How do I stop stud and screw marks from bleeding through my paint?

by Jon
(Faribault, MN)

I have painted my kitchen walls and ceiling several times and after a couple of years I start to see the studs and sheetrock screws bleeding through the paint. I have used Kilz on the ceiling but it still bleeds through over time. This is an old house but this is the only room I have this problem with.

Answer

A better primer for this type of problem is a shellac primer. Zinsser makes a great shellac primer. Apply two coats to the effected walls and ceiling. Allow 1 hour between the coats for a better seal. The shellac dries quickly and can be painted over after an hour.

If the effect recurs then the paint is showing a symptom of a different problem. I have seen this effect in old homes that don't have a moister barrier on the exterior walls, typically 6 mill plastic. A couple of questions to keep in your mind are, does this effect occur mostly in the winter and is the worst areas near an exterior wall?

If you answer yes to these questions then start looking at the exterior paint job at or near your kitchen. Pay attention to the condition of the paint and missing or cracked caulking.