If you want to update your living spaces, a fresh coat of paint may be the transformation you seek. Although interior painting seems relatively simple, it’s a process that requires a certain level of experience and expertise to complete successfully. When inexperienced homeowners paint their walls and ceilings, the surfaces sometimes develop bubbles as the paint dries.
As skilled painters in Las Cruces, NM, our team at Engel Coatings Inc. knows what causes paint to bubble. Consult our post below to learn about the most common culprits behind this issue and what you can do to prevent it.
Bubbling or blistering is a common paint-related blemish. The problem occurs due to something under the painted surface that is causing the paint to lift and distort.
The blistering will look like bumps or bubbles of various sizes and may affect the entire area or a small patch. In either case, the blemish will detract from the wall’s appearance.
Realizing that bubbles are forming under paint is frustrating. It has a significant impact on the overall quality of the paint job. Leaving the blemishes alone can worsen their appearance and cause the paint to peel or crack over time.
What causes paint to bubble? The most common reasons include the following:
Poor surface preparation can leave dirt, oils, and grime on walls. Painting over contaminated surfaces contributes to adhesion failure. In other words, dust and other substances can affect the paint’s ability to stick to the wall completely; affected areas will form blisters as the paint dries.
A quality paint job includes primer, which is a bonding agent that helps paint stick to surfaces. Painted walls are less likely to bubble or peel on properly primed walls. Not using primer on porous surfaces creates subpar adhesion, especially on unpainted porous surfaces.
Water is one of the primary reasons paint sometimes forms bubbles. As moisture penetrates the layers of paint, each one will detach from the surface, leading to bubbling.
If moisture intrusion is a problem when painting interior and exterior surfaces, so is high humidity. When painting indoors, ensure your rooms have sufficient ventilation. Stuffy interiors can allow humidity levels to increase, which raises the chances of water intrusion and bubbling in the drying paint.
Temperature fluctuations can affect the drying time for paint. Yet, if the space gets too hot, it could accelerate the drying process, causing bubbles to form. The solvents and water inside the paint need enough time to evaporate so that the paint dries smoothly and sticks to the surface.
Sometimes, the proper primer application, surface preparation, and paint application aren’t enough to prevent bubbling. Some materials react poorly to certain paints.
For instance, new wood may have natural oils that prevent proper paint adhesion. Adhesion is also a problem for glossy surfaces.
Now that you know what causes paint to bubble, you may wonder whether hiring a professional is necessary. Hiring expert painters can prevent the frustration of a low-quality paint job. However, if you want to handle the task yourself while avoiding blistering paint, follow these tips:
Even the most prepared painters sometimes get bubbles and blisters in their work. If this happens to you, stay calm. It may be possible to fix the problem without starting over entirely.
Start the restoration process by examining the blemishes. If the bubbling doesn’t appear to go all the way down to the substrate, wait until the paint dries. Then, scrape and sand down the affected area to remove the bubbles.
After sanding the area, ensure that it has a smooth finish. Next, apply a coat of primer, followed by a high-quality paint.
Let’s say the blisters reach the substrate. In that case, you would have to eliminate the source of the moisture that’s affecting the paint job. Depending on the source of the water, you may address it by increasing ventilation in the room or repairing loose caulking that may contribute to water intrusion.
Try to repair the bubbled wall only after removing the source of the moisture. Otherwise, the problem may occur again. Follow the previous sanding, priming, and painting steps to restore your wall’s appearance. Applying several layers of paint may be necessary to achieve your desired effect.
Knowing what causes paint to bubble is a great way to minimize complications with a do-it-yourself home painting project. However, professional interior and exterior painting solutions are ideal if you want to avoid problems like blistering or peeling paint.
Engel Coatings Inc. is one of the leading painting contractors serving Las Cruces, New Mexico. Contact our professionals at (575) 642-5481 to request a free estimate and start your painting project today.
If you’re planning an upcoming DIY painting project, your first step might be to check the garage for cans of paint you already have. Using up old paint might be a good way to save money on your project, but you need to consider whether the paint you use is right for the job.
For example, can you use interior paint for an exterior project, and vice versa? Generally, no, and doing so could be both unwise and unsafe. Understanding the difference between interior vs. exterior paint can help you better determine whether swapping these paints would lead to any adverse consequences. It can also help you understand why paints are formulated the way they are and how their makeup affects their long-term durability and appearance.
So, what is the difference between interior and exterior paint? Here’s everything you need to know from professional painters in Las Cruces, NM.
