--- title: 5 Signs of a Bad Paint Job description: Is your paint on interior walls looking a little uneven, splotchy, streaky, has it bubbled or blistered? We’ll give you the signs and tell you ways to get it fixed. image: https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hubfs/Bickerstaff%20Before%201.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/bad-paint-job-signs#maincontent) [ «  Learning Center ](https://brushandrollpainting.com/learning-center) # 5 Signs of a Bad Paint Job July 27th, 2023 3 min read By [Kaylea Kuhlman](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/kaylea-kuhlman-content-manager) ![Deep green colored wall with white trim and white paint bleeding onto green wall.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bickerstaff%20Before%201.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=Bickerstaff%20Before%201.jpg) After hiring a painting contractor for your interior painting project, you deserve to see clean and crisp walls. If you are seeing imperfections on your interior walls shortly after having them painted, it is likely due to a poor painting job. At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, Nebraska we have been providing high-quality durable work to homeowners in the metro area for over 25 years. With our experience, we know the difference between a bad paint job and high-quality, lasting results.  In this article, you will learn about the 5 signs that tell a bad paint job. This will help you solve the unappealing issues you may be seeing on your interior walls. ## 1. Unwanted paint is on trim, baseboards, ceilings, light switches, outlets, etc. ![Interior wall painted black and white ceiling with messy black paint on the ceiling.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Remmen%20Before%2013.jpg?width=582&height=437&name=Remmen%20Before%2013.jpg) If you are finding uneven lines and you can tell paint was accidentally brushed onto a surface, it is a bad paint job, and that’s putting it nicely! Uneven lines and messy areas are an eye-sore. After seeing them once, you can’t help but notice them every time you look at them.  For detailed, crisp, and clean lines, masking tape should always be used. It is also important to remove light switches and outlet covers. Painters can have a steady hand and perfect their skill in clean lines. But it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to working in any home. Painting is an investment, no matter the cost. It is important that the work is done right, so you get your money's worth. Masking tape along baseboards and trim is a safety precaution that also provides the best results. Tape stops the paint from bleeding onto unwanted corners and edges. This forces a clean line when the tape is pulled up.  ## 2. Paint Streaks If you can see streaks in the dried paint, it is likely a bad paint job. This could be visible for a number of reasons. The main reason is that there was not enough paint used. Either it needs another coat or there was not enough paint on the roller, to begin with. Another reason is that low-quality, cheap paint was used. Low-quality paint doesn’t have the power to leave a fully covered surface. Especially with a darker color, the pigments will fade and it can take many coats for an even finish. ## 3. Bubbling or Blistering Paint ![Interior beige paint on wall that is bubbling and chipping.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Frame%20Before%206-1.jpg?width=559&height=419&name=Frame%20Before%206-1.jpg)If you see that the paint color appears to be bubbling or blistering, the paint did not have the proper time to dry. Each paint product is given an average dry time that is set by the manufacturer. When the paint is dried, the solvent or liquid component in the paint has evaporated, leaving behind solids, additives, resins, and binders that enforce durability. When the paint is not completely dried and a painter applies another coat, the solvent isn’t able to be evaporated and gets trapped, leaving a bubble or blister on the fresh coat. This imperfection can be repaired with prep work and high-quality paint. Not only does high-quality paint tend to dry faster than low-quality paint, but it also leaves behind a higher number of solids and resins that have a greater film of durability. This durable film will protect from future imperfections and touches up seamlessly when those accidents do occur. ## 4. Uneven Color Uneven or splotchy color is a clear sign of a bad paint job. The reasons for this happening are similar to seeing streaks in paint, either the paint needs another coat or low-quality paint was used.  When using cheaper paint, the coverage is less superior. It can take many coats to obtain an even finish. Applying multiple coats calls for more gallons of paint, plus too many layers of paint won’t look seamless either. 3+ layers can begin to get thick and harder to work with.   In this case, it is ideal to use a higher-quality paint. One that is trusted to have great color and maintain it for years to come. High-quality paint only needs 2-3 coats to have the color look spotless. [![Download Your Free Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Painter Discover the tips and secrets to hiring the perfect painter for your next project. Download your guide and take the first step towards achieving the flawless results you deserve.  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/interactive-156696789410.png) ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLiZJu6QxznSZ7AU1dNVdYFxmXZA1GlWTDrWIrqlqijlAw30IKELWylz6V1v1cOYvKEeTUejGGztRwI4eq55a2qIy8F%2FLQN69gkBNcPe5XUKLstyGgTPYr3GZ47YAW2199t5vzRyRZBEIsh%2Bn%2Fjx5AcNL0Hp6FQ6mvY9zqqes%2BTgtL7d1k3iYZ%2F1vtPB5vS2MslRPbYdGZcuje6AwlAEbdJLWKa2pnJ8H1b4R9fD9SfJkOt&webInteractiveContentId=156696789410&portalId=7973434) ## 5. Imperfections Under the Paint ![Beige painted interior wall with imperfection under in a bubble.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/S%20Herr%20Before%205.jpg?width=486&height=365&name=S%20Herr%20Before%205.jpg) If you can see old nail holes, nails, scratches, peeling paint, etc. under the paint, there was not any prep work done. In this case, the painter covered the imperfections without any prior attention to them. Instead, the painter should have spackled, sanded, or repaired prior imperfections before painting.  