Think you’ve done a great job on that spray paint project only to find the paint has crackled? Hold up! Before you consider the whole thing a failure, find out how to fix spray paint crackle. If you find the task intimidating, we’re here to tell you otherwise. We’ll go over some of the most common reasons spray paint crackles, before diving into the steps. So put your artist’s apron on, and let’s jump right into it.

Why Does Spray Paint Crackle?

1. Humidity Or Moisture

One nugget of wisdom. Make sure your work area has the perfect temperature. If it’s too hot and humid, the surface of the target object is going to be wet. If you don’t ensure a dry surface, the spray paint will never stick well to the surface of whatever you’re about to paint. Moreover, there’s a high chance the paint may crackle.

So, what’s the optimum temperature? 10 to 32 degrees Celsius is the temperature you want to look out for. Moreover, make sure that the humidity is less than 85%.

2. Thick Layering Of Paint

Layer spray paint only after the first layer has dried completely. If you overspray at one go and keep adding layers of paint, be prepared for a fiasco. When you overspray the paint on one area, you’re not allowing the layers of paint to adhere. This will give you an uneven application and also make your paint crackle. Instead of going for heavy coats, go for multiple lighter coats. Although this may seem time-consuming, it’ll be worth the effort. We promise! Keep these two factors in mind to make sure your paint never cracks. Moreover, always clean the surface of whatever you’re painting well before you apply paint.

Things You’ll Need

• Sandpaper
• Wet cloth
• Paintbrush
• Latex Primer or Spray Primer
• Spray paint

How To Fix Spray Paint Crackle

Step 1 : Buff Out The Crackled Parts

Take a piece of sandpaper and gently scrub away the uneven bits of paint. We’re looking to achieve a smooth surface. So, don’t rub too hard and scrape off all of the paint previously used. You just want to get rid of the top crackle. Buff this off gently in small circular motions. This may take some time, but the smoother your foundation is, the better your end result is going to look. In other words, make sure you get every nook and cranny in case you’re painting a piece of furniture.

Step 2 : Clean The Object

Once you’ve buffed away all the uneven bits, it’s time to clean all that dust and powdered paint from the sanding you’ve just done. Otherwise, the new paint will not adhere. So take your paintbrush and dust away all of the loose dirt from the object. If you want to go the extra mile, chose to wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Make sure you let the object dry completely before going to the next step. This is an absolute must if you want your paint to not crackle further.

Step 3 : Prime The Surface

Time to prime! Using a primer on the surface you’re about to paint will give you a smooth base. This also helps the paint stick better, without cracking. After cleaning the object, grab your paintbrush, and take the primer of your choice. Next, apply a thin layer of primer on the object as evenly as possible. Make sure you’re not tempted to apply another coat of primer before the first one dries. It’s okay if the first layer didn’t cover everything. The second layer will do the job.

After priming the object, make sure you wait at least five (5) to seven (7) hours, depending on where you leave the item to dry.

Step 4 : Buff Again!

I know. This will be the last time. Sanding the primed surface gently will give you the smoothest possible base. Now you may think that this is an extra unnecessary step. But taking a few extra minutes will make your paint last much longer. Don’t forget to clean the surface afterwards as previously mentioned.

Step 5 : Apply The First Layer Of Paint

Take out your can of spray paint and apply your first coat of paint. This isn’t the time to make old mistakes, so make sure you go for a light coat. The goal is to paint it as evenly as possible, but don’t break a sweat if you miss a few spots. Allow the paint to sit for three (3) to five (5) hours, and we’ll cover the rest in the next and final step.

Step 6 : Apply The Final Coat

The moment of truth is here. Apply the last and final coat as lightly and evenly as possible. Aim for any patchy bits which weren’t covered by the first layer. Let the paint dry for another few hours, and you’re good to go. It’s as if the crackled paint was never there! If you find out that there are a few remaining patches, don’t worry. It’s nothing a spritz of paint won’t fix.

That’s about it from us. We hope this blog gave you a clear picture of how to fix spray paint crackle. By following these easy steps and keeping a few pointers in mind, you can say bye-bye to crackled paint.

Did you ever face this problem? Do you have any tips that we missed? Let us know. Until then, keep your inner artist alive. We’re there to fix the mess with you, because we’ve been around since  1936.

Call us direct at Earles Paints on 07 4121 5202 for all the information you need, or visit us at Earle Paint Place Maryborough.