Wrinkles on paint can appear as the film folding onto themselves, looking like crumpled paper. It is a deformation on the paint, creating an uneven surface. Wrinkling paint is a look that can certainly be unpleasant.
When seeing this paint problem, our instinct may first blame it on the cold weather. While it is certainly a factor, the Philippine climate doesn’t really drop to temperatures so low that dried paint deforms. When it comes to paint and cold weather, various paint problems can be encountered. Cool seasons bring walls to contract that can cause cracking. Meanwhile, the colder air can also cause moisture to condense which can cause blistering and flaking. External conditions can cause wrinkling, but the effect on dried paint is quite miniscule. Most of the time, wrinkling paint can come from how it was applied in the first place.
How Paint Application Causes Wrinkling
Heavy or thick applications of paint is the primary cause of wrinkling. Sometimes, a painter may attempt to create wavy textures, where they heavily apply the paint on the surface. This is one way for the paint coating to be uneven and have a wrinkled look—not the texture of waviness people might want.
And generally, if you are aiming for a flat, even look for your walls, use thin applications and spread the paint evenly. Using a roller with the right nap length is a way to ensure the paint does not wrinkle when it dries.
Another tip is to consider using a spray gun. It automates the process of applying thin layers of paint that are crucial for an even finish. Just remember to properly reduce the viscosity of the paints you are using with their respective thinners.
Dry Time Is Important to Avoid Wrinkling
Timing is also important to ensure evenness on the paint film. Wrinkles may appear when another coating is applied when the preceding coating has not fully dried yet. It is important not to rush the painting process.
The recoating interval is indicated in the technical information of every paint product. Drying times vary. While water-based paints dry quickly, solvent-based paints take a longer time to dry. Avoid overlapping paint coatings, as it will not create a flat finish.
Paint Dry Times: Touch Dry vs. Recoating Interval vs. Full Cure
You should know that touching to see if paint has dried is sometimes not enough. The uppermost coating can feel dry, but if the first layer has not properly cured, then it will still be wet when applying another coat. Check out this article to ensure your paint dries properly.
How to Fix Wrinkling
Wrinkling is a paint problem that is mainly aesthetic, meaning you won’t run into long-term issues because of it. To keep your home repairs efficient, fix wrinkling when you are in need of a change of color, or if there are other painting problems in need of fixing. When you do, you primarily want to scrape and sand the area of paint where wrinkling occurs.
Then, the next time you would be painting, follow the correct painting process and coating intervals for an even finish.
For more tips for common painting problems, subscribe to the blog. If you have questions about other paint concerns, send us an email at ask@myboysen.com and our technical team will be happy to help.
