Bubbling in spray paint occurs when a spray paint layer is applied too thickly or it is exposed to extreme weather conditions. The spray paint's outer layer dries faster than the inner layer and the volatile solvents underneath evaporate.
As the evaporation continues, bubbles begin to form beneath the dried layer of spray paint. You can avoid bubbling while spray-painting surfaces by applying the spray paint thinly and far from direct light and on a dry, clean surface.
Things that cause bubbling of spray paint
There are many reasons why spray paint might be bubbling up, mainly when you paint metal. The quality of spray paints also matters, you may read our detailed review on best spray paint to pick the right spray paint for your project. Following are some reasons that may cause bubbling of spray paint.
1. The weather is too humid outside
When the weather is too humid outside, this means that you need a longer drying time for the first coat. Therefore, if you begin applying a second coat before the first is dry, it will begin to bubble. If the weather is too humid or extremely cloudy it will not allow the paint to set quickly.
2. The weather is very cold outside
Now when the weather is very cold outside that can also cause bubbling in your spray paint, particularly for metal, it's essential to ensure that the outside temperature stays between 50 or 90°F.
Keep in mind that metal will remain colder for longer period, than wood or wicker. Therefore, it might require a warmer temperature or be exposed to warmer sunlight, if you want to spray paint metal.
3. The weather is too hot outside
4. The spray paint didn’t dry properly
After spray painting anything within 10 minutes it seems that the paint has completely dried and it is ready for the second coating. So, do you know how long does spray paint take to dry?
If you don't let the paint completely dry then once you put the second coat of spray paint, there are higher chances that it will start forming bubbles. You've cleaned the piece, but you didn't give enough time for drying. The object must be completely dry and clean to give it a perfectly smooth surface.
Five steps to fix spray paint bubbling
These are the five easy steps that you can follow to prevent bubbling in your spray paint. These are most important things to consider while spray painting any surface. Apply these five simple steps and you will not face the bubbling of spray paint again.
1. Dry and wash the surface
First make sure to dry and wash the surface to be spray painted before applying the spray paint. The spray paint's bubbling could result from water vaporization off the surface, which was spray-painted when the surface was damp.
2. Avoid extreme hot weather
As I already told you that extreme hot weather outside can affect the spray paint layers so, beware of working in direct sunlight or hot regions. External heat causes the outer surface to dry at a rapid rate.
Bubbling are the result of outer layer drying out before the layers below it. Spray paint in an air-conditioned (but not too windy) area, and keep spray painted objects away from direct sunlight until they're dry.
3. Apply even thin coats of spray paint
This is also very important to spray paint in even and thin coats. Applying a thick layer of spray paint on metal or any other surface in a hurry could result in bubbling as solvents from the layers beneath fight to escape through the thick coating on top.
4. Let the Spray paint dry completely
Another and I would say the most important thing is to allow the spray paint to dry completely. If the spray paint you painted is not dried correctly and you apply a second coat of spray paint, it could cause bubbling.
It could take as long as 20 minutes for the spray paint to dry to the touch and up to 1 hour for drying to be able to handle, and it could take up to 24 hours for it to fully dry.
5. Use a Sand paper
If you have already been facing the problem of bubbling, then just sand lightly on the surface of the spray painted area. If you experience bubbling, it is recommended to sand it with 220 grit sandpaper.
Then wipe with a dry, clean cloth, then apply another layer of spray paint over the surface. You can also take the entire paint off and then start the process from beginning; however, this is highly labour-intensive and requires enormous effort.
So, these are the five simple steps that you can follow to fix spray paint bubbling. I hope that through this article you have got the answer and solution of your question why do spray paint bubble and how to fix it.
FAQs
How do you fix the Spray paint bubbles?
You can easily fix the spray paint bubbles by sanding the surface with a 220 grit sand paper. If the spray paint has not dried completely then you can easily sand down the entire spray paint very easily, once the old spray paint is removed you can spray paint the surface again.
Why is my spray paint bubbling and cracking?
Your Spray paint is bubbling and cracking because your outer spray paint layer has dried faster than the inner layer, hence the moisture in the inner layer is causing bubbling or cracking in your Spray paint.
