THE PAINTING JOURNAL
From the first brush to the final walkthrough. Practical answers for homes, workplaces and the people who paint them.
Start with common questions
110 articles · page 5 of 10
A store color match addresses one part of a wall repair. The product, sheen, texture, existing wall condition and application method also affect what you see. Compare a dry sample on the actual…
Read guideDark-wall lap marks are a reason to review distribution, overlap timing and surface texture before applying another coat. Identify whether the lines are changes in sheen or physical roller…
Read guideRolled paint usually has some surface texture, but that does not make every ridge, coarse patch or debris mark acceptable. Compare the finish with the selected product's application guidance and…
Read guideA dark or glossy border around a painted ceiling can result when brushed edges and the rolled field differ in thickness, texture or drying sequence. Confirm that the band follows the cut-in and…
Read guideCleaning can change the sheen of a painted wall, leaving a shiny area even after the original mark is gone. If gentle drying and inspection show that the film itself has changed, further…
Read guidePaint cracking over caulk requires identifying which material failed. An intact flexible bead with a cracked paint skin differs from caulk that has split or pulled away. Review the exact…
Read guideTrim gaps that reopen in winter may involve seasonal movement, poor attachment, unsuitable sealant or a failed bond to the edges. Inspect the joint before filling it again. A sound moving joint…
Read guideA ceiling mark that remains after primer may be a stain still migrating, an unresolved moisture source or an appearance difference around the repair. Confirm which one you are seeing before…
Read guideYellow or brown marks on cedar should be identified before another coat is specified. Compare their pattern with wood grain, fasteners, roof runoff and sprinkler exposure. Wood extractives can…
Read guidePaint and solid-color stain can be difficult to distinguish on weathered cedar, and a photograph may not settle the question. Recover product history, inspect the coating's condition and define…
Read guideA cedar deck can peel because of weak existing coating, excessive buildup, moisture, unsuitable preparation or a system that does not fit the surface and service. The wood species alone does not…
Read guideDo not automatically add a second coat to a deck that remains sticky beyond the product's expected conditions. Identify the stain, review application amount and weather, and determine whether…
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