A nonuniform appearance can occur when wet and dry layers overlap during painting or staining. At worst, you’ll see thick drips of paint under the top coat.

Causes:

• Inadequately primed or sealed porous surface.

• Painting in one area for too long–or simply painting improperly.

• Not maintaining a wet edge.

• Paint has become too thick during application, due to hot or windy conditions, both of which are dehydrating.

What to do:

• Cover lap marks with another coat of paint, spread uniformly: Work in sections small enough to maintain a wet edge. Paint to natural breaks such as windows and doors.

• If the top coat is fairly transparent or the surface very porous, lightly sand and spot prime before repainting.