Peeling paint is one of the most common issues that people will face in terms of painting. There’s nothing worse than applying a brand-new paint job to the walls of your home, only to find that it’s beginning to peel away from the wall just a short time later.
This generally occurs when the paint is unable to adhere to the surface of the wall correctly. Most people will come to a professional painter when this problem arises. They will often ask, “How do I stop my paint from peeling?”.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into not only why your paint is peeling, but also the early signs of peeling paint, how to fix it and prevent it from happening again. We break down everything you need to know about peeling paint below:
Early Signs of Peeling Paint
To get on top of the issue early, it is important to understand what you’re looking for. The early signs of peeling paint commonly look like this:
- Hairline Cracks – These types of cracks are usually the first indication of paint failure, and the potential of peeling paint in the future. As the name suggests, the cracks in the paint are very thin and even difficult to see sometimes.
- Blistering – This usually occurs when moisture ends up getting trapped under the paint, which causes it to swell up and form blisters (or bubbles).
- Flaking – If hairline cracks are left unmanaged, the paint film can start to break apart into small flakes.
- Chalking – When the paint film breaks down, it can become powdery, which leaves a chalky or white residue when touched.
5 Common Causes of Peeling Paint
So, how do you identify the cause of peeling paint? There are several reasons why your paint could be peeling, and we discuss all of the most common causes in this section:
1. Moisture & Humidity
One of the main causes of peeling paint is the presence of moisture or water around the paint. This will usually happen when water gets into the wood behind the paint. This separates it from the wall and seeps through the layer of paint.
Areas of the home where moisture is highly present (such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries) can be highly susceptible to peeling paint. High levels of moisture could also be caused by high humidity, which may be a result of poor ventilation throughout the home.
2. Poor Surface Preparation
Painting without the correct preparation is a guaranteed method to create bubbling and peeling of your fresh new paint job. If the walls are dirty prior to applying the paint, it is highly likely that it will begin to peel in the near future.
It’s essential to clean the walls entirely with warm, soapy water before beginning the painting process. The use of a high-quality primer is also important, as this helps to ensure that the paint can adhere correctly to the wall.
Some DIY painters will neglect the use of a primer entirely, while others may fail to select an appropriate primer for their paint and walls. A professional painter will ensure that you get a high-quality primer that is appropriate for your walls and application.
3. Incorrect Application or Expired Paint
Using the wrong paint type, expired paint, or even layering the paint too thickly is another common reason your paint could be peeling. With so many different paint options on the market, it can be a challenge for some people to select a paint that is appropriate for their walls. If you’re using previously purchased paint, make sure you check the use-by date first.
A professional painter will assist in choosing the right type of paint for your project. They are highly experienced in the correct application (for example, they won’t layer the paint too thick) to ensure your paint job lasts for many years to come. Contact a professional home interior painter if you’re unsure of how to paint thin layers.
4. Environmental Factors
Sometimes, you can do everything right, but there are factors out of your control. Environmental factors can also cause your paint to peel, and this is something you should consider when painting different areas of your property.
Prolonged exposure to the sun and heat is known to weaken the paint’s adhesive properties, which can cause it to dry out a lot faster. Also, excessive dryness on a wall can cause the paint to dry out, therefore making it more likely to peel.
5. Surface-Specific Challenges
The surface you are painting on can also present some challenges that may result in paint peeling down the line. For example, some wood has natural oils in it, which prevent the paint from adhering correctly. This is why using the correct primer is so important!
Also, we have found that certain materials, like concrete, may react with different types of paints and primers. This can cause the bond to break down, and your paint may begin peeling faster than expected.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix Peeling Paint
Now that you know what is causing your paint to peel, it’s time to fix it! If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, we are always here to help! Otherwise, these are the steps to follow if you’re looking to fix your peeling paint:
- Prepare Your Surface – Use correct tools like a putty knife or scraper to remove the paint (sanding may be required if there are large patches of peeling paint). Then, clean the wall to remove dust, mould and/ or grease.
- Repair Any Damage – If there is any damage to your wall, this needs to be resolved. So, fill any thick cracks or holes with a wall filler or spackling compound. Allow this to dry completely and then sand the area for a smooth finish.
- Prime Your Wall – Use the appropriate (and high-quality) primer for your wall.
- Apply a New Coat of Paint – Select a high-quality paint (that isn’t expired) that suits the surface type and environment. A brush or roller should be used to ensure even coverage, and apply two coats (but wait for the first coat to dry before applying the second).
- Inspect Your Work – Check for any blemishes in your work, and if required, sand the area lightly to apply a final coat of paint.
Tips to Prevent Paint From Peeling Again
We have covered some tips on how to prevent paint from peeling all throughout this article, but we wanted to have a dedicated section to cover all the tips and tricks we have picked up throughout our years of experience.
Some of our top tips to prevent paint from peeling again include:
- Ensure the surface is properly prepared.
- Use the right type of primer and paint.
- Apply new paint correctly, using thin, even coats.
- Ensure the paint is completely dry before painting another coat.
- If moisture is the issue, improve ventilation in the area.
The Final Coat
There are many reasons for your home’s interior or exterior paint to peel, so ensure you have prepared correctly before beginning the painting process. Even a small mistake could result in peeling paint, and with so much time and effort put into a paint job, you want to make sure it’s done right the first time.
If you’re after a painting service to apply the paint correctly, the team at SG Coatings are here to help. We take great pride in our residential painting service and ensure that your paint job looks incredible, guaranteeing it won’t flake or peel. Our comprehensive maintenance packages also ensure your paint is properly maintained and touched up on a regular basis, so any repairs are minor and addressed promptly.
With years of experience, our team is renowned for providing cost-effective, high-quality paint jobs that last. If you would like to book a free design consultation and/ or free painting quote to discuss home interior or exterior painting in Bayside, Mornington Peninsula or South East Melbourne, please contact us today.