Manufacturers formulate different types of paints to serve different purposes. This is why you cannot paint your house with the acrylic paint you find at the craft store, and why you shouldn’t paint your front door with watercolors.
Interior and exterior paints have very different properties that make them suitable for diverse uses.
While interior and exterior paints may appear the same at a glance, they are vastly different in their chemical formulations and properties.
Interior and exterior paints have several primary differences that make them suitable only for their intended purposes. These are the main differences between these two types of paint.
Exterior paints cover surfaces that are subject to diverse weather conditions. They need to be durable enough to withstand wind, snow, hail, rain, and debris from storms. Manufacturers formulate these paints to hold up well to different types of weather.
In contrast, interior paints are typically used in relatively controlled environments. They do not endure precipitation or strong winds. Because of this, interior paints do not need to be quite as durable and do not contain some of the same additives as exterior paints to increase weather resistance.
Interior and exterior paints need to adhere to significantly diverse surfaces. Inside, your paint generally needs to stick to either drywall or plaster, both of which are relatively smooth surfaces. Meanwhile, exterior paints are formulated to adhere to a wider range of surfaces, such as wood, stucco, vinyl, and metal.
You may wonder why it matters if you use exterior paint indoors. This paint is more durable and adhesive than interior paint; isn’t that a plus?
But interior and exterior paints have another significant difference you need to be aware of: their VOC levels. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals commonly found in home and building products. Inhaling these chemicals can lead to adverse health effects, such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and even organ damage.
VOCs evaporate faster in outdoor environments than indoors, where ventilation is often poor. For this reason, interior paints often contain lower levels of VOCs. In turn, their durability and adherence are often lower than exterior paints, which have a stronger chemical makeup.
Using exterior paints indoors could expose you to unsafe levels of VOCs, potentially causing negative health effects.
Another main difference between interior vs. exterior paint is each product’s temperature tolerance. Exterior paints face a wide range of temperatures, from freezing weather in winter to hot, humid temperatures in summer. When outdoor temperatures fluctuate, building materials expand and contract slightly. As a result, exterior paint needs to have the flexibility to expand and contract with the building without cracking or peeling.
In contrast, interior paint does not face the same diversity of temperatures. Most buildings with HVAC systems stay in a temperature range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit consistently. Interior paints do not require chemical additives that allow exterior paints to withstand harsh temperature changes.
You may have realized that interior and exterior paints are available in different finishes. Interior paints generally come in all of the following finishes, in order from least to most glossy:
Meanwhile, exterior paints are typically available in a more limited selection of finishes: flat, semi-gloss, or gloss.
Gloss finishes tend to be more durable and easier to clean than ones with lower sheen levels. This is why painters typically recommend using a semi-gloss paint in the kitchen, where the walls may be subject to food splatters and steam. With this principle in mind, it makes sense that exterior paints are only available in glossier finishes.
Interior and exterior paints have different drying times. Interior paint is typically dry to the touch within about one hour and ready for a second coat within four hours. Exterior paint is generally thicker and made from different chemicals than interior paint, impacting the drying time. It may not feel dry to the touch until six to eight hours after application, while it can continue drying and curing for several days.
Both types of paint benefit from good ventilation to dry faster. However, exterior paint is usually applied in a well-ventilated outdoor environment, whereas indoor paint may be challenging to ventilate on a hot or cold day, especially if you do not want to keep the window open for an extended period.
Interior paints have significantly diverse properties and chemical makeups, and the way you apply them also differs. Learn how to apply interior vs. exterior paint.
Painting walls with interior paint is a relatively straightforward process. You do not need to do much to prepare the walls unless they are overly cracked or chipped.
The steps for applying exterior paint require a bit more prep work.
One important note to consider when applying exterior paint is the weather. Keep an eye on the forecast and try to avoid rain or other precipitation during the painting process. Aim for a day when the humidity is mild, temperatures are between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and wind speeds are low.
If you are searching through the old cans of paint in your garage and come across an exterior paint that would look great inside the house, stop and consider whether doing so would be wise. If you use exterior paint inside, you risk all of the following:
If you’re looking for ways to use up old exterior paint, continue applying it to:
While it isn’t necessarily unsafe to use interior paint outdoors, it won’t provide the necessary qualities to stand up to weather and changing temperatures. Applying interior paint outside may lead to effects like:
If you accidentally applied interior paint outside, you can simply consider it an extra coat of primer and paint over it.
Interior and exterior paint are not the only two types of paint. There are many different varieties of paint available that perform well for different materials and applications. For example, you can find paint designed specifically for exterior doors, shutters, bathrooms, kitchens, and more. Also, paints come in different price ranges depending on the quality and number of coats you would need to apply to achieve an even finish.
