy areas with too much paint cover to areas where the brush or roller marks are clearly visible. However, there are steps you can take to avoid this unsightly predicament by knowing how it is caused and how to avoid it.
Causes of uneven paint flow
While painting looks like a simple enough task, it is actually a skill that requires some proficiency and know-how. For example, it is important to realize that different types of paint and surfaces require different types of brushes and roller covers. Even if the paint you choose is perfect for the texture or material of the surface you are painting, the wrong paintbrush may result in uneven paint flow. Similarly, if you choose the right roller cover for the surface you are painting, the wrong choice of paint is going to negatively affect the outcome. Avoid low-quality paint and supplies at all costs. A cheap paintbrush leaves bristles in the paint, covers unevenly and leaves brush marks on the surface, while cheap paint is prone to leaving brush marks, even with a quality brush or roller cover. Other common causes of a spotty appearance are failing to prime the surface before painting and touching up spots that have already partially dried.
Avoiding uneven paint flow
Educate yourself on the right type of paint, brushes and roller covers to use on any given surface. In addition, purchasing high-quality paint and painting tools is of critical importance. Do not scrimp on your paint and supplies. The equity you gain in your home from a quality paint job is going to far outweigh the few extra dollars you spend on quality products. Make sure to prime your surface with at least one coat of primer to avoid patchy spots when you paint. Learn the proper painting techniques for brushes and rollers to avoid retouching areas of paint that have already started to dry.
Choosing to paint the interior of your home rather than hiring a professional is a great way to save a bundle of money and gain some self-satisfaction. However, it is extremely important to learn the proper method of painting and the best way to avoid common painting problems, such as uneven paint flow, before you begin your home-improvement project.
Primers and Finishes
Priming is essential for better adhesion, sheen uniformity, mildew control and durability.
Select a top quality interior paint in the color and sheen of your choice.
Substrates, Primers
Substrate: Various
Primer: 975 Acry-Plex Enamel Undercoat
Finish Coats: 1650 Acry-Plex Interior Latex Semi-Gloss
1685 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Semi-Gloss Acrylic En.
1680 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Gloss Acrylic En.
