Small bubbles in gloss paint

Jeddy

Hi,
I'm trying to paint a window sill with gloss paint however no matter what I try I end up with lots of small bubbles (maybe 1mm diam) as soon as I apply the paint. Some eventually disappear but I still get left with too many for my liking.

I've put primer on, I've tried painting over existing gloss paint, I've used new and old brushes (bristle and synthetic), I've used different paints (crown, dulux, drip and non drip), I've tried on hot days (last summer) and again now (colder).

This is costing me a fortune and I'm getting nowhere, I can only assume I'm doing something wrong but have run out of ideas what that may be (last time I decorated I didn't have this problem).

Would I get the same with e.g. Satin, if not maybe I'll have to go down that route.

Help!

Jeddy

Steve_xx

Sounds as if they are air bubbles. Are you stirring it too briskly? They should disappear as it dries anyway.

hamstercheeks_2

have u stirred the paint? maybe too much, leave to settle for 5 mins after stirring.

if you go over them with the brush again do they disappear? do you have a window open when painting? my dad was a painter and decorator by trade and he said not to open a window until the painting was finished

ormus

you probably have some silicone on the woodwork.
you need to burn back to bare wood and clean it chemically to get rid of the silicone.

when painting cars we used to use eye drops in the paint!
cant remember if you can use the same technique in house painting.

Jeddy

Hi, to answer the above posts...

Yes, they are definitely air bubbles.

On this latest tin of paint I didn't stir it at all and there is no evidence of bubbles in the paint in the tin, only when I apply the paint.

If I go over them again I still end up with bubbles, whether they are the same of different bubbles I can't be sure.

Window is always shut.

I could understand something being on the wood being a problem, but by the time it is primed, or when I'm painting over existing dry (old) paint surely that would prevent any problems in the wood causing me more problems?

Thanks,
Jeddy

MX5huggy

try painting something else, to see if its your technique or the surface.

misgrace

Might be a silly question, but, is your paintbrush wet, or even damp? have you washed your brush out, and not dried it properly?

Jeddy

misgrace wrote: »

Might be a silly question, but, is your paintbrush wet, or even damp? have you washed your brush out, and not dried it properly?

Not a silly question at all. I suspect one of the brushes I used was not totally dry, but today I tried with a new Harris bristle brush (totally dry) and still got the same.

I have tried on another surface (glossy mag) and got the same.

Steve_xx

Ok well there must be something on the surface that you are painting that causes it to bubble I think, I think you might clean it thoroughly, lightly sand it and then wipe it with white spirit before you paint it again.

misgrace

Well Jeddy, its got me stumped, as i thought it could be either air bubbles like the Op mentioned, or water bubbles, which does happen sometimes if the brush is still moist.

Another question, are you painting gloss on without any Undercoat underneath.?
and also, is your gloss oilbased or waterbased.?

Last question.... What ormus replied to you got me thinking, where its bubbling, is it near the actual window, and the reveals nearest the windows?

ormus

assuming interior window cills.
does anyone use a furniture polish in the room? that often contains silicone.
spray polish is the worst!