You need to consider several factors when determining the right type of paint to use, including:
It often helps to purchase samples of a few different colors and finishes and apply them to the surface to see how they would appear. The material, lighting, and paint finish can all impact how the paint looks on the surface.
Now that you know the difference between interior vs. exterior paint, you understand that these paint types are formulated distinctly to produce specific benefits for the type of material and environment they are targeted for. If you’re planning to paint your exterior or an interior room, you may have questions about which type of paint to use, how to apply it, and how to achieve the best results.
Engel Coatings Inc. offers comprehensive, professional painting services throughout El Paso, TX, and Las Cruces, NM, to ensure your peace of mind. Contact us today to request a free estimate.
When it comes time to plan your next interior painting project, it makes sense to take a look at the paint you already have and see what you can use. But are all types of paint suitable for interior use? Specifically, can you use exterior paint for interior walls?
The answer is generally no, and for good reason. Exterior paint isn’t safe to use indoors. It also doesn’t have the properties needed to keep your interior walls scuff-free and flawless for many years.
Here’s what you need to know about using exterior paint indoors, from professional painters in Las Cruces, NM.
Paint is paint, right? Not exactly. Exterior and interior paints are very different. Using one in place of the other won’t provide the same properties and benefits necessary for that environment.
Exterior paints are formulated specifically to withstand the outdoors. They use special formulas that allow them to expand and contract as outdoor temperatures fluctuate. They are also able to withstand rain, sleet, snow, hail, UV rays, and other weather elements.
To gain these properties, exterior paint uses additives that are not included in interior paint. These additives can be harmful to inhale, which is why they are not used in interior paint, which is applied in confined spaces with little ventilation.
Meanwhile, interior paint is formulated to withstand scuffs, scratches, bumps, and everyday life activities. It’s easy to wipe down and clean, and it dries relatively quickly. It also resists yellowing, fading, and staining.
Can you use exterior paint for interior spaces? You may assume that while exterior paint doesn’t have exactly the same properties as interior paint, it should do just fine on your walls. In reality, using exterior paint inside could be dangerous.
These are a few significant reasons you shouldn’t use exterior paint indoors.
One of the biggest reasons not to use exterior paint inside is that it can be toxic when used in enclosed spaces.
Exterior paint contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are hazardous to inhale. As the paint dries, it releases these VOCs into the air. This isn’t a major concern when the paint is used outdoors as intended, as your family probably won’t be breathing it in while it dries. But when you use exterior paint inside, you’ll inevitably inhale these harmful gases, putting you at risk of health concerns.
Consistent proximity to VOCs can cause adverse health effects such as:
These compounds can also impact your pets’ health. VOCs have been known to cause cancer in animals, among other health concerns.
When you use exterior paint inside, you risk inhaling VOCs while the paint dries and any time you use the space. This paint can continue emitting harmful gases and affecting the indoor air quality after it has cured.
The VOC levels in exterior paint are relatively high. Thankfully, indoor paints rarely contain VOCs. This is why it is much safer to use paint intended for indoor use inside, as it has been formulated and tested for safety in enclosed spaces.
Even if you have an exterior paint with low VOC levels, you probably won’t want to use it indoors for other reasons. A big one is that outside paint isn’t formulated for indoor use, which means it won’t create as neat of a finish on your walls.
Exterior paint isn’t designed to withstand scuffs and dings like interior paint is. If you ever move the furniture around in the room and scuff the wall, or knock into it with the vacuum, you’ll likely chip the paint.
Outside paint also has a longer drying time than indoor. It goes on thick and can sometimes take up to a full month to cure. This drying time works well for outdoor use, as the paint doesn’t encounter harsh impact the way it might inside.
For all the hazards exterior paint poses inside, it likely won’t even look nice on your walls. You’ll need to repaint within a few years to achieve a clean, uniform finish.
Interior paint is relatively easy to clean. You can wipe down the walls to remove stains and spills from the paint’s smooth surface.
In contrast, exterior paint isn’t designed for regular cleaning. It can withstand power washing, but a regular scrub with a sponge likely won’t do much to remove stains.
This means that when you use exterior paint for interior walls, it can quickly accumulate stains that you can only remove by painting over them.
If you have already painted interior walls with exterior paint, take a look at the brand and type of paint you used. Perform some research or contact professional painters to understand whether that type of paint is toxic to use indoors. If so, you’ll need to remove the paint and repaint the area with one rated for interior use.
