What is bleeding in paint application?

Bleeding in paint application refers to the phenomenon where a color, often darker and more intense, seeps through a lighter paint layer, causing that darker hue to become visible. This typically happens when a strong or vibrant color, such as red or maroon, is applied underneath a lighter color, leading to unwanted color mixing and affecting the overall appearance.

When a lighter color is painted over a darker base without proper priming or sealing, the pigments from the darker paint can migrate, particularly if the lighter paint is not opaque enough. This can result in a visual defect where the lighter color does not cover the underlying hue adequately, thus the darker color "bleeds" through and disrupts the desired finish.

Understanding this concept is crucial for painters and refinishers to ensure proper layering and coverage in their work, and it highlights the importance of using appropriate primers or sealers when working with contrasting colors.