Lap marks appear as denser color or an increased gloss where wet and dry layers overlap during paint application.
Keeping a wet edge is the key to avoiding lap marks. Paint quickly enough so the paint being applied can seamlessly flow in to the just-applied paint.
What Causes Lap Marks?
- Letting areas dry before the applying paint to adjacent areas, causing overlapping edges
- Using poor-quality paints that are high in solid pigments
- Painting a porous or warm wall that makes the paint dry too quickly
How to Prevent Lap Marks
- Paint in small enough sections to maintain a wet edge
- Apply paint toward the unpainted area and then back into the just-painted surface. This technique (brushing or rolling from "wet to dry" rather than vice versa) will produce a smooth, uniform appearance.
- Plan breaks at natural interruptions such as a window, door, or corner
- Using a top-quality acrylic latex paint
- If the substrate is very porous, apply a primer or sealer to prevent paint from drying too quickly
Note: Alkyd paints generally have superior wet-edge properties.
Find solutions for other interior paint problems.
Find solutions for exterior paint problems.
View our premium paints, stains and other products.
Painting Outdoor Furniture
