Why Does My Ceiling Look Patchy After Painting? [Solved] (2023)

FAQs

How do you prevent patchy ceilings when painting? ›

Good technique with the roller is also most important to achieve a good finish, make sure the roller is well loaded with paint and work a small area at a time (couple sq m) get the paint on the ceiling, don't over roll it and then finish by going over it with very light strokes before moving on to the next area always ...

Lowe's recommends starting by sanding any areas that are visibly loose or bubbled, wearing a mask, and wipe it down with a tack cloth. Then, apply a primer specifically meant to create a barrier between oil based and latex paint. Let this dry, and then repaint your ceilings.

Mistake: Uneven or blotchy paint

Why it happens: Uneven or blotchy paint occurs when you've either skipped priming or not adequately primed your wall before painting. This can also result from not applying enough coats of paint to get a uniform finish.

The best way to paint a ceiling is to use a paint roller and work in grid-like sections of 3 square feet to 5 square feet each. This helps keep edges wet and allows you to see your progress to ensure an even coat. For smooth ceilings, use a low nap roller.

Lack of a Primer Coat

In many instances when painting over a previous paint job, a primer-sealer needs to be spread across the ceiling first. This is especially true in old houses and if don't use a sealer, then the ceiling might appear patchy afterwords.

Lightly sand the troublesome area with 150-grit sandpaper, then tack the walls. That's painter lingo for “Wipe it with a cloth to get rid of dust.” (Easier than the lingo makes it sound!) Then re-paint the area, maintaining a wet edge—meaning, don't let the paint dry until you finish the wall.

Generally, you will want a minimum of two coats of paint – this is a good rule of thumb for any wall or ceiling you're painting. You'll rarely get a seamless finish from just one coat of paint, and even if you do, coverage isn't the only goal when it comes to painting a room.

Is it better to paint a ceiling with a brush or roller? 'We recommend using both a brush and a roller,' says Helen Shaw at Benjamin Moore. 'A brush is needed for painting the edges of the ceiling and the roller to paint the rest of the ceiling.

Patchiness usually happens if you don't use enough paint, or apply it unevenly. Using a touch more paint, and painting in small sections one at a time, usually does the trick. Also, rolling in a grid fashion will get you an even finish too. But, sometimes, changes in the gloss level leave things patchy.

Why is there white patches after painting? ›

The term 'chalking' refers to the formation of a white, chalky powder on the surface of the paint film. This condition often occurs as the paint weathers and the binder is slowly degraded by sunshine and moisture, releasing the binder's hold on the pigment.

Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to gently scrape away paint (tip: vegetable oil can be used to soften up the paint). Denatured alcohol or acetone will work on tougher areas but be sure to spot test beforehand.

Ceilings and Drywall - Medium 3/8″ nap roller covers work best. Walls, Wood, and Metal - Small 1/4″ nap roller covers or foam rollers will produce the smoothest finish.

Just like a vertical wall, begin by cutting-in where the roller won't reach. Using a brush, paint around down lights and edges to create a border. Once you've loaded your roller evenly, begin in one corner and move fluidly in a parallel motion. For best results, work in 1 metre sections painting across and then down.

Cut-in the corners of the ceiling by painting them with a paintbrush, then roll the rest of the ceiling before the corners dry. It's easier to avoid streaks if you roll over paint that is still wet. For the same reason, you should roll the entire length of the ceiling at once.

Visible stains and flaws throughout the paint because of poor wall preparation. Uneven and inconsistent colors – a common issue when only one coat of paint is used. Blotches and streaks caused by applying paint on a dirty or wet wall. Bubbles on the new coat of paint, which occur when the wall isn't allowed to dry ...

Applying the second coat too early will result in streaks, peeling paint, and uneven color. Not only will this ruin the entire project but it'll cost additional money to get more paint in some occasions. It's best to wait for the first coat to dry.

Prime the area and then paint it with the same paint and using the same applicator (brush or roller) that you used to apply the original coat of paint. Use the smallest amount of paint that is needed and apply it little by little.

Ghosting happens when mildly damp, warm, and possibly sooty interior air condenses on the sections of walls and ceiling that are colder because part of the wood frame is uninsulated. This results in black sooty stains on your walls and ceilings that follow the patterns of your home's framing.

Why are my drywall patches showing through paint? ›

Simply painting over the spackle spots often allows them to bleed through the coat of paint in a manner that is commonly referred to as “flashing.” It takes a few extra steps after repairing your wall to ensure that the spackle spots can be well-hidden and unobtrusive.

Can you paint over ghosting on ceiling? First, it's essential to understand that simply painting over ghost streaks and stains (even if you can cover them completely) is little more than a temporary solution. While repainting is an eventual part of the process, you have to stop the root causes for any long term relief.

This happens mostly due to moisture. Moisture gets between the paint and the wall, causing it to peel. The brand of paint may not be high enough quality. Ceilings in high moisture areas need a paint that sticks better and is flexible.

Step 6: While the ceiling is still damp, use an unloaded paint roller in a corner of the ceiling and lightly pull it in a straight line without pressure. Continue this action, slightly overlapping each line. This will prevent ceiling paint streaks.