In addition to being visually unappealing, if these problem areas are not fixed, they will begin to show through the new coats of paint in only a short matter of time.  ## How to fix a Bad Interior Paint Job All in all, bad paintwork can be spotted by a number of telltale signs. Investing in a value-based, high-quality company will avoid these frustrating mistakes. Choosing a more experienced painter to repair these problems, should eliminate any further issues with the paint. An experienced painter will implement a detailed prep work process to start the project from a clean slate. Then, they will use trusted high-quality products that will provide optimum coverage, be resistant to chipping and scratching, and stand the test of time.  Brush & Roll Painting is a trusted Omaha Interior painter. We pride ourselves on our thorough prep work process and the use of high-quality products. We know we aren't the best option for every painting project, but we want to help homeowners not make any mistakes when it comes to their projects. Next, download your ultimate guide to hiring a painter. This guide helps you be confident in who you choose to transform your home.  [ Kaylea Kuhlman ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/kaylea-kuhlman-content-manager) Kaylea is the Content Manager at Brush & Roll Painting, where she leads the company’s marketing strategy, content creation, and brand messaging. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in Journalism and Media Communications and a minor in Marketing, combining strong writing skills with a clear understanding of how to connect with homeowners. Since joining Brush & Roll Painting at the end of 2022, Kaylea has played a key role in shaping how the company communicates with its customers. She works closely with the team to turn real, on-the-job experience into helpful, easy-to-understand content that answers the questions homeowners are already asking. Her approach focuses on clarity, honesty, and making sure people feel confident before starting a painting project. Kaylea’s work helps bridge the gap between technical painting knowledge and everyday decision-making. Whether it’s explaining the difference between paint finishes, helping homeowners choose the right cabinet color, or breaking down what to expect from a professional painting process, her goal is always the same: to make the process feel simple and stress-free. Topics Kaylea Covers: Kaylea writes and creates content across all areas of residential painting, including: -Interior painting (walls, ceilings, trim, and woodwork) -Exterior painting and maintenance -Cabinet painting and refinishing -Deck staining and wood care -Paint colors, finishes, and design decisions -What to expect when hiring a professional painter -Common homeowner questions, concerns, and mistakes to avoid Her content is designed to give homeowners clear answers, set realistic expectations, and help them make confident decisions about their home. Topics: [ Pro Tips ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/pro-tips) [ Interior Painting ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/interior-painting) [ Hiring A Painter ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/hiring-a-painter) [ Exterior Painting ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/exterior-painting) [ Paint & Finishes ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/paint-finishes) Don't forget to share this post: ## Related Articles [![Exterior of house in Omaha, NE with a ladder against it in the process of being painted by Brush & Roll Painting.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Havens%20during%201.jpg?width=1280&height=721&name=Havens%20during%201.jpg) ### 9 Things To Do Before Exterior House Painting July 6th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/9-things-to-do-before-exterior-house-painting-omaha) [![Basement kitchen with a fresh black paint color and smooth finish on cabinets in a home in Omaha, nE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_4532.jpeg?width=4032&height=3024&name=IMG_4532.jpeg) ### 9 Mistakes for Choosing a Cabinet Paint Color & Finish June 26th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/mistakes-for-choosing-a-cabinet-paint-color-finish) [![Caulk on the outside of a home before painting in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6018.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=IMG_6018.jpg) ### Why Your Exterior Caulk Is Cracking After One Year June 22nd, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/why-your-exterior-caulk-is-cracking-after-one-year) [![Wall of paint color swatches in a hardware store for homeowners to pick paint colors in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size-Jun-19-2026-02-22-33-4456-PM.png?width=800&height=418&name=Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size-Jun-19-2026-02-22-33-4456-PM.png) ### Why Paint Chips Don’t Match Your Actual Paint June 19th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/why-paint-chips-dont-match-your-actual-paint) [![Wall with imperfections with brown paint before painting again in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Burnham%20Before%201-1.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=Burnham%20Before%201-1.jpg) ### Why Do My Walls Look Worse After DIY Painting? 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April 24th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/can-you-change-all-cabinets-to-soft-close-hinges) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kaylea Kuhlman", "url" : "https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/kaylea-kuhlman-content-manager" }, "dateModified" : "2024-05-20T19:07:38.181Z", "datePublished" : "2023-07-27T18:17:44.000Z", "headline" : "5 Signs of a Bad Paint Job", "image" : [ "https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hubfs/Bickerstaff%20Before%201.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/bad-paint-job-signs", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hubfs/logo-1.png" }, "name" : "Brush & Roll Painting" } } ```