Flaking, peeling and cracking of paints on the wall is a sign of a dry paint film, or damp subsurface. This is a problem that needs an immediate fix, unless you want to ruin the entire elegance of your home. So how do you get this done? Here are some tips from our painting experts here at Delux Painting.

What causes the paint to peel?

The flaking and peeling of paints can happen due to various factors. Some of them are the following.

1. Incorrect application – the paints were applied without properly preparing the surface.
2. Moisture – this can be due to storms and humid weather. Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas are prone to moisture.
3. Style of home – the type of materials of a home can react with the paint, which causes it to delaminate in the future.

So to ensure none of these will happen to any of your walls, it is important to choose only licensed and highly qualified painters.

What are the steps to fix peeling paint problems?

Repairing the peeling of paint is relatively simple as long as it’s done by a skilled and experienced painter. But it does need a couple of tools and materials for it to be completed. This includes the following:

• Paint scraper
• Paint primer
• Electric sander
• Fine grit sandpaper sheets
• Soft wire brush
• Wood filler and putty
• Putty knife
• Flexible flat pallet knife

Now that you have all of these tools and materials ready, you can now start with your painting solution.

#1. Remove peeling paints and scrape loose edges

The first step in fixing the affected area is to remove the peeling paints and scrape the loose edges on them. You will need a scraper to remove these while ensuring that any loose edges are also completely removed and cleared.

#2. Sand the area to fix

After removing the peeling and flaking paints, the next step is to sand the affected area. Using your wire brush and sandpaper, remove the bumps and edges before removing the dirt and dust with a lightly damp cloth. As a final touch, roughen the area so the putty and primer will stick to it.

#3. Apply wood filler or putty

After sanding the area, it’s time to apply wood filler and/or putty to it. Using your putty knife, apply a small amount of wood filler/putty to the sanded area. Do this in a gradual process so you can properly control the right amount of filler needed on the surface.

Smoothen it using your pallet knife. Then simply allow it to dry.

#4. Apply primer (undercoat) to the surface

To avoid the same problem from happening again, ensure you properly apply an oil based primer (undercoat) on it. This ensures proper and strong adhesion of the paint to the surface. It also increases the durability and shine of the paint while adding protection to it.

Here are some of the advantages of priming any surfaces before applying paint.

• It covers imperfections of the surface
• It blocks and conceals any stain that can bleed in the new paint finish
• It unifies the surface for better paint adhesion, smooth paint application, and make a long-lasting paint finish
• It helps neutralize the colour of the surface and helps get the most brilliant shine of the new paint

But, before you do so, it is best to get your sandpaper so you can even out the surfaces and remove any bumps on the surface you intend to paint on. Then wipe it out using a damp cloth. This ensures all the dust and dirt are removed.

Doing all of these lessens the chances of paint peeling and failing. So if you see your painter skipping these steps, you know that they are not as professional as they say they are.

#5. Repaint

Once the primer is fully dry, it’s time to repaint the surface. However, you should know that your choice of paint depends on the type of surface you are painting on. So, make sure to choose the right type of paint for the surface to avoid peeling and flaking in the future.

Final thoughts

Fixing a peeling and flaking paint job takes a lot of work, time, and effort. That’s why it is important to hire a highly-skilled painter for all of your painting jobs.

If you want a smooth, quick, and top-quality painting job, talk to us and let our professional painter provide this to you.