How do you treat peeling paint on walls?

What causes paint to peel?

There are several potential causes for peeling paint on walls:

• Moisture – Excess moisture getting behind the paint film can cause it to bubble and peel. Common sources of moisture include water leaks, high humidity, condensation, and flooding.
• Poor surface preparation – Paint needs a sound, clean, dry surface to properly adhere. Peeling can occur if the original layers of paint were not properly scraped and sanded before repainting.
• Incompatible paint types – Applying an oil-based paint over a latex paint (or vice versa) can lead to peeling due to the two not properly bonding.
• Sun exposure – Over time, sun exposure can cause paint to fade, chalk, and lose adhesion. This is especially true for darker-colored paints.
• Extreme temperatures – Very cold or very hot conditions can cause paint to expand and contract, eventually causing it to crack and peel away from the surface.

Identifying and remedying the source of the problem is the first step toward treating peeling paint. If it is a moisture issue, steps should be taken to eliminate any water intrusion and allow adequate drying time before repainting. Ensuring proper surface prep and using compatible paint types will also minimize chances of recurring peeling paint.

How do you prepare the surface for repainting?

Proper surface preparation is crucial for getting paint to adhere properly and achieve a long-lasting finish. Here are the basic steps:

1. Remove loose, cracked or peeling paint – Use a paint scraper, wire brush, sandpaper or pressure washer to remove any loose, flaking or blistering paint. Feather the edges smooth.
2. Clean the surface – Wash the walls with a detergent solution using a sponge or rag to remove grease, dirt and chalky paint residue. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
3. Repair damaged areas – Fill any holes, cracks or gaps with spackling compound and sand smooth when dry.
4. Sand glossy surfaces – Lightly sand any remaining shiny or glossy paint to help the new paint adhere properly.
5. Spot prime – Apply primer to any bare wood, metal, or patched areas before painting the full wall to maximize adhesion.

Proper prep provides a clean, dull, uniform surface for the new paint to stick to. Don’t skip steps or you could end up with peeling and patchy results again.

What type of primer should you use?

Using the right type of primer is key to prevent peeling of the new topcoat:

• Latex primer – For repainting over previously painted walls that are in sound condition, a basic latex primer is usually appropriate. It seals the surface and provides maximum adhesion for latex topcoats.
• Stain blocking primer – For heavily stained walls or when switching from a dark color to a light color paint, use a stain blocking primer. It will prevent stains and colors from bleeding through.
• Masonry primer – For bare concrete, stucco, brick or other masonry surfaces, use a masonry primer before painting to maximize adhesion and prevent peeling.
• Metal primer – For repainting over metallic surfaces like steel, wrought iron or aluminum, use a rust inhibiting metal primer to prevent corrosion problems under the new paint.

Be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations and use the right primer for your specific walls and paint type for best results.

Should you use oil-based or latex paint?

For most indoor wall painting:

• Use latex (water-based) paint – Latex paint is the best choice for painting and repainting interior walls. It applies easily, dries faster, and provides excellent adhesion. Latex is also easy to clean up with soap and water.
• Avoid oil-based paints – Oil-based enamels were once very common for interior walls, but latex formulations have improved tremendously making oil paint unnecessary in most situations.

The exceptions would be for specialized industrial, porch/floor or metal paint needs where an oil-based product may still be the best option. Always check the previous paint first and use the same type of paint or proper primer if switching formulations.

What application techniques help prevent peeling?

Using the proper application techniques ensures a long-lasting paint job:

• Apply in adequate thickness – Heavier first coats provide better adhesion and durability. Follow manufacturer’s spread rate recommendations.
• Maintain a wet edge – Keep a wet edge as you paint and avoid lap marks by brushing/rolling into previously painted areas before they dry.
• Backbrush when rolling – For a smooth finish, always backbrush while rolling to work paint into the surface.
• Apply finish coats properly – Allow proper drying time between coats. Lightly sand glossy surfaces before recoating.
• Watch the weather – Avoid painting in cool, humid or hot direct sun conditions which can affect paint application and drying.

Proper technique leads to a more durable paint bond and smooth, pleasing finish less prone to peeling and deterioration over time.

How do you treat small areas of peeling paint?

For small sections of peeling or cracked paint:

1. Remove loose paint – Use a scraper, sandpaper, wire brush or 5-in-1 tool.
2. Feather edges – Taper and smooth the edges for a seamless transition.
3. Spot clean – Use tack cloth to remove dust.
4. Spot prime – Apply primer to any exposed bare surface.
5. Spot paint – Use a small paintbrush and apply paint just to the affected area, feathering it into the old finish.

Spot painting disguises the repair and avoids having to repaint the entire wall when only a small area is affected.

Tips for preventing future peeling

Here are some tips to keep painted walls from peeling again in the future:

• Address moisture issues first – Fix any water leaks and allow adequate drying time before repainting.
• Ensure proper surface prep – Clean, dull and prime all surfaces appropriately before painting.
• Use high quality latex paint – It offers better adhesion and durability than cheaper paint.
• Apply proper coat thickness – Heavier paint films withstand weathering and wear better.
• Allow proper drying between coats – Follow manufacturer’s instructions for recoat times.
• Clean surface before repainting – Wash walls with mild detergent before applying fresh paint.

Investing a bit more time and effort up front in addressing peel causes, proper prep, paint selection and application leads to a longer lasting, peel-free paint job.

When is it time to strip all the paint and start over?

Completely removing all existing paint layers (paint stripping) may be necessary if:

• Paint is peeling, cracking or flaking in many areas.
• Walls are covered in many layers of old paint that have built up over time.
• You are switching paint types (oil to latex or vice versa).
• You want to significantly lighten or change the wall color.
• Paint is sticky, chalky or damaged and cannot be properly prepared.
• DIY paint removal methods have proven ineffective.

Professional chemical or media blasting paint stripping completely removes all existing paint for a fresh start. While labor intensive, it provides the most durable, longest lasting results when walls have extensive failing paint issues or need major color changes.

Conclusion

Peeling paint on walls can be frustrating and difficult to treat. However, with some diligent surface prep, quality primer and paint, proper application techniques and addressing underlying moisture or incompatibility issues, most peeling paint can be successfully remedied. For extensive peeling situations, a full paint removal and fresh start may be required. Employing the right solutions upfront helps ensure your painted walls stay freshly sealed and peel-free for many years before needing repainting.