How to Get Rid of Air Bubbles on Your Painted Walls

Many buildings need wall paint to protect the materials and improve appearance. However, air bubbles and blisters can form under paint for several reasons. These imperfections are frustrating, time-consuming to fix, and can ruin an otherwise clean finish.

If you’d rather avoid bubbles and get a clean, durable finish the first time, our team can help: interior painting in Austin.

Why Air Bubbles Are a Problem

• Ruins smoothness: Bubbles create uneven surfaces that distract from a clean finish.
• Looks unprofessional: Even small blisters can make a paint job look amateur.
• Takes time to correct: Fixing bubbles often requires scraping, sanding, priming, and repainting.

Understanding what causes bubbling paint helps you prevent it—and fix it correctly if it’s already happening.

Why and When Blistered Paint Happens

Bubbles and blisters usually form because the paint film fails to adhere to the underlying surface. Sometimes you’ll see bubbles during painting, but blistering can also show up hours, days, or even months after the job is “done.”

Common causes include:

• Dirt or dust on the surface
• Moisture trapped under paint
• High humidity
• Plumbing issues or water intrusion
• Painting in high temperatures
• Poor cleaning or prep
• Applying incompatible paint types (oil vs. latex)

Humidity and high heat can cause paint to dry too quickly, trapping air or moisture beneath the surface. Water buildup behind paint—especially from plumbing leaks—can also cause paint to blister and peel.

Preparation Tips to Prevent Air Bubbles

• Clean thoroughly: Dust, grease, and debris prevent paint from bonding.
• Dry completely: Moisture is one of the most common reasons paint bubbles form.
• Sand if needed: Creates a better surface for adhesion.
• Avoid extreme heat: A cool, dry day is best—heat can trap bubbles as paint skins over.

If you’re painting a home built before 1978, be mindful of lead-safe practices. Also, be careful when painting over older coatings—latex over oil (or oil over latex) without proper prep can increase the risk of blistering.

Ways to Avoid Paint Bubbles and Blisters

1. Stir the Paint (Don’t Shake It Aggressively)

Paint can trap air when it’s poured too fast, shaken vigorously, or mixed at high speed. Stir steadily—or mix on a low setting—so you don’t whip air into the product.

2. Monitor Your Environment

Dust, humidity, moisture, and heat can all cause paint to fail. Paint on milder days when possible, clean the surface properly, and fix moisture sources (like plumbing issues) before painting.

3. Don’t Rush Between Coats

Applying the next coat before the first is fully dry can trap moisture and lead to bubbling later. Allow full dry time and keep the surface clean between coats.

4. Match Paint Type to the Surface

Some surfaces require specific primers and paint systems. Drywall patches, metal, glossy trim, and masonry often need different prep and products to prevent failure.

5. Use the Right Paint for the Room

Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens need paints designed for moisture and cleaning. Using the wrong sheen or formula increases the chance of blistering over time.

The Bubbling Has Begun: What to Do

If bubbles form while paint is still wet, some may fade on their own. If they don’t, adjust your technique—use slower, more even strokes and avoid over-rolling.

If the paint has already dried and bubbling is visible, you’ll need to repair the affected area. Here’s the simplest process:

Step 1: Remove the Damage

Scrape off loose or blistered paint. If there’s an underlying cause (moisture, dust, leaks), fix it before repainting.

Step 2: Prep the Surface

Sand the edges smooth, clean the area thoroughly, and make sure it’s completely dry. Dust left behind can cause the new paint to fail too.

Step 3: Prime and Repaint

Prime the repaired area with the correct primer for the surface, then repaint using proper drying time and even application.

Need Help Fixing Bubbling Paint in Austin?

Even if you know how to get rid of air bubbles on painted walls, many homeowners prefer a professional finish—especially when prep, repairs, or moisture issues are involved.

Call 512-763-9976 or visit austinpaintingandcabinets.com to request a complimentary consultation.

👉 We’ll help you get a smooth, durable finish that lasts.