Emulsion smearing / not sticking at internal corners

[Bowness72]

Hi... I have an upcoming bit of painting to do but the last few times I've done any I've encountered problems with the emulsion smearing rather than sticking when applied but it only seems to happen at internal corners for two or three inches across each wall.
Any ideas why this might be and what I can do to prevent it ?
Is it a case of making sure I sand the wall first (and if so do I need to use fine or coarse sandpaper ?), or do I need to use a primer ?

 

[JohnD]

Are they dirty?

 

[Odds]

Sugar soap and elbow grease should help - though i once tried painting over a gloss-painted wall with emulsion. V. Frustrating.

 

[Bowness72]

Are they dirty?

It's happened several times over the last few years at a couple of different properties and neither of the times did I think the wall was dirty. It always seems like the same thing you get when you try to paint over a silk finish or wipeable finish but this seems to only occur at the abutment with the ceiling and adjoining walls.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

What paint are you using?

 

[Bowness72]

What paint are you using?

I can't really remember for sure now because as I say, it's happened a few times over the years, but there's a good chance it was B&Q or Wickes white emulsion.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Have you been using the same tub for years then? Surely it says the name of it on the tub? Just how old is it? Try a decent brand.

 

[Bowness72]

Have you been using the same tub for years then? Surely it says the name of it on the tub? Just how old is it? Try a decent brand.

Obviously not. I'm talking about the same thing happening several times over the years at different properties but can't remember exactly what paint I used each time. I'm not having the problem right now, I'm trying to prevent it happening when I do some painting again in the near future.

 

[pcaouolte]

Are you painting the corners first and then dragging off the partially dried paint when you do the main wall?

 

[Bowness72]

Are you painting the corners first and then dragging off the partially dried paint when you do the main wall?

I've tried it both ways before but I've had it happen with both coats.

 

[JohnD]

Next time, rub the old paint with a coarse cloth wet with sugar soap. Dirt tends to concentrate by corners and cornices, especially if there used to be an open or coal fire.

Dirt that has been smeared with your cloth is much easier to see than undisturbed dirt.