An Insider's Guide on How to Fix a Bad Paint Job

Repairing a bad paint job may seem impossible. Whether you are about to paint a room that was poorly painted the first time or whether you just finished painting, you can fix a bad paint job without starting over in most cases. If you have major problems such bubbling, wrinkling or peeling paint, however, you will need to thoroughly prep and repaint. If you will be painting the exterior of a house, read my article 5 Common Exterior Painting Mistakes to Avoid before you start. Also consider reading Sylvia Cochran's How to Prep Walls Before You Paint Them in 5 Easy Steps. Read on to find out how to fix a bad paint job.

Bad Paint Job Problem #1: Splotchy Uneven Paint
First, make sure that the paint has completely dried as it will often look uneven as it dries. It will also look uneven on a first coat and sometimes a second or third coat. If you have patches of thick paint on the walls after 2 or 3 coats, sand these before applying the next coat. If you are using a roller, try using a "W" effect to spread the paint more evenly or follow immediately with a paint brush to ensure the paint is spread more evenly.

Bad Paint Job Problem #2: Color Bleeding Through
This often occurs when painting a lighter color over a darker color or a darker color over a lighter color. In some cases, applying up to 4 coats of paint may stop the bleeding but in many cases, you need to stop painting, sand and then prime. If you are painting a very dark color, use a gray primer. If you are painting a light color, use a white primer. Then plan to paint at least 2 coats of the desired color.

Bad Paint Job Problem #3: Color Is Too Bright for Your Taste
Paint colors can often look bolder and brighter on the wall. If you have already painted the wall and don't want to completely start over, consider creating a lighter color on your own. You can add some white to existing color or try watering it down, then apply an additional coat or two. Before committing to this decision, pick an inconspicuous spot and paint 2 coats with your new improved lighter version of the color. Don't forget to let it dry completely between coats.

Bad Paint Job Problem #4: Faux Painting
Faux painting is often seen as simple and fun way to dress up a room. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for beginners to be very unsatisfied with their first attempt. If this happens to you, you can tone down the effect of the faux without priming and repainting completely by white washing the whole area. By mixing a light color (white, cream, grey, brown or any combo thereof) and water, you can create an opaque paint which you can apply with a rag. Make sure to wipe the paint into the wall so as not to leave streaks. The effect will be to dim the faux painting rather than to hide it completely. Do a test in an inconspicuous area first and wash off if you don't like the effect.

Bad Paint Job Problem #5: Drips & Spills
If you have thick paint drips on the walls, you can scrap them with a razor blade or sand them. Then prime and touch up the problem area. If the drips are thin and not so noticeable but a different color than the wall, prime them and touch the area. You will need to apply the touch up paint for at least 2 coats.

If you drip paint on the floor or windows, the sooner you try to remove it the better. For oil based paints, wipe clean with thinner. You may need to use your fingernail or a razor (careful if your floor is vinyl). For latex paints, in some cases, elbow grease and soapy water may work. In other cases, you may need to use a paint remover such as goof-off.

Fixing a bad paint job is not necessarily easy but it usually beats the alternative of starting again from scratch. By following these tips, you should be able to salvage a bad paint job.