What is a paint run or drip?
In painting, a run or drip is a teardrop-shaped sag in a paint film caused by too much paint being applied; in plumbing, a drip is a small leak in which water trickles slowly from a pipe, tap or joint. In both cases it points to careless work or wear that needs attention.
Runs and drips in paintwork
Paint runs occur mainly on vertical surfaces. Common causes are:
- Too thick a coat — more paint than the surface can hold before it skins over
- Wrong viscosity — paint too thin or too thick
- Wrong technique — brush or roller overloaded
- Low ambient temperature — paint dries too slowly
- Wrong substrate — too absorbent or too smooth
A run shows as a teardrop or curtain-shaped thickening. It is hard to correct while still wet. After curing, the area must be sanded and repainted.
Drips in plumbing
In plumbing a drip is the start of a leak:
- Taps — worn washer or cartridge
- Couplings — loose connection or worn O-ring
- Soldered joints — incomplete solder
- Press fittings — poor crimping or dirt in the seal
Even small drips can cause moisture damage to substrates, timber and masonry over time. Prompt repair is wise.
Points of attention
- Always paint vertical surfaces in thin, cross-brushed coats
- Maintain correct ambient temperature and humidity
- For water leaks, shut off the main supply before repair
- Replace worn washers and O-rings in good time
- Check visible pipes and joints regularly for moisture
Related terms
- Acrylic
- Coating
- Pressure pipe
- Drain tap
- Conserving
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