Even with the best paint and preparation, issues can sometimes arise. Peeling, cracking, bubbling — these problems can ruin the look of a freshly painted wall. The good news is that most paint problems are easy to fix if you know what to do. As experienced house painters in Auckland, we’ve seen it all — and we’ve got the solutions to help you restore a flawless finish.
1. Peeling Paint
Possible Causes:
- Moisture trapped under the paint.
- Poor surface preparation.
- Applying paint on a dirty or damp surface.
How to Fix:
- Scrape off the peeling paint using a putty knife.
- Sand the surface to smooth it out.
- Ensure the surface and below is completely dry
- Apply an oil based primer / undercoat.
- Repaint with high-quality paint.
👉 Professional house painters in Auckland always look for moisture before painting to avoid peeling.
2. Cracking or Flaking
Possible Causes:
- Low-quality paint.
- Painting over glossy or dirty surfaces.
- Applying paint too thickly.
How to Fix:
- Remove loose or flaking paint with a scraper.
- Sand the surface to create a smooth base.
- Apply a bonding primer.
- Use high-quality paint and apply in thin, even coats.
👉 Hiring the best painter in Auckland ensures proper surface prep and quality application.
3. Bubbling or Blistering
Possible Causes:
- Something on the surface reacting to the paint – possibly previous oil based paint or spilled minerals
- Painting over a damp surface.
- Excess heat or humidity during painting.
- Trapped moisture escaping through the paint.
How to Fix:
- Scrape away the bubbles.
- Sand the surface smooth.
- Ensure the surface is completely dry before repainting.
- Use breathable paint for better moisture control.
👉 Exterior painters in Auckland often deal with humidity issues — proper prep is key!
4. Stains Bleeding Through Paint
Possible Causes:
- Water damage.
- Nicotine or smoke stains.
- Ink or dye in the underlying surface.
How to Fix:
- Clean the surface thoroughly.
- Apply a stain-blocking primer.
- Repaint with two coats of high-quality paint.
👉 A professional painting company will use special primers to seal out tough stains.
5. Uneven Finish or Streaks
Possible Causes:
- Poor-quality paint.
- Not mixing the paint properly.
- Using low-quality rollers or brushes.
How to Fix:
- Lightly sand the uneven areas.
- Mix the paint thoroughly.
- Use high-quality rollers and brushes.
- Apply even coats and allow proper drying time between coats.
👉 The best painters in Auckland know how to achieve a professional, streak-free finish.
6. Mould or Mildew Growth
Possible Causes:
- High humidity or poor ventilation.
- Painting over a damp or moldy surface.
- Using non-mildew-resistant paint.
How to Fix:
- Clean the surface with a mixture of water and bleach.
- Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely.
- Apply a mildew-resistant primer.
- Repaint with moisture-resistant water based enamel paint.
👉 Interior painters in Auckland often recommend mould-resistant water based enamel paints for bathrooms and kitchens.
7. Fading or Discoloration
Possible Causes:
- UV exposure.
- Using low-quality or non-UV-resistant paint.
- Natural aging of the paint.
How to Fix:
- Clean the surface to remove dirt and grime.
- Use UV-resistant, fade-resistant paint.
- Consider a lighter color, which resists fading better.
👉 Exterior painters in Auckland often use acrylic-based paints for better UV protection.
8. Paint Running or Sagging
Possible Causes:
- Applying too much paint.
- Painting on a slippery or improperly primed surface.
- Painting in high humidity or cold temperatures.
How to Fix:
- Let the paint dry completely.
- Machine sand the drips or sags.
- Reapply a thin, even coat.
- Use proper tools and painting techniques.
👉 A professional house painter in Auckland knows how to apply the right amount of paint for a smooth finish.
9. Paint Not Sticking to Surface
Possible Causes:
- Glossy surface not sanded.
- Dirty or oily surface.
- Skipping the primer.
- Painting water based paint onto surfaces previously coated with oil based paints.
How to Fix:
- Clean and sand the surface.
- Apply an oil based primer.
- Repaint with a high-quality product.
👉 Working with an experienced painting company ensures better adhesion and a long-lasting finish.
Why Work with Professional Painters?
Even the best DIY painters can struggle with some of these issues. Hiring an experienced house painter near you ensures:
- Proper surface preparation.
- High-quality materials.
- Expert application techniques.
- Long-lasting, professional results.
👉 The best painters in Auckland know how to prevent these problems — and fix them when they happen!
Conclusion
Painting is more than just applying color — it’s about creating a beautiful, durable finish. By understanding common paint problems and how to fix them, you can maintain the look of your home for years to come. If you need expert help, a trusted house painter in Auckland can make all the difference!