Paint blocking occurs when two freshly painted, uncured surfaces bond when pressed against each other, frequently in settings such as a door sticking to the jamb or windows sticking to the sill. When separated, the surfaces show paint transfer or peeling.
Why Does Paint Stick or Block?
- Not allowing the paint to sufficiently dry or cure before closing doors or windows.
- Using low-quality semi-gloss or gloss latex paints that have poor blocking resistance, especially in warm, damp conditions, as sometimes paint sticks due to humidity.
- Old coatings on the surface are too thick, not giving the moving surface enough space to shift.
How to Prevent Paint from Sticking
- Adjust doors and windows to open and close properly.
- Sand down any existing coatings if they appear to be thick.
- Use top-quality interior semi-gloss or gloss latex-based paints. These coatings develop superior block resistance over time.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding dry time. Thoroughly dried paint will have less risk of peeling due to sticking issues.
How to Fix Paint Sticking or Blocking
- Remove all loose paint and sand the surface (glossy surfaces should be sanded dull).
- Clean the area and allow it to dry.
- Use a top-quality primer and apply topcoat and allow to dry thoroughly according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Make sure to paint in a well-ventilated area to optimize drying and curing time.