Paint bubbling? Sand it smooth. Here’s how

Step-by-step guide to your next home project

ORLANDO, Fla. – If you’re seeing paint bubbles on your front door or anywhere else, chances are the paint is not adhering to the surface properly. This often happens on exterior surfaces exposed to sunlight. The only solution is to sand down to the bare surface.

We purchased:

  • Sanding block 120 grit
  • Primer paint

We brought with us:

  • Paintbrush
  • Razor knife

We recommend:

  • Electric sander (If you have one or can borrow one!)

Find more ways you can start Getting Results at Home on YouTube:

Step 1

Cut out the bubbles. Use a razor knife to slice open and slice off the bubbling paint so you can start sanding what’s underneath those bubbles.

Step 2

Sand, sand, sand! The key here is sanding down to the bare surface. In this project, we sanded down to the bare metal on a steel front door. We found rust (which we also sanded away) and prior paint that didn’t adhere properly to the door. Get off all of the old paint and rust and whatever you find by sanding! An electric sander comes in handy here but if you don’t have one this can be done by hand with a sanding block.

Step 3

Prime. Paint the exposed surface with primer paint and let it dry. If the bare surface still shows through, prime it again.

Step 4

Paint. Paint the areas you just primed. If you can still see the primer showing through, wait for the first coat to dry and then paint again.

Your bubbles should be gone for good! You’re Getting Results at Home!


About the Author

Erik von Ancken anchors and reports for News 6 and is a two-time Emmy award-winning journalist in the prestigious and coveted "On-Camera Talent" categories for both anchoring and reporting.

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