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  1. Trade
  2. Technical Advice
  3. Professional Painter Problem Solver Guides
  4. Professional Paint Exterior Problem Solver
  5. How to Fix Exterior Wrinkling Problems
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Build: 1.2.35 - Thu, 21 May 2026 10:50:26 GMT
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Possible Cause

  • Paint applied too thickly (more likely when using solvent-based paints)

  • Painting a hot surface or in very hot weather

  • Exposure of uncured paint to rain, dew, fog or high humidity levels

  • Applying the topcoat to insufficiently dried first coat

  • Painting over contaminated surface (e.g. dirt or wax)


Solution

Scrape or sand substrate to remove wrinkled coating then repaint by applying an even coat of top quality exterior paint. Dulux recommends the Dulux Weathershield® range for use on exterior surfaces. Make sure the first coat or primer is dry before applying the topcoat.



Apply paints at the manufacturer's recommended spread rate (two coats at the recommended spread rate are better than one thick coat). When painting during extremely humid, cool or damp weather, allow extra time for the paint to dry completely.

Wrinkling

Wrinking is a rough, crinkled paint surface occurring when paint forms a 'skin'.

More problem solving advice

When droplets appear on acrylic paint

Have you noticed small droplets appearing on your fresh coat of acrylic paint? Don't panic – it’s a normal part of the curing process. Find out more.

Yellowing

Yellowing describes the development of a yellow cast in ageing paint solvent-based enamels.

Find out more-->

Wrinkling

Wrinkling is a term to describe a rough, crinkled paint surface, which occurs when uncured paint forms a 'skin'.

Find out more-->

Tannin staining

Tannin staining is the brownish or tan discoloration on a painted surface due to migration of tannins from the substrate through the paint film.

Learn more-->
About Dulux
Dulux My Home
Dulux Specifier
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Careers
Customer Service
Contact Us
Find a Store
Sustainability
Dulux Group Corporate