In certain cases, it might be safe to use exterior paint indoors. If you’re painting a room that shares indoor and outdoor use, such as a sunroom or a shed, it might be okay. Talk to a professional painter about whether the paint you used was safe and your options for removing it, if necessary.
Instead of trying to determine whether you can use exterior paint for interior walls, enlist professional painting contractors to handle this task. Your painters will use the best and safest type of paint for the specific project, apply it neatly and evenly, and ensure long-lasting durability.
Engel Coatings Inc. is your professional painting company in Las Cruces, NM. Call us today at 575-642-5481 to request a free estimate.
But here’s the thing: When you’re painting your home’s exterior, drying and curing are more important than most people realize. Just ask the pros at Engel Coatings Inc., top painters in Las Cruces, NM, who will tell you there are make-or-break steps that can determine how good (or not-so-good) your paint job looks down the road.
So, how long does exterior paint take to dry? Well, the answer isn’t as simple as you might think, especially here in New Mexico. Between the dry air, intense sun, and those wild day-to-night temperature swings, painting outside in the Land of Enchantment isn’t without challenges.
Of course, climate’s a big deal, but it’s not the only thing that affects drying time. The type of paint you use, the condition of the surface, and even the extent of the preparation all play a part in how long it takes paint to dry and cure.
If you’re spending your time and hard-earned money on a paint job, you want it done right the first time. To help you achieve the best results, check out this guide on how drying and curing work, and what to expect for paint drying times.
Before we get into the details, it’s helpful to clarify something that causes a lot of confusion: Drying and curing aren’t the same thing.
When paint is “dry,” it’s no longer wet or sticky to the touch. At that point, you can add another coat or brush past it without smearing paint all over your clothes. It’s still vulnerable to damage, though.
Curing, on the other hand, is a long game. It’s a chemical process where the paint hardens completely and forms a tough, lasting bond with the surface. This can take up to 30 days, depending on the type of paint and the conditions.
In New Mexico’s dry climate, paint might dry faster than in humid regions — sometimes way faster. But don’t celebrate too soon, because curing is a whole other story. The extreme dryness can hinder the curing process if not handled properly.
One of the primary factors in the question of how long exterior paint takes to dry is the type of paint. Not all paints are created equal, and they don’t all behave the same way once they’re on the wall.
Drying happens when the liquid part of the paint — whether that’s water or oil — evaporates. Water-based paints like latex dry faster because water evaporates more quickly. Oil-based paints, on the other hand, take more time to dry because solvent evaporation and oxidation don’t happen as fast as water evaporation.
When you buy supplies, the label on the paint can will tell you what to expect in terms of drying times and when to apply additional coats. The manufacturer’s instructions aren’t random, and not following them can impact the drying and curing processes. In other words, you might end up with uneven coverage, cracking, or flaking paint.
Most homeowners choose latex-based paint for painting exterior surfaces, and for good reason. It’s a popular choice because it’s affordable, can handle the sun, and has quicker drying times than other options. But just because the surface is dry doesn’t mean the curing process is complete.
In general, you can expect the acrylic paint dry and cure times to be as follows:
Oil-based paints aren’t as popular for exteriors because they need more upkeep, and they’re tougher on the environment. Although they take longer to dry, they cure faster than latex paint, usually on the following schedule.
Many buildings in New Mexico feature stucco and concrete, so painting contractors use masonry paint specifically designed for these types of surfaces. Masonry paint requires extra time to penetrate and bind to the surface. Proper surface preparation and priming are pivotal, as skipping these steps will prolong the already lengthy curing time.
The timeline typically looks like:
Painting the exterior of your home is a process. While there isn’t much actual physical work to do after the last coat goes on, the paint still needs to cure for the project to be officially complete.
So, while many homeowners ask, “How long does exterior paint take to dry?” the real question is “How long does it take to cure?”
A fresh coat of paint will feel dry to the touch quickly, often within an hour or two if you use fast-drying exterior paint, like latex. However, it’s still vulnerable to damage from moisture, scratches, or impacts.
After a few days, the paint will begin to cure. It starts to harden, and light contact (like brushing against the wall) most likely won’t leave a mark. However, you should still avoid washing or scrubbing the surface during this time, as that can damage the finish.
From start to finish, outdoor paint cure duration can take up to 30 days, and after two weeks, most latex paints are halfway there. Paint will feel more solid and durable, but you should continue to take care to avoid damage.
After a month, enough time has passed for the paint to bond to the surface fully and reach maximum hardness.
