Even the best-planned painting projects can hit a few snags. From streaky finishes to peeling paint, small mistakes can lead to frustrating results. But with the right techniques — and a little patience — most common painting problems are easy to avoid or fix.

Whether you're updating your walls in Whitby or refinishing trim in a Courtice home, here’s how to tackle painting problems with confidence.

1. Drips and Runs

Too much paint, applied too quickly, can cause drips and runs.
Solution:

• Load your brush or roller lightly

• Apply thin, even coats

• Smooth out drips immediately with a clean brush

2. Streaks and Brush Marks

Visible brush lines are often caused by low-quality tools or uneven technique.
Solution:

• Use a high-quality brush or roller

• Paint in long, continuous strokes

• Blend each stroke into the previous one while the paint is still wet

If marks remain after drying, lightly sand and apply a fresh coat.

3. Uneven Coverage

Blotchy or patchy areas can result from poor surface prep or skipping primer.
Solution:

• Clean and sand the surface

• Use a high-quality primer, especially over patched areas

• Apply two thin coats instead of one thick coat

For a full prep checklist, see our wall preparation guide.

4. Colour Doesn’t Match the Chip

Paint can look different on your wall than it did in the store.
Solution:

• Test a sample directly on the wall

• View it under natural and artificial lighting at different times of day

• Let it dry fully before deciding

Pro tip: bring the sample into the room where it’ll actually be used before committing.

5. Bleed-Through

Stains or wood tannins can bleed through lighter-coloured paint.
Solution:

• Use a stain-blocking primer

• Apply two coats if needed

• Let it cure fully before painting

This is especially common when painting over dark colours or bare wood.

6. Peeling or Flaking

Paint that peels often signals poor surface bonding — sometimes caused by moisture.
Solution:

• Scrape or sand away loose paint

• Clean and dry the area thoroughly

• Prime, then repaint with a high-quality product

Peeling paint near bathrooms or kitchens? Consider a moisture-resistant finish from our interior painting lineup.

7. Bubbling or Cracking

Trapped moisture, painting over dust, or applying thick coats can all cause bubbles and cracks.
Solution:

• Let each coat dry before applying the next

• Paint in moderate temperatures

• Lightly sand out imperfections and recoat

8. Strong Odours and Fumes

Paint fumes can be irritating — especially in poorly ventilated areas.
Solution:

• Use low-VOC or zero-VOC paint

• Open windows and use fans

• Ventilate the space during and after painting

Learn more about safe painting practices in our ventilation and safety guide.

Painting Without the Problems

At Altona Painting, we help homeowners across Durham Region avoid these common pitfalls. Whether you're tackling a weekend project or hiring pros for a full home refresh, a great paint job starts with the right prep, tools, and technique.

Contact us to book your quote or ask us how we can help with your next project.