Cissing occurs when freshly applied paint pulls away from the surface, leaving small craters or bare patches. It is most often caused by surface contamination such as grease, oil, wax, polish, or silicones. Cissing can also happen when water-based paints are applied over glossy or semi-gloss oil-based coatings or primers that have not fully dried.
How it Looks
- Small circular craters – the paint beads up and leaves rings or “fish-eye” spots.
- Bare patches – parts of the surface aren’t covered at all, exposing the material underneath.
- Uneven sheen – the surface may look patchy or speckled because some areas hold paint and others reject it.
- Resembles water on waxed car paint – the paint looks like it’s sliding off certain areas.
Causes:
- Grease, oil, wax, polish, or silicones on the surface.
- Water-based paints applied over glossy/semi-gloss oil coatings.
- Primer or undercoat not fully dried.
How to fix paint blistering
You’ll need
- Safety glasses, gloves, mask
- Sugar soap (or detergent) + clean water
- Wax & grease remover (silicone remover) + lint-free rags
- Sandpaper: 180–240 grit (cut back), 320–400 grit (finish)
- Tack cloth/vacuum
- Adhesion/sealing primer (bonding acrylic or shellac-based)
- Quality brush/roller, new tray liner, paint strainer
Step 1 – Let the paint dry
- Allow the defective coat to cure fully before attempting repairs.
Step 2 – Assess the damage
- Small area = spot repair.
- Large/widespread = sand and reprime the whole surface.
Step 3 – Sand back the defects
- Use 180–240 grit to feather out craters, then smooth with 320–400 grit. Remove dust.
Step 4 – Wash the surface
- Clean with sugar soap, rinse thoroughly, and let dry.
Step 5 – Remove contaminants
- Wipe with wax & grease remover using the two-rag method (wet rag on, clean rag off). Change rags frequently.
Step 6 – Do a water-break test
- Mist water on the surface. If it beads, repeat cleaning until the water sheets evenly.
Step 7 – Prime correctly
- Over glossy oil = use a bonding/adhesion primer.
- If silicone/polish contamination is suspected = use a shellac-based or specialist proprietary sealer.
Allow primer to dry thoroughly.
Step 8 – Repaint
- Strain paint, use clean tools, and apply thin, even coats. Recoat only after correct drying time.
Step 9 - Inspect the finish
- Check under good light. If new fish eyes appear, spot sand, clean, spot prime, and touch up.