Poor hiding
Poor hiding is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the failure of your dried paintwork to obscure or 'hide' the surface to which it is applied.
Possible Cause
Before you reach for the roller again, your problem isn’t necessarily the amount of paint. It’s more likely to be one of the following:
Use of low quality paint
Use of low quality tools or the wrong roller cover
An improper combination of tinting base and tinting colour
Poor flow and levelling (see Poor paint flow and levelling)
Use of a paint that is much lighter in colour than the substrate or that primarily contains low-hiding organic pigments
Application of paint at a lower spread rate than recommended
Solution
If your substrate is significantly darker than your chosen paint colour, or features a pattern, it should be primed before applying the top coat system. Always use premium quality paint for better hiding and flow. Using quality tools is also important as well as the recommended roller nap, if using a roller. Always follow manufacturer’s recommendation on spread rate and if using tinted paint, be sure to use the correct tinting base.
If you must use a low-hiding organic colour, always apply a primer first. We recommend Dulux 1Step® Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat.
Help & Advice
Our expert support team can help with everything from choosing colour, what product is the most appropriate for your job or troubleshooting when something hasn’t gone your way.
Book an in-home consultation with a Dulux designer who will help you find the right colour scheme for your home, considering your furniture and lighting.
