For bare porous unpainted masonry substrates such as lime plaster, stone, pebbledash & concrete.
£5.00
£33.00
£57.50
For masonry substrates with previous masonry paint application.
£51.00
£84.00
If you’ve ever stepped back to admire your freshly painted walls only to be greeted by an unforgiving patchwork of colour, you’re not alone. Patchy paint can be a frustrating experience for DIYers and professional painters alike. Let’s uncover the most common reasons for that pesky patchiness on your walls so you can ensure a smooth, flawless finish every time.
The first step to achieving a beautiful paint job lies in the application process. Using the wrong tools can inadvertently lead to paint that looks patchy when dry. For instance, when working with our Claypaint, it’s crucial to use a short or medium pile roller – this is designed to effectively hold and distribute the paint. If your roller runs dry, you’ll find yourself with uneven patches, leaving your walls looking inconsistent. Also resist the urge to rework wet paint and trust the process… it will look patchy whilst drying!
Another common culprit in achieving a patchy effect is not maintaining a wet edge whist cutting in. When you paint in sections, if the edges dry out before you blend them with a fresh coat, you might create a picture frame effect that is hard to mask later. Always strive to work quickly and maintain that wet edge to keep things seamless!
Moisture content in the wall can significantly affect the paint’s appearance. If you paint over lime plaster or gypsum plaster before it’s had a chance to fully cure, you’re setting yourself up for inconsistencies. Lime plaster typically requires around four weeks to cure for every 5mm thickness, while gypsum plaster should cure for about four weeks, regardless of its thickness. Painting too soon leads to patches due to varying absorbency rates in the wall, making it essential to respect the curing times before picking up your roller.
Moisture in walls can also stem from other sources, such as dampness or high humidity. These issues not only contribute to patchy paint but can also result in more serious problems like bubbling or peeling. To achieve a flawless finish, it’s essential to identify and resolve the root causes of these moisture related issues before beginning any painting work.
Filler is often necessary for repairing cracks or imperfections on your wall but can inadvertently add moisture to the surface. This moisture can cause uneven drying, resulting in patchy areas once painted. Our Casein Filler requires a similar curing time of four weeks before you paint over it. Once fully dried prep the area by applying a mist coat of Claypaint (which is a mix of paint and 10% water) and allowing it to dry before applying your main coats. This helps create a more even surface for the final layers of paint.
1. Allow the substrate to completely dry: Ensure your walls are entirely dry before painting.
2. Wait on your first coat: Patience is key here – let that first coat set well.
3. Stir the paint extremely well: A proper mix is vital, and using a mechanical stirrer yields the best results.
4. Use a brand new short or medium pile roller: Fresh tools, fresh results!
5. Apply paint neat: Avoid diluting your second coat for the best finish.
6. Maintain a wet edge when cutting in: Work in small sections (about 2 meters) and roll up to freshly cut lines before they dry.
7. Apply enough paint: Avoid allowing your roller to run dry; thicker coats generally yield better results. Reload your roller every two rolls to ensure adequate paint is always applied.
8. Paint in a ‘W’ pattern: Use this technique to evenly distribute the paint without applying too much pressure.
9. Avoid working over wet paint: This leads to patchiness. Work methodically to ensure you’re not overworking the wet areas.
10. Allow sufficient drying time between coats: Ideally, let each coat dry overnight before proceeding.
11. Cure the paint: Once you’ve finished, allow the paint to cure properly to achieve its full durability.
Achieving a smooth and even finish doesn’t have to be a battle. By understanding the common pitfalls that lead to patchy paint, you can take proactive steps to ensure a flawless result with your next painting project. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your paint choices, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
