How We Fix Builder Paint Fails the Right Way
Table of Contents
- Why New Homes Still Have Bad Paint Jobs
- Top 5 Most Common Builder Paint Mistakes
- Our Fix: Smooth Walls Done Right
- Quick-View Problem & Solution Chart
- Step-by-Step Checklist
- FAQ: Builder Paint Problems
- Final Thoughts
Why New Homes Still Have Bad Paint Jobs
You just bought a new house. Everything looks shiny and new—until you really look at the walls. Suddenly you notice the drips, roller swish marks, heavy texture, or dusty patches sealed under the paint. and you say – ah popp!!
The truth? Many builders hire the lowest-bid painting crews. Corners get cut. Prep is skipped. The result is walls that look like they were rushed through instead of doing things the right way the 1st time..
But don’t worry—that’s where we come in. We take those builder fails and fix them the right way, using Festool HEPA vacuums, pro-grade sanders, and skim coating techniques so your walls look as smooth as they should have on day one.
Top 5 Most Common Builder Paint Mistakes
Here are the biggest homeowner complaints we hear and see while we are doing estimates for home owners as well as realtors helping customers sell and buy homes(and what people are searching for online when they Google “new construction paint problems”):
- Paint Runs & Drips
- Caused by overspray or skipping back-rolling.
- Looks like streaks running down the wall.
- Heavy Stipple or Orange-Peel Texture
- Spray-only applications without rolling.
- Feels bumpy, uneven, and cheap.
- Sheen Mismatch & Roller Marks
- Inconsistent tools or touch-ups with the wrong finish.
- Walls look patchy depending on the light.
- Dust & Debris Under Paint
- No cleaning before painting.
- Trapped drywall dust makes walls feel gritty.
- Failed Touch-Ups That Stand Out
- Painters “spot fix” instead of repainting full sections.
- Leaves behind obvious blotches and flashing.
Our Fix: Smooth Walls Done Right
At D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper, we don’t just cover the problems—we fix them at the source.
Here’s how:
- Festool Sanders + HEPA Vacuums → Dust-free wall prep, smooth from top to bottom.
- Skim Coating (when needed) → Flattens heavy stipple and makes walls perfectly even.
- Spot Priming + Back-Rolling → Ensures even coverage and consistent sheen.
- Full-Wall Repaints → No blotchy touch-ups; you get a professional, uniform finish.
We service Huntley, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Algonquin, Pingree Grove, South Elgin, St. Charles, Carpentersville, and surrounding suburbs.
Quick-View Problem & Solution Chart
| Problem | Cause | Our Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Runs / Drips | Overspray, no back-roll | Sand smooth, prime, repaint with roller-back |
| Heavy Stipple | Spray-only application | Skim coat + sanding, re-roll with proper nap |
| Sheen Mismatch | Bad touch-ups | Full-wall repaint for consistent gloss |
| Dust in Paint | Poor prep | Sand with Festool + HEPA, tack cloth before paint |
| Patchy Touch-Ups | Wrong sheen or technique | Blend edges or repaint entire section |
Step-by-Step Checklist
Want to know exactly how we fix these problems? Here’s our 10-step process:
- ✅ Inspect and mark problem areas
- ✅ Sand walls top-to-bottom with Festool HEPA system
- ✅ Skim coat (if needed) to flatten texture
- ✅ Vacuum + wipe with microfiber
- ✅ Spot prime where repairs were made
- ✅ Mask and protect floors/trim
- ✅ Repaint using proper roller technique with back-rolling
- ✅ Check sheen under multiple lighting angles
- ✅ Tidy up, final dust wipe
- ✅ Walk homeowner through the finished result
FAQ: Builder Paint Problems
Do I need to repaint the whole wall if there’s just one drip?
Usually yes—touch-ups often stand out. Full-wall rolling blends sheen perfectly.
What if my walls feel gritty?
That’s drywall dust painted over. We sand it down, clean it, and repaint smooth.
Can’t I just sand a drip myself?
Sure—but without dust control (Festool HEPA), you’ll cover your whole house in white powder.
Why didn’t the builder’s painters fix it?
They’re on a budget and timeline. Quality isn’t their priority—speed is.
Final Thoughts
Bad paint jobs in new homes are way too common, but you don’t have to live with them. With the right tools, the right prep, and the right crew, you can have walls that actually look new.
👉 Ready to fix your builder’s paint fails? Let’s make it right—smooth walls, no dust, and a professional finish you’ll love.
And don’t forget:
- All workers are vetted and background-checked
- Free touch-ups within a year
- Free color consultations to ease decision-making
- Plus, our “Give $200, Get $200” referral program
📺 Check out our projects on YouTube: D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper YouTube