Fixing Blistering Issues

Is your coating blistering and peeling once dry? Don’t panic! In this video, Raphaël Estrella, Technical Advisor at Beissier, explains why your wall coating is detaching—whether due to humidity, dust, insufficient material, or improper surface preparation—and demonstrates how to easily fix blistering issues using PRESTONETT® filling compounds.

Understanding Why a Coating Blisters or Peels Once Dry

Coatings are designed to prepare surfaces, but sometimes, detachment occurs between the coating and the substrate after application. This phenomenon is known as blistering.

Our expert, Raphaël Estrella, outlines the key questions to ask and the essential steps to follow when facing blistering issues.

The first thing to check is the type of blistering

Localized blisters appear in specific areas such as a ceiling, wall, or corners.

Generalized blisters involve large sections of peeling coating forming multiple patches.

In 90% of cases, blistering occurs in a humid environment. Water damage, ceiling or wall infiltration, insufficient material under joint tape, poor surface assessment, or inadequate preparation can all lead to this issue. Each substrate—whether concrete, cement, plaster, or paint—requires specific preparation. If you have any doubts about the preliminary steps for coating application, check out our expert Jérémy Poupart’s video, where he explains the key preparatory steps before applying a coating.

Once You’ve Identified the Cause, Start Repairing the Blisters!

In this video, our expert Raphaël Estrella recreates a blister on a joint tape, one of the most common on construction sites, typically caused by insufficient material underneath the tape.

Two Key Repair Steps

Opening the Blister

Use a utility knife to cut open the blister and assess its condition.

Check for signs of powdering (common with soft materials like plaster), moisture, or grease contamination (often due to soot or kitchen grease deposits).

If any of these issues are present, dust off the surface using a sponge or brush.

Applying the Filler

Our technical advisor recommends Beissier Prestonett Interior Filler, a filling compound known for easy application and sanding.

Once applied, let it dry and sand with 150-180 grit sandpaper. The blister will disappear, leaving a smooth and even surface!

Remember: A well-prepared worksite means fewer blisters to fix!