We recently built a new home, and had the painting done professionally. I wanted the very best paint I could buy, and after doing my research, I decided on Behr Premium Plus. The painter told me how much paint to buy of each color, but when he was done, I had about 1/3 to 1/4 of the paint left over. I thought that was a lot, but couldn’t really do much about it.
Later on, when we started to do touch up, I am faced with shiny spots everywhere I touch more paint to the surface. This happens even when I use a roller instead of a brush. I was told that this happens when there wasn’t enough paint applied to begin with. He primed & painted 2 finish coats with a sprayer, backrolling after the last coat, but since there is so much paint left over, I am wondering if he didn’t thin it a lot.
At any rate, it is an issue for me now, and I was wondering if there was a trick to applying the paint with a special kind of roller or brush that would help with the shiny appearance?
4 Responses
There are some good reasons why this happens. The first deals with the paint itself, the second with the color and the third reason deals with the walls texture.
1) Some paints don't lend themselves to being touched-up. I have had this happen with Behr and Sherwin Williams. Also, the sheen of the paint can also produce this effect. Eggshell and satin paints can and will look shinier when touched-up, when compared to flat or semi-gloss.
2) The color of the paint will produce this effect. Dark or very bright paint colors are very difficult to touch-up. They almost always produce a shiny or slightly different colored spot, even though it is the same paint.
3) Lack of texture has a similar effect as the paint color. Smooth or almost smooth walls can show a shiny spot when new paint is applied.
A shiny spot when touching-up can happen whether using a brush or roller. Usually the effect is worsened with a roller, as you have found out. A roller applies a lot of paint and this new thick layer is the problem. Try using a sponge paint applicator. Use the smallest brush or sponge applicator for the job. Try to produce the smallest spot possible.
One trick that I have used in the past is to rub the shiny areas with a new soft white rag. Use a tight circular pattern. This will dull the paint a bit and could help blend the new with the old. Also, if this is a new can of paint, try adding a little water. Just a splash to help the paint lay down on the surface. Behr paints are rather thick and benefit from a little thinning.
It is possible that the painter did thin the paint, but this shouldn't effect the outcome to much. Thinning will only be a factor if the walls were never primed and only one coat of paint applied. In this case the paint penetrates the surface to much and a new spot of paint lays on top. Example, the first coat acts like a primer.
You mentioned that your home was primed and two coats applied with backrolling. It sounds like the painter did his/her job correctly.
There are some good reasons why this happens. The first deals with the paint itself, the second with the color and the third reason deals with the walls texture.
1) Some paints don't lend themselves to being touched-up. I have had this happen with Behr and Sherwin Williams. Also, the sheen of the paint can also produce this effect. Eggshell and satin paints can and will look shinier when touched-up, when compared to flat or semi-gloss.
2) The color of the paint will produce this effect. Dark or very bright paint colors are very difficult to touch-up. They almost always produce a shiny or slightly different colored spot, even though it is the same paint.
3) Lack of texture has a similar effect as the paint color. Smooth or almost smooth walls can show a shiny spot when new paint is applied.
A shiny spot when touching-up can happen whether using a brush or roller. Usually the effect is worsened with a roller, as you have found out. A roller applies a lot of paint and this new thick layer is the problem. Try using a sponge paint applicator. Use the smallest brush or sponge applicator for the job. Try to produce the smallest spot possible.
One trick that I have used in the past is to rub the shiny areas with a new soft white rag. Use a tight circular pattern. This will dull the paint a bit and could help blend the new with the old. Also, if this is a new can of paint, try adding a little water. Just a splash to help the paint lay down on the surface. Behr paints are rather thick and benefit from a little thinning.
It is possible that the painter did thin the paint, but this shouldn't effect the outcome to much. Thinning will only be a factor if the walls were never primed and only one coat of paint applied. In this case the paint penetrates the surface to much and a new spot of paint lays on top. Example, the first coat acts like a primer.
You mentioned that your home was primed and two coats applied with backrolling. It sounds like the painter did his/her job correctly.
First of all Behr is the worst paint ever made. It is garbage. It is mostly chalk. If you did any research then you would have probably been led to Benjamin Moore or MAB. The paint is shiny because it was not mixed consistently when originally put up. Every time paint is taken from the can it must be stirred and then after taking the paint it must be covered immediately.
Chemicals in the paint evaporate and separate at different levels. It's like drinking a glass of orange juice. When you get to he bottom of the glass it is always thicker. You don't notice it with paint because you don't drink it. This is why the pros always roll and cut in at the same time. Try adding a touch of water (or paint thinner if you are using oil) or get a new quart for touch ups. In other words, if the paint is not consistently stirred, then the paint you put on from the top of the can (when the can is filled) will be slightly flatter than it should be. when you get to the bottom of the can it will be slightly shinier than it should be. Sorry, I also learned the hard way. A new quart is your best option.
Based on my experience, I concur: Benjamin Moore is the best paint by far.