Problem Solver - Interior

All interior paint problems are correctable—find the right solution here. This section lists a variety of interior painting problems. Simply select the problem you have to find the remedy. Note: Images provided by The Rohm & Hass Paint Quality Institute.


	Blistering Bubbles sometimes form on the paint film that look like blisters. These result from the localized loss of adhesion and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface. Learn More


	Blocking Blocking occurs when two painted surfaces stick when pressed together (e.g., a door sticking to the jamb). Learn More


	Burnishing Burnishing is an interior painting problem that occurs when the gloss or sheen of paint film increases when subjected to rubbing or brushing. Learn More


	Caulk Failure Caulk may lose its initial adhesion and flexibility, which will cause it to crack or pull away from the surfaces to which it is applied. Learn More


	Cracking or Flaking Dry paint sometimes cracks or flakes through at least one coat due to aging, which ultimately will lead to complete failure of the paint. Learn More


	Foaming or Cratering Foaming and cratering occur when bubbles (foaming) form. When the bubbles break during application and drying, they result in small, round concave depressions (cratering). Learn More


	Lap Marks Lap marks are the appearance of a denser color or increased gloss where wet and dry layers overlap during paint application. Learn More


	Mildew Mildew can appear on the surface of paint or caulk as black, gray, or brown spots or areas. Learn More


	Mud Cracking Deep, irregular cracks that resemble dried mud form in dry paint film. Learn More


	Picture Framing on Drywall (Hatbanding) "Hatbanding" describes a coating with an excessively heavy textured look. Learn More


	Poor Flow or Leveling Poor flow and leveling occur when paint fails to dry to a smooth film, which results in unsightly brush and roller marks after the paint dries. Learn More


	Poor Hiding of Colors Dried paint fails to obscure or "hide" the surface to which it is applied. Learn More


	Poor Print Resistance This is the tendency of paint film to take on the imprint of an object that is placed on it (e.g., a shelf, table, window sill, or countertop with books, dishes, and other objects on them). Learn More


	Poor Scrub Resistance Poor scrub resistance is a painting problem that leads to the wearing away or removal of the paint film when scrubbed with a brush, sponge, or cloth. Learn More


	Poor Sheen Uniformity Poor sheen uniformity leads to shiny spots or dull spots (also known as "flashing") on a painted surface. Learn More


	Poor Stain Resistance Paint that fails to resist absorption of dirt and stains suffers from poor stain resistance. Learn More


	Roller Marks or Stipple Roller marks and "stipple" are an unintentional textured pattern left in the paint by the roller. Learn More


	Roller Spattering This occurs when a roller throws off small droplets of paint during application. Learn More


	Sagging Sagging is a downward "drooping" movement of the paint film that occurs immediately after application, resulting in an uneven coating. Learn More


	Surfactant Leaching Surfactant leaching appears as tan or brown spots or areas, and can sometimes be glossy, soapy, or sticky. Learn More


	Wrinkling When uncured paint forms a skin, it can wrinkle, making the surface appear rough and crinkled paint. Learn More


	Yellowing Aging paint can develop a yellow cast, most noticeably in the dried film of white paints or clear varnishes. Learn More

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