Ceiling and Wall Paint Blistering: What You Should Know?

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Ceiling and wall paint blistering is the formation of bubbles or raised areas on painted surfaces caused by trapped moisture, heat, or air beneath the paint film. Paint blistering is a water damage. It can be seen mostly on the ceiling and walls in basements, foundations, and bathroom areas. Prolonged paint blistering causes mold and mildew growth, increases the humidity in the home, plaster, and wall damage, and decreases the aesthetic value of the home. 

Pint blistering can be observed by the bubbled or raised paint spots, soft or hollow sounding, paint discoloration, and water stains under the paint layer. Paint blistering causes improper moisture control and surface handling in the home. Not all paints tend to blister. Low-grade emulsion paint is prone to blisters mostly. Not only that latex paint also can blister quickly in higher humid conditions. 

Ceiling paint blistering and wall paint blistering are the most common blisterings that occur in the home. Ceiling paint blisters due to roof leaks, poor attic ventilation, higher indoor humidity and steam, and inadequate insulation. Paint layers in Concrete, brick, plaster, and drywalls react uniquely under wet conditions. 

You should fix the paint blistering by using the guide included below. And also you can prevent paint blistering by applying a waterproofing membrane in the slab, foundation, basement, and bathroom areas. You should paint the surface in recommended dampness, ensure proper surface preparation before painting, and improve the ventilation of higher humidity areas like the bathroom.

For the best solution, Aqviz experts recommend you use blister resistant paint on the surface. These paints are breathable and they tend to transfer moisture through the paint. You can use Acrylic latex paint, elastomeric paint, anti-condensation paint, and mold and mildew-resistant paint on the surface. If you can’t control this call us today. 

What Is the Definition of Paint Blistering?

The definition of paint blistering is the formation of bubbles or raised areas on painted surfaces caused by trapped moisture, heat, or air beneath the paint film. Paint blistering occurs most frequently on basement walls, concrete foundations, and ceilings where water vapor builds pressure behind the coating. 

Paint blistering can damage the surface like concrete, dry walls or masonry. It accelerates the paint failure and flaking. It tends to grow mold and mildew under blisters. Paint blistering can add the unattractive finish to the property value. More than that, paint blistering increases the cost of repairs and waterproofing in the home. 

We typically name paint blistering as bubbling paint, paint bubbles, and paint lifting. From our experience, areas with poor ventilation, inadequate surface preparation, or water infiltration through capillary action are most vulnerable. We often encounter paint blistering in structures treated with low-quality coatings or lacking proper vapor barriers.

To fix the paint blistering permanently, you should install a suitable waterproofing membrane among these 10 Types of Waterproofing Methods.

What Are the 5 Signs of Paint Blistering?

We identify paint blistering early by looking for surface clues that signal moisture or adhesion issues. You can observe these five signs that indicate active or developing blistering on walls, ceilings, and foundations.

1. Bubbled or raised paint spots form in clusters or isolated patches, often shaped like domes
2. Soft or hollow sounding areas when tapped lightly, suggesting separation between the paint and substrate
3. Blisters that pop and peel, leaving raw, flaking surfaces or exposing underlying material
4. Paint discoloration, especially yellowing or fading around the blistered areas, due to trapped moisture or chemical reaction
5. Water stains underneath the blister, often brown or rusty, showing ongoing seepage from behind the surface

What Causes Paint Blistering?

Paint blistering almost always traces back to improper moisture control or surface handling. There are five major causes that trigger blister formation on interior and exterior painted surfaces.

1. Moisture infiltration due to water problems and rising damp forces water vapor behind the paint layer
2. Painting on damp surfaces, especially unsealed concrete, traps moisture that expands as it tries to escape
3. Trapped humidity in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms causes steam to push up the paint
4. Incompatible primer or paint layers, such as using latex over oil-based paint, result in poor bonding and separation
5. Direct sun exposure or excessive heat, especially on south-facing walls, overheats the paint and causes bubbling

Which Types of Paint Blister the Most?

From our experience at Aqviz, certain paint types are more vulnerable to blistering depending on the surface condition and moisture levels. Among them, emulsion paints and latex-based paints tend to blister the most when applied on damp or unsealed walls.

1. Low-grade emulsion paints are highly sensitive to surface dampness and trapped humidity. Hence, it can blister quickly.
2. Latex paints can blister quickly in humid environments like basements, bathrooms, or over improperly primed surfaces.
3. Acrylic paints are more durable and flexible, but they still blister if applied on unclean or wet substrates
4. Oil-based paints resist blistering better due to stronger adhesion, but they can still bubble when exposed to rising damp or poor ventilation
   

Why Does Ceiling Paint Blister?

There are five common reasons why ceiling paint starts to blister.

1. Roof leaks: Roof leaks allow water to seep into the ceiling materials, causing bubbles to form under the paint
2. Poor attic ventilation: Poor attic ventilation traps warm, moist air that condenses and penetrates the ceiling surfaces
3. High indoor humidity: High indoor humidity, especially in upper-floor rooms, leads to moisture buildup above the ceiling
4. Extreme steam in bathrooms: Extreme steam in bathrooms rises and collects on the ceiling, especially if there’s no proper exhaust fan
5. Inadequate insulation: Inadequate insulation causes temperature fluctuations that trigger condensation and paint separation

Why Does Wall Paint Blister?

