Unfortunately, many homeowners are all too well aware of the problems that come around when the walls aren’t in the best shape. Whether it’s a bad paint job or old wall material, there are chances of homeowners running into problems with paint mishaps and wall integrity.
Many old homes go through renovation procedures, where old paint is tacked on with layers of new paint until the walls give up. Besides that, there are other reasons why homeowners look for ways to cover unsightly paint mishaps and wall cracks caused by various reasons.
However, besides compromising on the aesthetic appeal of your property, bad paint jobs and cracked walls are actually a sign that you need to take better care of the foundation of your home. So how can homeowners cover up these problems?
Unsightly Paint Mishaps: All You Need to Know About Covering Them
A paint job is pretty pricey, so when it’s botched, it’s cause for frustration. Of course, you don’t want to strip the wall bare and begin again – that’s a waste of time, resources and money. Luckily, there are ways to correct a horrid paint job! But before we get to them, here are some common painting mishaps and why they happen:
- Bubbling paint due to leakage behind the wall or indoor humidity.
- Dried up paint drops and other clots on the surface, which look terrible and uneven.
- Not cleaning the surface before starting the painting process – this can lead to paint falling off in sheets.
- Painting over semi dried paint can cause lumps and also loosen the lower layers of paint, resulting in a massive mishap.
Here’s how you can correct your wall painting mishaps.
Try a Flexible Edge Trim
These adhesive strips for walls are brilliant at keeping moisture and seepage at bay, which is one of the top reasons paint jobs can be compromised. They’re also great for covering up unattractive paint jobs along the ceilings and corners of the wall to give your décor a more aesthetic look.
They’re cheap, durable and also come in tons of different styles. These tapes enhance your paint job because of their design and the sturdy material that they are made from and also prevent any further damage from spreading over the whole surface.
Scrape Of the Area Of Damage
To tackle damaged paint like dried drops, blotchy areas and bubbling paint sections, wait for the paint to completely dry and then scrape off the paint from that particular section using a paint scraper. Follow that with mild sanding so that the surface becomes smooth and even to paint on.
Repaint the section carefully and continue blending it with the rest of the wall. It’s important to blend and buff so that the new coat of paint looks consistent with the rest of the wall. Use a soft brush or a roller to lightly layer the paint and build up to the same consistency as the rest of the color.
Tackling Cracked Walls: How You Can Cover Up the Cracks
Cracked walls can be pretty costly to work on. But what do you do about cracks that are minor and in no need of any imminent reconstruction? Wall cracks can be easily covered up via a DIY home project. But what causes cracks in the first place? Here are some popular reasons why you might be noticing cracks on your wall.
- Stress on the wall can crack the wall surface and go deep within.
- Extreme humidity can cause the material to expand and contract, thereby breaking it.
- Old drywall/plaster losing its integrity
Here are our tops picks for the best ways to cover up wall cracks.
Adhesive Strips For Walls Are Saviors
Not only do these flexible edge trims prevent your walls from cracking at all, but they also cover up the existing cracks along the corners and joints of your walls and prevent the cracks from becoming bigger and expanding elsewhere. The best part is that these strips can be found in different colors and styles.
These strips have a strong hold. They’re able to hold the surface together to prevent breakage, making it great for minor wall cracks or other hairline cracks along the ceiling because of the fortification it provides to the foundation of your property.
Add Plaster to the Cracks
Another way to tackle cracked walls is to fill in the space with wall plaster or some drywall plaster. A joint compound is also essential so that the crack can be sealed. You’re going to drill tiny holes into the masonry that penetrates the wall, dust away the debris, and apply adhesive.
After the adhesive, you’ll begin to add the plaster rings and then let it cure. Then you will remove the rings, cover the holes with plaster and/or a joint compound and then lightly sand the surface. If your wall is colored, lightly paint the surface back to its original color after the adhesive and joining material has dried properly.
When to Call in the Pros
Though most home projects can be taken care of by homeowners, know when to call in a professional. If your paint job looks more than you can handle or if massive sheets and layers are falling out, perhaps it’s time to call in the pros. There must be a leak behind your wall that’s preventing the adhesive from sticking and also compromising your wall’s integrity by causing cracks and hairline cracks along the paint.
However, try experimenting using these tips to restore your home’s appearance. Always remember to rule out issues like improper surface preparation, weight load, age of the building, quality of the paint and building materials, and other similar factors before tackling a home project!
Author Bio:
Greg Amundson is the founder and creator of InstaTrim & have been working in the home construction industry for 30+ years and have always had a passion to make DIYers’ life easier by developing products like grey peel and stick flexible trim, ivory PVC corner trim, flexible white trim, brown caulk tape, etc.
