Establish why the paint is splotchy, if it's already dry. ... This means you applied paint to a surface next to paint which was already dry. Alternatively, you may have tried to paint a light color on a dark color without priming the walls or trim. When you applied what you believed to be your final coat, it looked fine.

Is it normal for paint to look patchy dry?

Patchiness usually happens if you don't use enough paint, or apply it unevenly. Using a touch more paint, and painting in small sections one at a time, usually does the trick. Also, rolling in a grid fashion will get you an even finish too. But, sometimes, changes in the gloss level leave things patchy.

How do you keep paint from drying patchy?

Undo Uneven Coverage

If you didn't apply enough layers, you might find your walls looking patchy, with bits of color showing through from the old finish. To correct this common mistake, let the paint dry completely, and then follow up with a second coat.