Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

August, 2005

House Paint Blistering on Masonry Walls

Q. I built a new home in the philippines and the contractor sealed the masonry walls and then painted them. However, after only 1 month and some heavy rains, all the outside walls are blistering. What do I do to correct this?

A. Unfortunately, you cannot do anything to save the paint blistering. The paint blisters are probably full of water and the adhesive bond between the masonry walls and the paint has weakened or been destroyed altogether. In dry weather the blistering will appear to go down (recede), but as soon as the wet weather returns, so will the pant blisters.

The only thing you can do is wait for the dry weather and then scrape off all the areas where the blistering has taken place. Then allow sufficient time for the walls to completely dry out! You don't want the walls to have more than approximately 5-10% moisture when measured with a moisture meter. When you are ready, you will need to reprime the walls and topcoat by feathering the edges with the old paint.

Best wishes,

Ron Joseph