As a rule of thumb, you should always expect to apply two coats of paint regardless of what the label says. Colors such as reds, bright yellows, and oranges may require three or more coats. However, there are situations where one coat of paint is perfectly acceptable.

Eggshell paints offer a low sheen while still absorbing most light and hiding ceiling imperfections. Satin finish: Satin paints are slightly more reflective than eggshell paints but still have a low sheen overall. Paints with a higher sheen than satin finish paints tend to highlight nicks on the ceiling.

Flat Acrylic Ceiling Paint

As the most common type of ceiling paint, this is best suited for low-humidity rooms, such as the bedrooms and living spaces. Flat paint does not reflect much light, which is appropriate for most ceilings.

Ceilings should almost always be painted in a flat, matte acrylic paint. The reason for this is that: Flat paint will not reflect light or draw attention away from the wall and room furnishings. Ceilings don't receive much wear and tear, so a glossy, durable paint is not necessary.

Use a roller brush that was designed specifically for the type of surface being painted and apply the paint with a soft, even rolling motion. If the substrate is overly porous, seal the entire surface with a high-quality primer that is designed for use on that particular surface.

Use a 2- or 2-1/2-inch angled brush to cut in a 3- to 4-inch-wide band of paint around the edges of the ceiling. This allows you to roll on paint afterward without getting too close to the walls and accidentally getting paint on them from the roller.

Can you paint two coats in one day? ›

Adding a Second Coat

After your first coat of paint is dry, it's safe to recoat typically after four to six hours. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least three hours to recoat your paint or primer if it's water-based. Waiting 24 hours is best for oil-based paint and primer.

White spots will go away within a week. There is no need to visit the doctor if symptoms disappear. Regularly warm salt water gargling at night is a simple way to prevent recurrence and eliminating the infection. Sometimes white patches may take a longer time to disappear.

White spots often clear up on their own. If they last longer than several weeks or you're distressed by their appearance, see your doctor. A doctor can help determine the cause and advise you on your options for treatment. Your doctor often needs little more than a visual assessment of the skin to make a diagnosis.

There is no "cure" for vitiligo. Sometimes patches go away on their own. But when that doesn't happen, doctors can prescribe treatments that might help even out skin tone. Some of these treatments are things you can try at home; others are done by a doctor.

What happens is that if you don't let the paint dry completely between coats, you'll end up with streaks. You can leave your surface smooth, use the best primer, and paint in one direction, but you need to let each coat dry properly. Make sure that each coat is completely dried before you apply the next one.

Fortunately, you can remove roller marks by using a wet sponge and some sandpaper. Once your paint has dried off, rub down the surface using your sandpaper. Be sure not to get rid of too much of the paint because the only goal is to even out the coating.

Roller marks are exactly what they sound like — evidence of where the painter used the roller brush. They are often caused by a painter putting a second coat of paint on the wall before the first coat has completely dried.

The ceiling should always be painted first. This allows you to effectively cover the surface with at least two coats while not having to worry about any over-spray (the effect of excess paint being sprayed onto the walls) by the roller. When painting the ceiling, you should always use a roller with a double arm frame.

Can you put too much paint on a roller? ›

Perhaps you're using a long-napped roller, loading too much paint on the roller or brush, or not spreading the paint well. The fix. Once the paint dries, use fine sandpaper to remove the run, then retouch the area with a brush and a little paint, feathering the edges.

Rollers are ideal for painting large areas, particularly ceilings. They are quick and easy to use. There are several types of roller to suit different paint jobs: foam, mohair or sheepskin, available in short, medium and long-pile.

Thin paint – a cheaper grade of paint or a previously opened can of paint that is now watered down could cause a patchy look. Poorly done – if not applied with a 9-inch roller and not enough paint when applying your paint can cause you to have an uneven spread of paint on the ceiling.

Lack of a Primer Coat

In many instances when painting over a previous paint job, a primer-sealer needs to be spread across the ceiling first. This is especially true in old houses and if don't use a sealer, then the ceiling might appear patchy afterwords.

Fixing Raised Edge Roller Marks

These paint streaks are called raised edge roller marks, and they're caused by paint that's been applied too thickly or unevenly. The cause: This typically happens when the roller is full of paint and is pressed too firmly against the wall.

Eggshell paints offer a low sheen while still absorbing most light and hiding ceiling imperfections. Satin finish: Satin paints are slightly more reflective than eggshell paints but still have a low sheen overall. Paints with a higher sheen than satin finish paints tend to highlight nicks on the ceiling.

Generally, you will want a minimum of two coats of paint – this is a good rule of thumb for any wall or ceiling you're painting. You'll rarely get a seamless finish from just one coat of paint, and even if you do, coverage isn't the only goal when it comes to painting a room.

Ceilings should almost always be painted in a flat, matte acrylic paint. The reason for this is that: Flat paint will not reflect light or draw attention away from the wall and room furnishings. Ceilings don't receive much wear and tear, so a glossy, durable paint is not necessary.

Sherwin Williams – Alabaster

Joanna painted the main living areas of her own farmhouse Alabaster and she continually uses it in homes she designs on Fixer Upper as well.

On the contrary, flat paint offers a chalky, matte finish that doesn't reflect light. Therefore, flat paint is a good choice when it comes to applying on ceilings. Flat paint actually lowers down the light glare, making it an appropriate choice for ceilings.