How to Fix Paint Drips
When painting woodworking projects, cabinets, or any finishing project, paint drips are a common issue. They can be especially frustrating if they dry before you even notice them.
Paint drips often result from applying too much paint in a single coat, usually due to an overloaded brush. Gravity causes the excess paint to run, and as it begins to dry, it solidifies into visible droplets.
The good news is that you can fix paint drips even after the paint has dried, and it’s even easier if you catch them while the paint is still wet.
If the Paint is Still Wet
If you spot a drip while the paint is still relatively wet, try brushing it out in the same direction as the surrounding paint. Avoid brushing in the opposite direction, as this can create unattractive, criss-cross lines that are difficult to remove.
Try a few strokes and observe the result. If it doesn’t work or the paint feels sticky, stop brushing; the paint is likely too dry, and additional brushing might make the drip more prominent.
If the Paint Has Dried
Often, it’s best to let the drip and the surrounding area dry completely before trying to fix it. If the paint is even slightly wet, it may peel when you try to scrape or sand it. A dried drip will stand out due to the raised surface it creates, highlighted by the paint's gloss.
Start by gently scraping off the drip using a clean scraper, razor blade, or a 5-in-1 tool. The goal is to minimize disruption to the surrounding area.
After scraping, sand the remaining defect with 220-grit sandpaper. Sand only in the direction of the drip; avoid sanding back and forth or in the opposite direction, as this can make the paint peel or leave a larger stain. Focus only on the drip, avoiding the surrounding paint as much as possible.
When you’re satisfied that the surface is smooth, apply one or two additional coats of paint. Once the paint dries, the area should look nearly flawless.
An Extreme Solution
If scraping and sanding leave a recessed area or if other damage occurs, you can fill the area with filler, such as Bondo. Apply it with a putty knife and remove any excess with a small drywall knife. Once it’s dry, sand the area as needed.
It’s recommended to prime the area before applying the final coats of paint, as primer helps to prevent imperfections from showing through. After priming, add another coat or two of finish paint, and the repaired area will blend in smoothly with the rest of the surface.
We hope you enjoy watching this video about how to fix paint drips:
Source: Paint Life TV
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Last update on 2024-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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