Nothing stings quite like finishing a paint job, stepping back, and seeing that what you thought was a perfect finish is actually covered with ugly streaks. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for homeowners to make mistakes that result in frustration and walls that look worse than before.
The good news? Learning how to fix paint streaks on walls isn’t rocket science. If you do things the way experienced painters do, meaning you avoid shortcuts and follow the process, your walls will look smooth and streak-free.
Every professional painter will tell you the same thing: 90% of paint problems start with poor preparation. If the wall is dirty, greasy, patched poorly, or still has glossy old paint, you’re basically guaranteed to end up with streaks.
To ensure a smooth, even finish, painters always begin by thoroughly washing the walls. For kitchens, they’ll often use a degreaser to create a pristine surface for paint application.
Although you don’t need to remove all the old paint before rolling on the new color, it’s a good idea to scrape off any areas of loose or flaking paint to ensure a smooth finish. If you have to make any repairs, like filling in nail holes, sand them so the patched spots are smooth and flush with the rest of the wall.
Sanding is also a must for glossy paint. Paint won’t stick well to these smooth, shiny areas, resulting in streaks. Scuff them up with sandpaper so the new paint grabs.
Finally, after surface smoothing, vacuum the dust and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Dust is another big reason for paint streaks, so getting rid of it goes a long way toward stopping them before you even open a paint can.
A primer coating is insurance against a streaky paint finish. Cheap or mismatched primer is one of the biggest reasons homeowners end up Googling “how to fix paint streaks on walls” as soon as the paint dries.
A proper primer coat creates a uniform surface so your topcoats go on evenly. If you skip it, you’ll see every patch and every roller mark, and if you painted over a dark color, you’ll see it underneath the new shade.
Rolling on a coat of paint looks easy, but very few people roll paint like a professional.
Many DIYers press too hard with the roller in some spots, and not hard enough in others. That creates an uneven finish that’s prone to streaking. However, the bigger problem is going back over paint that’s starting to dry.
Professional painters work in small sections, spreading paint in a “W” or “M” pattern. They then immediately go back over it using light, overlapping passes without reloading. This is called “laying off” or “back-rolling,” and it covers the wall with an even coat of paint.
The real trick, though, is to keep a wet edge and never let one section dry before blending it into the next. This ensures everything dries at the same rate, without streaking.
If you’re trying to figure out how to fix paint streaks on walls, understand that not all paints are created equal. Cheap paint streaks more because it doesn’t level well. Professional painters typically use premium paints from top manufacturers, which go on smoothly and dry to a perfect finish.
Selecting the right paint sheen also affects the final results and helps prevent streaks. For most rooms, a matte or eggshell finish is best for walls. These finishes flow better and hide roller marks and painting mistakes more effectively than shinier finishes.
A higher-sheen paint can reveal more visible imperfections, which is why painters usually reserve it for trim. Using a satin or semi-gloss paint requires your prep and technique to be absolutely dialed in to avoid streaks.
Sometimes you can do everything right and still end up with streaks, or worse, bubbling paint from moisture issues, poor priming, or temperature problems. That’s when it’s time to stop fighting it and call someone who knows what to do.
If you’re in southern New Mexico and aren’t sure how to fix paint streaks on walls, give us a call. Engel Coatings Inc. has been making Las Cruces homes look flawless since 2009. We fix bad paint jobs all the time, and we do it right the first time.
Call us at (575) 642-5481 or request a free estimate online. We’ll help you get the perfect paint job without the stress and extra work.