Painting your walls can completely refresh a room, but nothing ruins the final look faster than streaks and uneven coverage. Paint streaks often appear as shiny lines, roller marks, or patchy spots where the paint doesn’t look consistent. The good news is that streaks can be fixed, and with the right techniques, you can prevent them altogether.
Common Causes of Paint Streaks
Before jumping into solutions, it helps to understand why streaks happen in the first place:
- Using low-quality paint or tools: Cheap rollers and brushes often leave marks.
- Uneven application: Applying too much or too little paint in one spot.
- Skipping primer: Bare drywall or patched areas absorb paint differently.
- Painting in the wrong conditions: Hot, humid, or drafty rooms cause paint to dry unevenly.
- Not keeping a “wet edge”: Allowing paint to dry partially before overlapping strokes.
How To Fix Paint Streaks
If streaks have already shown up on your walls, don’t worry. Here are ways to correct them:
Let the paint fully dry
Sometimes streaks look worse while the paint is still drying. Wait 24 hours before deciding if touch-ups are needed.
Sand down imperfections
Lightly sand streaky or raised areas with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away dust before repainting.
Apply another coat
One of the simplest fixes is adding an extra coat of paint. Use a roller with the correct nap length for your wall surface and apply paint evenly.
Feather the edges
If only a small section looks streaky, carefully feather new paint into the old by using lighter strokes at the edges.
Consider a primer
If the problem keeps coming back, especially on patched or darker surfaces, apply a coat of primer before repainting.
How To Prevent Paint Streaks
Prevention is easier than fixing streaks after the fact. Here’s how to keep your walls smooth and flawless:
- Invest in quality paint and tools: A good roller and brush make all the difference.
- Prep your walls properly: Clean dust, dirt, and grease before painting. Repair holes and cracks.
- Use primer when needed: It evens out absorbency and gives paint a uniform base.
- Load your roller correctly: Don’t overload with paint, but don’t run it too dry either. Roll in a tray until evenly coated.
- Maintain a wet edge: Work in small sections and always roll into the edge of the last stroke before it dries.
- Roll in a consistent pattern: A “W” or “M” motion followed by filling in helps distribute paint evenly.
- Watch the conditions: Avoid painting in extreme heat, direct sunlight, or high humidity.
Streaks on painted walls can be frustrating, but they’re not permanent. With careful prep, quality tools, and the right painting techniques, you can achieve smooth, professional-looking walls every time. If streaks do happen, a little sanding and a fresh coat usually solve the problem.