Wall paint blistering occurs on different wall types due to specific material characteristics and moisture behavior. Concrete, brick, plaster, and drywall are different wall types, each wall type reacts uniquely under wet conditions or improper surface preparation.

1. Concrete walls: Concrete walls blister when internal moisture or rising damp escapes through unsealed surfaces or weak vapor barriers
2. Brick walls: Brick walls blister if exposed to driving rain, capillary action through mortar joints, or painting without curing the surface
3. Plaster walls: Plaster walls blister from residual moisture after recent plastering or applying paint before full drying and priming
4. Drywalls: Drywalls blister when moisture from plumbing leaks, roof leaks, or condensation saturates the gypsum and loosens the paint film

How to Fix Blistered Wall Paint?

At Aqviz, we always fix blistered wall paint by addressing both the visible damage and the underlying moisture cause. Here’s a 5-step guide we follow on residential and commercial projects to fix blisters on the walls.

1. Identify and eliminate the moisture source: Inspect for leaks, rising damp, or condensation on the walls using a moisture meter like Tramex MEP
2. Remove all blistered paint: Scrape off loose, bubbled wall paint using a putty knife or paint scraper, exposing the bare substrate
3. Clean and dry the surface: Use a mild detergent solution to remove dirt or mold on the wall, then allow 24-48 hours of drying with fans or dehumidifiers
4. Repair and sand the area: Apply filler compound or spackling paste to level the wall surface, then sand it smooth using 120-150 grit sandpaper
5. Prime and repaint properly: Use a moisture-resistant primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 before applying top-quality paint suitable for the wall type

How to Prevent Wall Paint From Blistering?

We prevent paint blistering by focusing on moisture control, proper surface prep, and product compatibility. Here are five effective ways we recommend to homeowners to prevent wall paint from blistering.

1. Apply waterproofing treatments like Dr. Fixit Dampguard, Sika Dampseal, or Asian Paints SmartCare Damp Proof on walls to block rising damp and external seepage
2. Use a moisture meter to test for hidden dampness before painting. Moisture content of the walls should be less than 15% moisture content
3. Ensure proper surface preparation by cleaning, sanding, and priming with a compatible, high-bond primer such as Zinsser Cover Stain before painting
4. Improve ventilation in high-humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements by installing exhaust fans or dehumidifiers
5. Choose high-quality, breathable paints like Benjamin Moore Aura or Dulux Weathershield that allow vapor diffusion without bubbling over time

What’s the Difference Between Paint Blistering and Peeling?

Paint blistering forms raised bubbles or blisters on the surface due to trapped moisture, heat, or air beneath the paint film, while paint peeling involves paint layers flaking or falling off, typically caused by long-term water exposure, poor adhesion, or aging. It shows up as curled or cracked paint edges.

How to Check Moisture Before Painting?

You should always check wall moisture before painting to prevent paint blistering using the below 3 ways.

1. Use a moisture meter: Use a digital moisture meter like Tramex MEP or Protimeter Surveymaster. For painting, the moisture content should be below 15% on plaster and below 5% on concrete (by weight).
2. Tape test method: Tape a clear plastic sheet (18″x18″) onto the wall. After 24 hours, moisture condensation under the sheet indicates high wall dampness.
3. Calcium carbide test (for professionals): Measures exact moisture content in construction material, ideal for new builds.

What Are the Best Paint Types to Prevent Blistering?

At Aqviz, we always recommend blister-resistant paints that offer strong adhesion, moisture tolerance, and breathability. These paints reduce the risk of paint blistering, especially on damp-prone surfaces like basement walls, bathroom ceilings, and exterior masonry.

1. Acrylic latex paints like Benjamin Moore Regal Select or Behr Premium Plus are flexible, breathable, and ideal for interior and exterior use
2. Elastomeric paints such as Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP form a waterproof, stretchable film that resists cracking and moisture intrusion
3. Anti-condensation paints like Thermilate PRO prevent surface dampness buildup in high-humidity rooms
4. Mold- and mildew-resistant paints such as Zinsser Perma-White are ideal for kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms
5. Silicone-based paints for exteriors provide excellent water repellency and UV resistance on concrete or plaster walls

When to Call a Waterproofing Expert?

At Aqviz, we advise homeowners to call a waterproofing expert as soon as they notice early signs of paint blistering, damp walls, or musty odors. These are often symptoms of deeper moisture issues like rising damp, leaky foundations, or condensation buildup behind the walls.

You should call us if,

• Paint blisters keep reappearing even after repainting
• You see water stains, efflorescence, or mold growth
• The home has a wet basement, bathroom leaks, or poor roof drainage
• You’re planning to repaint after a flood, leak, or wall repair
• Moisture levels exceed 15% on a digital moisture meter