Orange peel? Trouble shooting furniture painting.

Some call it the orange peel affect (I do), professionals call it “foaming and cratering”. It is a common problem that happens when painting. I’ve recently had many emails asking me about this problem, so I thought I’d share some reasons as to why it happens and how you can avoid it or fix.  It is caused by air bubbles that break during drying, which causes small, round depressions in the finish.

 Why is this happening!??!?

There are many reasons why you might be getting an orange peel affect: 

• Using a cheap, low-quality paint.
• Using a very old latex paint.
• Applying paint much too quickly, this is espcecially troublesome when using a roller.
• Using a roller pad with the wrong nap length for the surface you are working on.
• Repeatedly rolling or brushing the paint over the same area.
• Applying a gloss or semi-gloss paint over an unsealed or pourous surface.
• Applying a gloss or semi-gloss over an already painted surface.
• Painting in high heat or humidity.

What do I do to avoid this problem?!!?

• Stir paint slowly with a stir stick rather than shaking it.
• Do not overwork the paint; avoid excessive rolling or brushing.
• Do not use paint that is more than a year old.
• If using a roller apply gloss and semi-gloss paints with a short nap roller.
• Use an appropriate sealer or primer before painting over an already painted, porous, or unsealed surface.
• Skip painting if it is real hot or humid.
• Allow proper dry times between coats and paint numerous thin coats rather than one heavy coat.

 I have already painted and it looks like orange peel! What do I do??!!

Sand everything incredibly well and repaint following the proper steps listed above. Make sure you allow plenty of dry time between coats. Dry times can range from 30 minutes to 6 hours. Be sure to read the manufacturers directions and follow them precisely.