What’s the worst thing that can happen to one’s interior painting?
A lot of people would say peeling paint on walls because it makes your home feel instantly unattractive. This causes embarrassment and frustration for a homeowner because nobody wants their home to be in a messy state. Peeling paint on walls is a common occurrence, unfortunately.
The reasons for peeling paint are because the surface seeps moisture or because the paint of the surface is old and needs a repainting job. No matter the reason, you can repair and restore your walls and make them presentable.
With the right tools and preparation, your home will be looking as smooth as ever in no time. Also, remember if you don’t want to deal with peeling paint on walls yourself, you can always call some trusted interior house painters to do the job!
Understanding the Why Behind the Withering Walls
Before we can dive into solutions, it is vital to grasp the root causes of peeling paint. Your walls could be whispering a myriad of reasons for their deteriorating decor:
Moisture Intrusion:
- The top contender in the cause of peeling paint. Moisture can seep through walls from both the exterior and interior, wreaking havoc and lifting the paint from its intended surface.
Poor Adhesion:
- Sometimes, the bond between paint and surface might not be as sturdy as needed, often due to improper surface preparation or painting over a glossy finish without adequate priming.
Age of the Paint:
- Like many things, paint has a lifespan, and over time it may lose its elasticity, leading to cracking, chipping, and eventually peeling.
Inferior Quality Paint:
- Not all paints are created equal, and using low-quality paint can result in premature peeling.
How to Fix Peeling Paint on Walls
The most potent weapon against peeling paint is prevention. Here’s how you can preemptively protect your walls:
- Choose Quality Paint: Investing in high-quality paint pays off in the longevity of your walls’ aesthetics and integrity.
- Prime Properly: A good primer can serve as the critical glue that helps paint adhere to your walls.
- Tackle Humidity & Leaks: Keep an eye on humidity levels and address any leaks promptly to keep moisture at bay.
- Surface Prep Is Key: Ensure the surface to be painted is clean, dry, and smooth. Any loose paint should be scraped off, and the surface should be sanded and wiped down.
How to Fix Peeling Paint on Walls
If peeling paint has already made its unwelcome appearance, here’s a step-by-step guide to reclaiming your walls:
Materials Needed For Peeling Paint On Walls
- Drop cloths
- Masking tape
- Paint scraper and wire brush
- Patching compound (for walls)
- Putty knife
- Grit sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Stain block latex primer
- Paint tray and paint roller
- 2-inch flat paintbrush
- Interior latex paint
Preparation For Fixing Peeling Paint On Walls
First, you will need drop cloths to cover and protect your floor from any paint spilling. Also, you will need masking tape around the doors, windows, and baseboards for protection. Pretty much, you will want to cover any and all areas that you think could potentially be damaged from this repair job. If you notice any loose paint, use a paint scraper and then a wire brush. With a patching compound (specifically for walls), repair any cracks or holes in the walls. You will need a putty knife to smooth the surface. In addition, use a thin layer of the patching compound to fill those cracks on the walls, and then let it dry completely.
Interior Primer and Paint
You will need to apply the primer to the wall first, to prevent moisture issues. With your paintbrush, paint around the perimeter, and then utilize your paint roller for the larger areas. Let the primer dry completely, and try to follow the drying time recommended for the product. Lastly, it is now time to use your interior latex paint. As you did with the interior primer, you will need to do the same steps for the latex paint. Let the paint dry, and if you need to repeat a second coat, you can definitely do so. You can also remove all the masking tape surrounding the area and the drop cloths.
Important Tip: Some painting companies have recommended homeowners keep their rooms below 50 percent humidity. This way, you will reduce peeling paint on walls.
Do Not Be Scared If You See Peeling Paint on Walls
Peeling paint on walls or any space in your home should not alarm you. This is a common occurrence. As with anything in life, there is always a solution to your problems. In bathrooms, peeling paint occurs because of its high levels of humidity and moisture from showering. It is extremely important to use your bath vent or fan 10 to 15 minutes after you shower because this can prevent moisture from seeping into your bathroom. Let it run until you feel the moisture has eventually left. The same thing can happen outside of your bathroom. Peeling paint can occur in your living room too, based on moisture seeping in as well. And if you have old paint that wasn’t of good quality, the most important message is to not let the peeling paint alarm you. Problems always arise. After noticing the problem, you can fix it whenever you can.
Quick Recap
To attack peeling paint on walls, you should first scrape all the excess peeling paint off. Secondly, you need to sand it a bit. Thirdly, apply a coat of primer to any cracks or holes you may have. You should then apply two more coats of paint, either semi-gloss paint or eggshell. They both provide a washable surface and are resistant to moisture.
With all those steps, you have removed peeling paint from your walls, and your surface is as smooth as ever. Make sure not to panic when you do see peeling paint. This is a common problem many homeowners face. Whether it is because of old paint damage or moisture building up, anything is fixable. The important part is to remain calm and do the necessary prep work to deliver a successful finish to your home.
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