One of the key factors in answering “How long does exterior paint take to dry?” is the local climate and weather conditions. New Mexico has characteristics that affect exterior paint, specifically its drying time.
There’s no question of humidity’s effect on paint’s drying period: High humidity levels make it take longer for water or solvents to evaporate.
With that in mind, it may seem that New Mexico’s low humidity (typically under 30%) creates optimal conditions for exterior paint to dry faster. It does, but the faster surface drying actually has a detrimental impact on curing. Humidity helps paints cure at the correct rate, so excessively dry air can prevent paint from curing evenly.
Many cities in New Mexico, including La Cruces, are situated at high elevations. At almost 4,000 feet above sea level, homes and businesses in Las Cruces receive more direct UV exposure than other places, which can cause paint to dry too quickly. Ultimately, this may lead to cracking, blistering, or an uneven finish.
Its position on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert means that La Cruces often experiences significant temperature variations between day and night. Even in the summer, temperatures can swing from above 90 degrees during the day to 50 degrees or lower at night.
What’s the temperature’s impact on paint drying? While cooler temperatures can slow down the drying time, wild fluctuations can delay the curing process and affect the paint’s adhesion.
New Mexico often experiences high winds and dust storms, particularly in spring and early summer. Strong winds can kick up particles that stick to wet paint and create an uneven surface, and dust in the air can interfere with proper adhesion.
To ensure optimal paint drying conditions, carefully plan your project.
In general, spring and fall are the best seasons for scheduling exterior painting projects. More moderate temperatures typically range from 50 to 85 degrees, and it’s slightly more humid, at least by Southwest standards. It’s also less windy, so you’ll get the best paint adhesion and curing without needing to deal with dust or other debris getting stuck in the wet paint.
If you must wait until the summer to paint your property, be aware that extreme temperatures, peak UV exposure, and low humidity can accelerate surface drying time. This increases the likelihood of surface defects, such as cracking or lap marks, which are those annoying streaks you see when one section dries before the next coat goes on. If you must paint during the summer, avoid working during the middle of the day when temperatures and UV exposure are at their peak to keep paint from drying too fast.
Professional painters don’t recommend painting exteriors during the winter. Not only are the low temperatures typically warm enough for adequate drying, but the shorter days and cooler nights also slow the curing process significantly
Seeing everything that goes into figuring out the answer to “How long does exterior paint take to dry?” can make the project seem overwhelming. Do you want your paint job to look sharp and last for years? Keep these pro tips in mind:
You need at least 48 hours of good weather for house painting. Even though New Mexico doesn’t get much rain, surprise rainstorms (especially during monsoon season) can ruin fresh paint.
Invest in paint formulated for hot, dry climates that includes sun protection to slow fading. Many brands offer “Southwest-specific” formulations designed to withstand the region’s sun and dry air in exterior paint colors that look great against the natural landscape.
Shade is your friend when painting the house! Sunlight dries paint quickly, so paint in the shade or follow the sun around your house. You can also use tarps or shade cloth to slow drying and improve results.
Clean surfaces are the key to great paint jobs with durable finishes. Wash off dust, patch cracks, and use a quality primer, especially on stucco or concrete surfaces, for the best results.
You might be in a rush to get the job done quickly, but globbing one thick coat of paint isn’t the way to save time. Multiple thin coats dry more evenly and cure better, which means fewer problems later.
Rushing through the painting process and not applying the product in thin coats can cause bubbling or peeling. Letting each coat of paint dry before applying the next is the best way to ensure proper curing. Allow at least two hours between the first coat and second coat for latex paints, four hours for masonry paints, and eight hours for oil-based paints.
Knowing the expert opinion on the question of how long exterior paint takes to dry, you might wonder when it’s safe to perform maintenance on a freshly painted surface.
As a general rule, it’s best to wait at least 30 days for the new paint job to cure before power washing, scrubbing, or applying any treatments. Washing too soon can damage the paint surface or cause spotting.
In New Mexico, environmental conditions can dramatically affect how exterior paint performs. Understanding everything that goes into determining how long exterior paint takes to dry and cure is essential to a successful painting project. A well-timed, carefully planned, professional paint job can last 10 years or longer, so take the time to do it right and keep your home looking vibrant for years to come.
If you’re thinking about updating your exterior paint to improve your home’s curb appeal, get in touch with the professional painting contractors of Engel Coatings Inc. Call 575-642-5481 to get started or request a free estimate. We know what goes into doing the job right, from prep and priming to perfecting the finish.
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