Is Your Paint Job Peeling, Blistering, or Cracking? Don’t Despair!
Have you ever looked at your freshly painted walls and thought, “Wow, this looks amazing!” only to find it peeling, blistering, or cracking a few months later? It’s a homeowner’s nightmare! But don’t worry, mate, Procover Painting is here to help you diagnose those pesky paint problems and get your walls looking their best again.
We’ve got over 15 years of experience tackling all sorts of painting issues in Newcastle and the Hunter region, and we’re ready to share our expert knowledge with you. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the common causes of peeling paint, blistering, and cracking. We’ll also provide you with practical solutions and step-by-step guides to achieve a long-lasting finish you can be proud of.
So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s get those walls looking spectacular!
In this post, we’ll cover:
- Blistering Paint: What causes those pesky bubbles and how to fix them.
- Cracking Paint: Understanding why your paint is cracking and how to prevent and repair it.
- Peeling Paint: Identifying the culprits behind peeling paint and how to get it under control.
- Pro Tips: Expert advice and product recommendations for achieving a flawless finish.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or prefer to leave it to the professionals, this blog post has everything you need to know to tackle those frustrating paint problems and restore your walls to their former glory.

Blistering Paint: When Your Walls Throw a Bubble Party
Imagine tiny bubbles popping up all over your freshly painted walls. Not a pretty sight, is it? That’s blistering, and it happens when moisture gets trapped under the paint film.
Why is my paint bubbling?
Moisture is the main culprit. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as:
- Leaky pipes or roof: Check for any signs of water damage or leaks in your home.
- Condensation: Condensation around windows or in bathrooms can also cause moisture build-up.
- High humidity: Poor ventilation in areas like kitchens and bathrooms can lead to high humidity levels.
- Painting in direct sunlight after rain: Painting on a surface that hasn’t fully dried can trap moisture.
Excessive heat can also cause the paint film to soften and lift, leading to those pesky bubbles. Another common cause is poor adhesion. If the paint doesn’t bond properly with the surface, moisture can sneak in and cause havoc. This often happens if you skip the primer or don’t prep the surface correctly.
Now, let’s fix those bubbly walls!
Step 1: Identify the Source
- Check for leaks: Is there a leaky pipe or roof causing dampness?
- Assess ventilation: Is the room poorly ventilated, leading to high humidity?
- Consider the weather: Was it unusually hot or humid when you painted?
Step 2: Remove the Blisters
- Scrape away the bubbles: Use a paint scraper or putty knife to remove the blistered paint.
- Sand the area smooth: Use sandpaper to feather the edges and create a smooth surface for repainting.
Step 3: Prime and Repaint
- Apply a quality primer: A good primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or Dulux Precision Primer will help the new paint adhere properly and prevent future blistering.
- Choose the right paint: Opt for moisture-resistant paint, especially in areas prone to dampness like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Apply thin, even coats: Don’t overload your brush or roller, as this can trap moisture and lead to more blistering.
Pro Tip: For surfaces like wood, make sure the moisture content is below 15% before painting. You can use a moisture meter to check this. You can find moisture meters at your local Bunnings or Mitre 10.

Cracking Paint: The Unsightly Web on Your Walls
Cracking paint looks like a spiderweb of fine lines across your walls. It not only looks bad, but it can also lead to more serious problems like peeling and water damage.
Why is my paint cracking?
Here are some common reasons why your paint might be cracking:
- Structural Issues: Movement in the building, like settling foundations or shifting walls, can cause stress on the walls and lead to cracks. Look for signs like cracks in the plaster or gaps around windows and doors. If you suspect any structural problems, it’s important to consult a professional builder.
- Paint Type: Using low-quality paint or the wrong type of paint for the surface can increase the risk of cracking. For example, using interior paint on an exterior surface can lead to cracking and peeling.
- Application Errors: Applying paint too thickly, painting in extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold), or using the wrong type of brush or roller can also contribute to cracking.
Prevent and Repair those Cracks
Prevention is Key:
- Address structural issues: If you suspect any structural problems, consult a professional builder.
- Choose quality paint: Invest in a good quality paint that is formulated for the specific surface you’re painting. Some reputable brands in Australia include Taubmans, Haymes, and Dulux.
- Follow application instructions: Apply the paint according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, including the recommended temperature range and drying times.
Repairing Existing Cracks:
- Clean the cracks: Remove any loose paint or debris with a scraper or brush.
- Fill the cracks: Use a flexible filler like Selleys No More Gaps or Spakfilla Rapid Repair to fill the cracks.
- Sand smooth: Once the filler is dry, sand the area smooth with fine-grit sandpaper.
- Prime and repaint: Apply a primer and then repaint the area with quality paint.
Pro Tip: For exterior walls, consider using an elastomeric paint like Dulux Weathershield Elastomeric. This type of paint is more flexible and can withstand minor cracks and movement, protecting your home from the harsh Aussie climate.
By addressing the root causes of cracking paint and taking preventative measures, you can keep your walls looking smooth and crack-free for years to come.

