Paint bubbling — also known as fisheyes — are small circular, crater-like openings that appear during or shortly after the application.

They are generally caused by painting over surfaces contaminated with oil, wax, silicone, grease, etc.; using a thinner/reducer in place of a solvent cleaner; or spraying over previously repaired areas containing "fisheye eliminator" additive.

To avoid paint bubbles before painting, thoroughly clean the surface with detergent and hot water, followed by a solvent cleaner. Wipe dry with clean rags.

If fisheyes appear in a basecoat, allow the color to dry then spray a mist coat over affected area. Do not use fisheye eliminator in undercoats or basecoat color.

If bubbling occurs in a topcoat when paint is still wet, remove the paint film with a solvent, clean the surface and refinish. Add the recommended fisheye eliminator and respray the affected area.

If the paint has dried, sand to a smooth finish below the fisheye cratering and refinish.

Additionally, you can install an air filtering system that removes and prevents oil and moisture contamination in your environment. Maintain the air supply by draining, cleaning and changing filter(s) on a routine basis.

Be sure to visit our lead information page for tips on staying safe during restoration projects requiring preparation prior to paint application.

Sherwin-Williams offers strong pre-design products like Premium Wood & Wall Primer for interior surfaces and Exterior Latex Wood Primer.

We also offer post-design products, such as ProClassic^® and Resilience^®, for mitigating paint project challenges or mishaps.

Using these products ensures a more durable and longer-lasting finish, decreasing the likelihood of imperfections in the surface coating.