When you hear the term “orange peel,” you might think about the unique texture an orange peel has. It's smooth yet bumpy at the same time. But what is orange peel in paint? This effect can happen to the paint of your walls and ceilings and when it does, you need to know how to solve it. Understanding what causes orange peel, how to get rid of it and how to avoid it in the future are the best ways to solve this texture issue from affecting your paint jobs.
Explore everything you need to know about fixing orange peel in your paint jobs and properly dealing with this texture imperfection.
What Causes Orange Peel in Paint?
Several factors can be the cause of the orange peel paint texture that might be affecting your walls at home.
Incorrect application of paint: When using painting equipment, the necessary amount of pressure must always be applied. Orange peel is common when the paint is applied unevenly across a surface. For example, this can happen if a layer of paint is too thick and the solvent evaporates too quickly. This effect causes the surface to dry without getting the chance to level out properly. The result is an uneven painted surface that leaves behind an orange peel paint texture.
Using old or damaged painting tools: Make sure your tools are in good condition. Orange peel can occur by using old or worn-out equipment, like paintbrushes with dry bristles.
Humidity while painting: Humidity plays a role in causing orange peel paint texture. High levels of humidity can make your paint take more time to dry. In low humidity, the paint may dry too quickly. Both of these scenarios are likely to cause orange peel. Try to paint on dry days to reduce your risk of orange peel affecting your paint job.
Room temperature while painting: Room temperature must be considered when you start painting to avoid orange peel. When it is too hot or cold in a room, your paint might solidify and form small balls. This is more likely to happen when using thick paints. The key to solving this challenge is to paint at room temperature and keep your paint can and brush closer to your painting surface.
Painting on an unsanded surface: Sand the surface you are painting properly before you start. Painting over grit and dirt will result in uneven layers of paint. Be sure to prepare the surface properly for each layer as well.
How to Get Rid of Orange Peel in Paint
The good news is that getting rid of orange peel by hand is possible. With the right tools and the right plan, you can correct your paint's texture. Here's a list of everything you need:
A premixed wallboard compound like USG Green Top Joint Compound, which is ideal for skim coating and finishing drywall
The right interior paint to correct your wall's paint texture
Once you have all the tools and equipment needed, you can start the process. Follow these steps to correct orange peel paint texture:
Step 1: Fill up the lower end of your paint tray with your premixed compound. Thin it out with water until the consistency looks and feels like pancake batter. Then, apply the compound on the repaired area with your 3/8-inch roller. Work from the center of the affected area and paint outwards toward the original textured part of the wall. Create a “feather” effect by lightening up on the roller as you approach the properly textured wall.
Step 2: Let the compound dry. Once the compound is completely dry, lightly sand the area with 220-grit sandpaper on your sanding block. The dried compound will have peaks throughout, which is why it may seem mismatched at first. This step aims to level off the peaks to remove the orange peel effect.
Step 3: Clean the area with a cloth or old T-shirt and rub the repaired area lightly to soften the edges of the sanded section.
Step 4: Make the entire surface consistent by priming and painting the surrounding areas. You might need to repaint the entire wall to achieve this consistency.
How to Prevent Orange Peel in Paint
Here are a few tips about orange peel prevention to keep in mind:
Paint consistently: Painting consistently on your surface is the best way to prevent the orange peel texture. Try practicing your painting and your texturing. Get familiar with the rhythms by practicing on something else before working on the main surface you wish to paint.
Test equipment: Remember to test the effectiveness of your equipment. If using a paint roller, make sure it's achieving properly leveled layers. Check that no bristles are coming off your paintbrush when you use it.
Plan ahead: Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Make sure the space you are working in is around room temperature and low humidity before starting.
Prepare the surface you are painting: Check that the surface you are painting is even and free of dust and dirt that might cause orange peel. Sanding, cleaning and buffing the surface may be necessary.
Aboff's Paints Is Here for All Your Painting Needs
When it comes to painting with the best products, you can rely on Aboff's Paints. We offer Benjamin Moore products that deliver the highest-quality finish for your walls. Find everything you need for any painting job, project or DIY touch-ups at our many stores on Long Island.
Our years of experience mean our team can help you find the premium products to suit your exact requirements. Bring your painting to the next level with our library of online resources to brush up on painting tips and techniques. Find an Aboff's Paints store near you and visit us today for your painting needs.
