What Would Cause Ceiling Paint To Go On Streaky?

Question

The ceiling was sanded,
Than two coats of Behr "Primer Sealer" applied
Than one coat of Behr "Ultra White Ceiling" paint
It looked streaky so I applied another coat, yet still the same thing.
The roller was a new, medium nap roller, paint was new and stirred well.

These are not minor streaks, but huge roller marks accros the entire ceiling. What could be the cause? Should I apply a 3rd coat...switch paints? Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

Answer 1

heat and humidity sound like the culprit. you probably have it too hot in there for that kind of paint, or maybe too cold. Another brand may work better for that particular situation, but there are additives you can get to solve the particular problem once you know what is causing it. That brand of paint is usually good. Mistakes at the factory do happen though, it could be an ingredient was left out, miss-measured or what not. Most likely though, it's just the temp and humidity.

Answer 2

What's going on with your ventilation / heat / humidity right now? Are you in the middle of a cold / warm front? I usually wait until spring when it's just the right temperature to paint.

Furthermore, Behr is an ok brand for priming but I wouldn't use it for ceilings because it's not a premium brand. Even the contractor grades at Sherwin Williams will go on smoother. Try a different nap and be sure the get it fully and evenly coated when you roll through the paint. Don't press hard when you're applying.

Answer 3

You're probably using to much pressure on the roller. This will case excess paint to be squeezed out of the edges of the roller, and leave streaks. Work slow and use light pressure. You might have better luck on a step ladder instead of using an extension pole.

I've had better luck using Behr wall paint. Their ceiling paint is thinner and doesn't cover as well as the wall paint.

Answer 4

You may have tried to roll the paint on too thin. If you apply a third coat apply it in the opposite direction that you applied the first two coats and apply a little thicker than you did the first two coats. This should solve the problem...sometimes if the primer coat isn't completely dry you will also have streaking problems..
I use a satin or semi gloss paint on my ceilings and don't have the streaking problem.

Answer 5

I think it's the application method you are using. When you apply paint with a roller, you should go in all different directions, rather than straight lines back and forth. As previously mentioned, pressing too hard on the roller will squish the paint off the edges of the roller and if you are rolling straight back and forth, you will leave lines. Also, a bent roller holder will cause the paint to squish off one side.

Answer 6

I use Zinser 1-2-3 primer and it works out ok, but I wonder if your ceiling could be kind of wavy instead of completley flat smooth. I've seen that give an uneven or streaky effect. It's frustrating.

Answer 7

Streaky Paint

Answer 8

Not mixed up enough, need to mix it so the paint is consistent.

Answer 9

use the roller lightly .do not press hard