Why Paint Bubbles—And What Your Walls Are Trying To Tell You
Photo by Arnaldo Silva
We often think of paint as the final touch—the thing that makes a home feel finished. But sometimes, paint speaks back. A bubble here. A blister there. These seemingly minor flaws can say more than you'd expect. At Stanwich Painting, we know that when paint begins to bubble, it's not just an aesthetic issue. It's your home trying to tell you something.
What Causes Paint to Bubble?
At its core, paint bubbles (also known as blisters) form when adhesion fails. But that failure often comes from something deeper: moisture, heat, improper prep, or incompatible materials. Here are the most common culprits:
Moisture: Water trapped beneath the surface of the paint—whether from high humidity, leaks, or condensation—will try to escape. As it evaporates, it pushes against the top layer of paint, creating blisters.
Improper Surface Prep: Painting over a dirty, oily, or glossy surface can prevent the paint from bonding properly.
Wrong Primer or Finish: Skipping primer or using the wrong one can compromise adhesion. Certain high-gloss finishes may also fail on porous or uneven surfaces without the right base.
Heat and Sunlight: On exterior walls, hot sun can cause the outer layer of paint to dry too quickly, trapping solvents and moisture beneath.
Where You Find It Matters
Bubbling is often a signpost for environmental or structural issues. Location matters:
Bathroom Ceilings: Likely linked to steam and poor ventilation.
Basement Walls: Could be the result of trapped moisture or seepage.
Exterior Trim or Siding: Often caused by sun exposure or water intrusion near joints and flashing.
Each location tells a different story. Understanding the context helps us diagnose the real issue—not just the symptom.
Can It Be Fixed? Yes—But Only If You Start at the Source
Sure, you can scrape and repaint. But unless the underlying cause is addressed, bubbling will return. Proper repair includes:
Scraping and sanding the damaged area.
Washing and drying the surface thoroughly.
Using a high-quality primer matched to the surface type.
Repainting with the appropriate finish.
But more importantly, it requires investigation. Is the bubbling isolated? Is it seasonal? Is moisture testing necessary? At Stanwich Painting, we never assume—we assess.
Our Approach: Why Prep Is Everything
At Stanwich Painting, we take bubbling seriously. Because good paint work isn't just what you see—it's what holds up over time. Our process includes:
Moisture assessments when needed
Sanding, cleaning, and deglossing before any coating
The right primer for the job, from masonry to metal to wood
High-performance topcoats that are built to last
Our team doesn’t cut corners. We investigate conditions, recommend material systems, and always treat prep as non-negotiable. That’s why our projects last longer and look better.
What Your Walls Might Be Telling You
In many ways, paint is the skin of the home—protecting it, but also revealing its condition. Bubbling is the equivalent of a rash: not always dangerous, but never random. It's worth listening to.
If your walls are bubbling, blistering, or peeling, it might be time to have a professional take a closer look. Whether it's a quick fix or a deeper problem, Stanwich Painting is here to help.
Concerned about bubbling paint or other wall issues?
Call Stanwich Painting at 475-252-9500 or request a free consultation today.
We'll make sure your walls aren't just beautiful, but healthy.
Stanwich Painting proudly provides top-quality residential painting services throughout Fairfield County, including: Greenwich, Cos Cob, Riverside, Old Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Westport, Fairfield, Wilton, and Weston
Citations & Further ReadingHow to Fix Paint Blistering – Sherwin-Williams Offers step-by-step guidance on addressing moisture-related bubbling and recommends drying, priming, and repainting methodshttps://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/project-center/maintenance-repair/how-to-fix-paint-blisteringTroubleshooting Paint Blistering and Bubbling – Benjamin Moore Provides insights into interior paint bubbling, including causes and preventative measureshttps://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/contractors/job-solutions/troubleshootingHow to Fix Paint Bubbling – Family Handyman Specifies the repair process: remove damaged paint, prep the surface, and repainthttps://www.familyhandyman.com/article/paint-bubbling-how-to-fix/Read This Before You Paint – This Old House Covers common bubbling causes such as moisture and improper surface preparation, offering professional-level tipshttps://www.thisoldhouse.com/painting/21017675/read-this-before-you-paint