Why Does My Ceiling Look Patchy After Painting?

One of the joys of completing home improvement projects is finishing them. There is something satisfying about checking it off the to-do list, and enjoying the updates. Joy associated with the job is diminished when small flaws show up. Most projects end well. But one recurring problem is ceilings that look patchy after painting.

Your ceiling can look patchy after painting if there is surface debris or you didn’t use enough paint. Painting without using primer can also make your ceiling look patchy when you paint it. Applying coats of paint over an area that is not dry can also make your ceiling appear patchy.

Professionals and do-it-yourself homeowners agree that getting a ceiling to look good can be a challenge. Ceilings are a challenging home improvement project because of their location. Therefore, the job begins at a disadvantage.

You can set your ceiling up to look patchy before you even begin. Surfaces must be clean and smooth for a good painting job. Dirt, cobwebs, or other debris will look patchy after you paint if you don’t prepare the surface first. If you have a popcorn ceiling, you need to smooth the surface completely before you begin painting.

Preparing the surface for painting is fairly simple. Clean all debris off the ceiling. If needed, sand down rough areas and then use a clean, damp cloth to prepare the surface Make sure that the ceiling is level and allow it to fully dry before you start painting.

Before you paint your ceiling, it is vital that you wash the surface thoroughly and then rinse to remove any soap residue. Left-over grease will result in a patchy finish, just like a surface that is washed with soap and not properly rinsed and dried.

Did you purchase a new paint roller or use an old one? Did you use a brush or pad in some areas and a roller in others? An older roller that was not properly cleaned can cause the patchy look on ceilings, especially if there was lingering dried paint on the roller. Another problem is using different types of painting equipment or variations in brands.

Choose your equipment carefully and clean it well. Professionals recommend 12-inch microfiber rollers for use on ceilings. Paint pads and brushes should only use these to start the edge. Using them for the entire surface creates a patchy look.

Let’s face it; painting a ceiling can be awkward and uncomfortable. Cutting corners by skipping primer will create a patchy ceiling. Another issue is mixing your paint types, or applying oil paint over latex.

Invest the time to do the job correctly from the start. The quality of your paint matters too. Different ceilings require different primers and/or a sealer. The ceiling of an older house may need a sealer. Make sure that whatever you purchase was intended for a ceiling.

If you did use a primer or sealer, it is quite possible that you used one that was not designed to go over old paint. Always check your product carefully before you begin and buy high-quality brands to ensure best results.

Most ceilings require multiple coats. The first coat needs adequate time to dry, or cure, before the second coat is applied. Rushing the process and applying additional coats before the recommended drying time is up can result in a patchy finish.

The number of hours you wait in between coats depends on the type of paint, humidity, and ventilation in the room. Check the label on your paint and the previous coat before beginning the second coat.

Latex paints need about four hours to cure. Oil based paints needs at least 24 hours. Factor in humidity and ventilation in your room.

Too much or too little paint can make the ceiling look patchy. If you apply the paint too thickly it settles in certain areas giving the patchy look. Paint can build up on the edges of your roller and this makes areas look patchy.

Conversely, when you apply too little the paint is thin and also has the patchy look. It’s possible that you purchased a cheap grade of ceiling paint or maybe you used paint from a previously opened can that was watered down. In either case, the paint will be very difficult to apply and achieve an even finish.

Therefore, invest in quality equipment and paint. Then, make sure to spread the paint evenly across the entire ceiling.

Some paints say that you can apply one coat and be done. This is often a gimmick, especially if you are painting over something or not starting with quality paint.

Painters that are tired or uncomfortable often get sloppy. Poor lighting can affect how you see the ceiling, leading to patchy areas when you over or under-paint a section.

Spend the time and money to get the job done correctly the first time. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending more time to fix it later.

Those with less experience rolling a ceiling may not keep a wet edge, leaving roller marks that look patchy. Use a small, portable lamp shining up at the ceiling to ensure adequate lighting.

Painting ceilings doesn’t have to rank high on your list of favorite jobs in order to do it well. It doesn’t take long if you have the right paint and equipment. Although most people don’t spend a lot of time staring at the ceiling, they will notice a streaked or patchy paint job.

Many issues can be fixed with the necessary preparation work. This includes sanding down any old paint, cleaning the surface, especially one that was sanded, and applying a quality primer.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the amount of time that primer and paint need to cure. Work quickly yet carefully to ensure that wet and dry paint areas aren’t mixed. Always paint the ceilings before the walls.

Related Questions

How do you fix blotchy paint?

If the damage is already done, there are steps you can take to correct the patchy paint job. For especially thick areas of patchiness, you may need to do some sanding to even out the surface prior to painting. If the patchiness only occurs in a few areas, you may only need to perform a touch-up job. This is especially true if the ceiling was recently painted. However, if it’s been awhile, you should apply a fresh coat over the entire room, as a simple spot paint job will stand out.

How long does my ceiling paint last?

A job done correctly will last about 10 years. Start with quality products and keep your home clean and well maintained for best results.

How long does it take to paint a ceiling?

It should take 30 minutes per coat in a standard-sized, 12 by 12 room, not including prep time. Remember to let each coat cure.

Should I paint back and forth or in one direction?

Always paint in one direction. It improves the quality of your paint job.

Where do I start painting a ceiling?

Start your ceiling in a corner. Use a trim brush to paint a two-inch edge and then move to a roller.