Wrinkled paint will make your space feel less welcoming than a smooth, even coat of paint does. Wrinkling usually affects walls that have been painted several times and occurs when the top layer of paint doesn't cure properly. When paint doesn't cure within the recommended amount of time, ridges form as the fresh paint bunches up along the surface of the wall, resulting in a wrinkled appearance.
Painting For a Smooth Finish
Smooth paint is designed to have a shiny, satin-like finish, while matte or flat paint has a duller, more subtle finish. The most important step to creating a perfect finish is to prep your walls before you paint. The right prep work allows you to create a finished look that highlights the beauty of your space.
Identifying the causes of wrinkled paint is the simplest way to avoid it in the future. Begin your project by removing the paint from the affected areas of the wall using a paint scraper or another suitable tool, and sand the surface to create a smooth, clean wall to paint.
You also need to choose the right paint for your home. For example, high gloss paint may work well on drywall, but the same glossy paint may not be suitable for paneling. Read the labels carefully to find the product that is right for your walls. Other tips to consider include:
• If possible, prep the walls and apply primer several days before you plan to paint to give the primer plenty of time to dry.
• Clean the walls carefully while prepping to remove small particles of dust and debris that can prevent your paint from curing properly.
• Avoid painting in very hot, very cold, or very humid weather. Heat and humidity affect drying times, resulting in problems like wrinkled paint.
• Apply several thin, even layers of paint, rather than one thicker layer to obtain a smooth, wrinkle-free finish.
• Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next coat.
You should also allow plenty of time to complete the project, and choose a time when the weather is mild to achieve the best finish. Check the weather beforehand to choose the right days to paint, and plan on allowing each coat of primer and paint to dry overnight to prevent wrinkling in paint after your project is finished.