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How to fix bubbles after applying Dulux Renovation range paint on cabinetry?

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Hi, I have painted our kitchen cabinets in the Dulux renovation range and used the renovation range clear coat in satin on half the cabinets which came up fantastic, but... about 4 days after opening the tin I was ready to complete the clear coating on the remainder of the cabinet fronts and the finish has come out really bad, like lots of bubbles bad, I am really confused as I used a new roller and followed the instructions on mixing like the first time I used it, only thing I can think of is that maybe the mixture is starting to "go off", it does say on the tin that it is good for up to 10 days. Has anyone else had this issue, or local Dulux supplier is still to get back to me but thought I would try here and see if there is an alternative clear coat I can use, one that doesn't go off quickly or one that isn't a 2 pot mix.

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MitchellMc

Hi @Anna_G,

I'm so sorry to hear about this issue, especially after the first half went so well.

Bubbles in a clear coat can happen for a few reasons, but since your first half went on perfectly, many of the usual causes are unlikely. Typically, this type of bubbling occurs if a foam roller is used, which can aerate the surface, if the can has been shaken instead of just stirred (introducing air into the mixture), if the product is overworked during application, or if environmental conditions have affected the coat. It’s also possible, though unlikely, that something happened with the mixed product in the four days since opening.

From the description and your photos, it does seem like air has been introduced into the formula somehow. The Dulux team has your docket and will be reaching out soon to discuss the issue and the best way forward. At this stage, I wouldn’t recommend switching to another brand’s clear coat on the same surface, as this can create compatibility problems. The likely solution will be to sand back the surface to remove the bubbles that are standing proud and then recoat. After that, reapplying another coat of the same product, but potentially a new can, is probably the safest approach.

Please bear with us as Dulux will be in touch shortly to help investigate whether there’s a batch issue or something else has affected the can, and to guide you through fixing the surface. Just to be sure, if you haven't logged the problem with the Dulux technical team directly, please do so on Ph: 13 25 25 as they are keen to assist.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

BelindaChipp

Hi. Just wondering if you ever gpt an answer to this? We are having the exact same issues with the clear top coat. The bubbles appear on the top of the paint when it is still just sitting in the tray.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @BelindaChipp. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about the Dulux Renovation Range.

Some bubbles at the surface of the can are expected. However, if the entire product is aerated, it could be due to the stirring method. Did you stir or even shake the product, and if so, what did you use? It is recommended to use a broad flat paddle and to use a scooping motion. Stirring the product vigorously can induce air bubbles. Dulux advises letting the product stand for a period so it has time to release the bubbles from the mix before application.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

serena2

Hi,

I'm also having the same issue, Dulux reno range top coat bought from Bunnings Wellington, has introduced loads of tiny bubbles onto my painstakingly triple coated painted cabinet surfaces. It looks awful and if I need to sand back and recoat its going to set me back days as I don't have floorspace to have all cabinetry out at once. Please advise, I followed all tin instructions on prepping the mixture.

EricL

Hello @serena2

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.

I'm sorry to hear that you are running into the same issues. Just to re-iterate the possible causes it could be any of the following:

Air Trapped in Paint: Shaking the can instead of stirring or using a foam roller (which introduces air) are prime culprits.
Moisture/Humidity: Moisture escaping from the substrate or high humidity in the room can cause blistering. Painting too early can trap escaping moisture from the top coat.
Overworking the Product: Re-rolling areas that have started to set interrupts the self-levelling process, creating marks and roughness.
Temperature/Ventilation: Applying in direct heat or insufficient ventilation can trap solvents.

The suggested solutions are to change your roller to a fine 4mm nap roller and sanding the door back to re-apply the clear coat. I also recommend contacting the Dulux technical team on Ph: 13 25 25 so that they can assist you directly.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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