Symptoms
- Faint lines or stripes visible once paint dries
- Streaks more visible at certain angles or under bright light
- Texture looks uneven compared to a smooth factory finish
Likely causes
- CommonRoller running low on paint mid-strokeRolling too far without reloading paint leaves thin, streaky areas.
- CommonWrong roller nap for the wall textureA nap that's too short or too long for the surface can leave an uneven pattern.
- PossiblePainting over a coat that wasn't fully dryRolling over tacky paint can drag and streak the layer underneath.
- PossiblePaint applied too thick or too thinInconsistent paint thickness across the wall shows up as texture differences once dry.
What to do
- Let the current coat dry fully per the can's recommended time before assessing.
- Lightly sand any raised streaks with fine sandpaper.
- Wipe away sanding dust with a slightly damp cloth.
- Reload the roller fully and use a W or M pattern to spread paint evenly before rolling it out.
- Maintain a wet edge, overlapping each pass slightly into the previous one.
- Use a roller nap matched to your wall's texture, typically 3/8 inch for smooth walls.
- Apply an even final coat and let dry undisturbed.
Tools and parts
- Quality roller and nap
- Roller tray
- Fine sandpaper
When to call a pro
Call a painter if streaking persists across a large area despite technique changes, since it may be a paint quality or wall prep issue.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.