Peeling Paint: When Your Walls Start to Shed
Peeling paint is perhaps the most frustrating paint problem. It’s like your walls are shedding their skin! (Include image of peeling paint here)
Why is my paint peeling?
Here are the usual suspects behind peeling paint:
- Moisture: Moisture is a major culprit. This could be due to:
- Leaking pipes: Check for any dripping pipes or signs of water damage around plumbing fixtures.
- Roof leaks: Inspect your roof for missing or damaged tiles that could be allowing water to seep in.
- Condensation: Condensation on windows or in bathrooms can lead to moisture build-up.
- Rising damp: In older homes, rising dampness from the ground can cause paint to peel near the base of walls.
- Improper Surface Preparation: Failing to clean the surface properly or applying paint to a glossy finish can prevent the paint from adhering. Before painting, make sure to:
- Clean the surface: Use a sugar soap solution like Selleys Sugar Soap to remove dirt, grease, and grime.
- Remove loose paint: Scrape away any flaking or peeling paint with a paint scraper.
- Sand glossy surfaces: If the existing paint has a glossy finish, lightly sand it to create a rougher surface for better adhesion.
- Incompatible Paint Layers: Applying a new coat of paint over an incompatible existing paint layer can lead to peeling. For example, applying water-based paint over oil-based paint can cause adhesion problems.
Get a Grip on Peeling Paint
Identify the Cause: Investigate potential sources of moisture and assess the surface preparation.
Remove Peeling Paint: Use a scraper or putty knife to remove all loose and peeling paint.
Prepare the Surface: Clean the surface thoroughly with a suitable cleaner and allow it to dry completely.
Sand the Area: Sand the edges of the remaining paint to create a smooth transition.
Prime and Repaint: Apply a primer to ensure good adhesion and then repaint with compatible, high-quality paint.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about the type of existing paint, you can test it by rubbing a cotton ball soaked in methylated spirits on the surface. If the paint comes off, it’s likely latex-based. If not, it’s probably oil-based.
By addressing these common causes and following these steps, you can effectively tackle peeling paint and restore your walls to their former glory.
Why is My Paint Failing? A Brief Recap
We’ve covered a lot of ground, so let’s recap the main reasons why your paint job might be giving you grief:
- Moisture: This is public enemy number one for a good paint job. Whether it’s from leaks, humidity, or condensation, moisture can cause all sorts of trouble – blistering, cracking, and peeling.
- Poor Surface Preparation: A clean, dry, and properly prepared surface is essential for the paint to stick properly.
- Incompatible Paint Layers: Make sure you’re using paints that get along! Applying the wrong type of paint over an existing layer can lead to peeling.
- Structural Issues: If your house is moving or settling, it can put stress on your walls and cause the paint to crack. Address any underlying structural problems to prevent this.
- Poor Quality Paint: Don’t skimp on the good stuff! Invest in quality paint that’s designed for the surface you’re painting (interior, exterior, bathroom, etc.).
- Application Errors: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid painting in extreme temperatures.
By keeping these key points in mind, you can avoid common paint problems and ensure a long-lasting, beautiful finish for your home.
Procover Painting: Your Partner in Perfect Paint Jobs
Dealing with paint problems can be a real headache. But with the right knowledge and a bit of elbow grease, you can get your walls looking their best again.
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed or unsure about tackling these issues yourself, the expert Newcastle painters at Procover Painting are here to help. With over 15 years of experience transforming homes and businesses across Newcastle and the Hunter region, we’ve seen it all! From bubbling bathrooms to cracked ceilings, no painting problem is too big or too small for our team.
We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results and outstanding customer service. Our team of skilled painters is dedicated to providing meticulous surface preparation, using premium quality paints, and employing proven techniques to achieve a flawless finish that will last for years to come.