Ask the Question

deps · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Livingston

I have just finished re-painting my dining room with matt emulsion. I have noticed that the area of the wall where I tried a couple of different colours before deciding which paint to use has gone all strange - sort of hairline cracks across the surface, but only on the parts of the wall I did the colour match. Embarassed

I thought the two trial colours too dark, and so painted over the area with the white matt emulsion I had used on the ceiling, before overpainting two coats of the final colour to the wall. After it dried, I noticed that the surface in these areas had got very fine cracked effect, although the paint is otherwise sound - not coming off the wall. Shocked

How do I remedy this effect please ?? Can I repaint using white undercoat, and then re-apply the final colour again ?? or must I sand it all down and start from the plaster ?
What would have caused this reaction to occur ?
I look forward to some sound advice on this please, so I can get the job finished finally to a good standard.
Thank you.
Deps Embarassed

blueboy · Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 2 Location: glasgow

It may be that the trial colours were not excactly dry when you painted over them causing the reaction you mention. No matter what the reason you will have to paint the wall again. Lightly sand the affected area and repaint.

bandydai · Joined: 27 Feb 2007 Posts: 51 Location: South Wales

The new emulsions especially matt, do not like vinyl silks or satin emulsions and when dry tend to have hairline cracks, looks almost like a jigsaw puzzle effect. Anyone else with this problem should wash the walls down with sugarsoap and then apply a coat of a product by B&Q called 'REVIVE'. great for dirty/smokey walls etc. Sets a good foundation for top coats, including matt and can also be used as a finishing coat. and only £10 for 5ltrs....................it's white and dries very fast to prevent stains from bleeding through......Dai Wink