Have you spotted some peeling paint on your home’s interior walls? Shoot! Here’s a look at why it peels and how to fix peeling paint.
Why Paint Peels
Paint can peel for a variety of reasons. Before you slap on another coat of paint or hire a painting contractor to fix your peeling paint, it is important to address the underlying reason for the failure.
Poor Surface Preparation
Poor preparation causes much of the peeling paint the TruNorth Painting team is called out to fix. Paint will not adhere properly to surfaces that are dirty, greasy, or covered in old, peeling paint. It will also not adhere to surfaces that have not been primed or primed incorrectly with the wrong type of primer. Paint requires a clean, dry, and properly primed surface to adhere correctly. Without proper surface prep, it is much more likely to peel.
Improper Paint Application
If you’re sure you’ve prepared your surface well and your paint has peeled, it could be due to improper application. Improper application may include applying the paint too thickly, painting in extreme cold or heat, or not allowing enough dry time between coats. It can also include using low-quality or expired paint. All of these factors could cause paint to not adhere properly to the surface and start to peel.
Moisture
Moisture is a menace to paint. When it seeps into walls, it can cause paint to lose adhesion and peel. This is common in areas of high humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It is important to properly ventilate these rooms and address underlying moisture issues, such as leaks or mildew before applying paint.
How to Fix Peeling Paint
So, you’ve figured out why your paint is peeling. How do you fix it?
1. Fix the Underlying Issue
If moisture’s your issue, make sure you’ve fixed the leak, dried out your walls, cleaned your surfaces, and installed proper ventilation to prevent moisture from affecting your new paint job. Work with your painting company to choose the appropriate primer. If your walls are dirty, clean them!
2. Prepare the Surface
Scrape off loose, peeling paint with a paint scraper or putty knife. Then, sand down the edges of the remaining paint to create a smooth transition between the bare surface and the painted one. Use your putty knife and some filler or spackle to fill in holes, cracks, or other imperfections.
Once you’ve removed the peeling paint and filled in holes and cracks, clean the entire surface to remove dust, dirt, and grease. A mild detergent and water is all you need. Then, let the area dry completely.
3. Prime the Surface
Primer is absolutely essential for a quality paint job. Choose a high-quality primer designed to work on your surface (drywall, metal, wood, plastic, etc.). Priming your surface ensures your paint will adhere well and last a long time.
4. Apply the Paint
Once you’ve addressed the underlying causes of your peeling paint and prepared and primed the surface, it’s time to paint. Follow the instructions on the can to ensure proper adhesion. This may include applying the right number of coats and observing the recommended drying times. Thin, even layers will help you achieve a smooth finish and avoid future bubbling and peeling.
Fixing peeling paint takes know-how. To make sure you get the job done right the first time, work with a reputable painting company. TruNorth Painting is your partner for interior and exterior painting in the Twin Cities. We work with homeowners across the metro area to refresh their homes and get homes looking their best for potential buyers. For a free estimate on your painting project, contact the TruNorth Painting team today.
To discover more about TruNorth Painting or to inquire about a complimentary estimate, please explore their website at trunorthpainting.com or reach out via phone at (763) 370-2279.
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