My painter did not do a very good job and quit the work when I complained
about paint drips, imperfections in the walls, etc.
My foyer is painted deep terra cotta and while I love the color there is
some kind of white residue coming thru the paint. I can run my finger on
the wall and see the white mark left there. He put three coats of paint on
it already. This is a new build so there was dry wall to begin with and he
said he primed it. When I asked him about the white powdery stuff coming
thru the walls he said what I heard at least 20 times "Don't worry about it",
which hardly addresses my concern and is the reason he is no longer there.
My husband and I are at a loss as to how to fix this? It has not happened
in any of the other walls which are painted neutral colors.
Thank you!
Phyllis

 

You situation sounds pretty odd. Nothing I can think of would explain it. I would suggest calling a couple other painters in your area (get recommendations at a paint store or check on the PDCA website for a qualified contractor) and have them diagnose it. Probably have to see and feel it to figure it out.

On second thought, terracotta is fairly dark, maybe it is 'burnishing' you are experiencing.

 

Would you mind explaining what "burnishing" is? I did a search on this
forum and there was nothing under that subject.
The walls are fairly dark, the color is a deep terra cotta, more red than
an earth tone.
Thank you!

 

Check this link for burnishing info:

Burnishing

It says a shiny or glossy spot, but I have also seen burnished paint, usually a dark or deep color, that appears to be chalky too. Have you tried to wash your areas with a damp rag?

Also, are your walls plaster, or drywall? If its plaster, it may be a whole different problem.

 

The walls are dry wall and I've tried to clean the residue several times but it just smears more. I wonder if when the painter sanded he didn't vacuum the
particles so that the sanded "dust" is now ingrained in the paint???
We are willing to repaint the area and will use a BenMoore paint and hope for
better coverage but since we don't know what the white stuff is to begin with we are concerned that it will reappear.
Thank you for answering my questions...
Phyllis

 

I doubt its sanding dust, that wouldn't 'come through' paint after its applied. It would definitely hamper adhesion though. I'm really curious as to what it is, hope you can find someone to diagnose this problem for you.

 

Probably the best answer will come from the manufacturer. You can contact them directly or go through the retailer that sold the paint. You need one of their reps to come out ad look at it.

 

Its not dry wall joint compound dust from sanding a patch is it?
If they sanded a patch bigger (or just sanded it real fast,it will spread the dust out along the wall!) than they touched up it up but didn't cover a large enough area, leaving white powder around the spot.If you try and wipe it off of Flat dark colors it might just make it bigger/smear.
He might have also not have been a real painter and was dry rolling the walls causing pore coverage of dry wall spots?

Is it Flat finish paint?

 

Is there a heater vent or a cold air return on this wall? Is it along the outside wall or a wall common with the garage?

I doubt the powder is coming thru the paint. Most likely, its wind-borne dust from another source or some form of condensation. There is small chance it could be a bad batch of paint.