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How To Fix & Repair Peeling Paint On Various Surfaces

There are several reasons why paint peels, and these can vary depending on the surface, making it a challenging issue to address. To assist you in fixing peeling paint, we've highlighted the key causes across different surfaces, which will help you prevent this problem in the future. Additionally, we've provided steps on how to repair peeling paint, so you can restore your surface to a perfect finish.

Why paint may peel on interior walls?

Paint on walls may peel due to various reasons, including:

 

  1. Moisture - water molecules caused by atmospheric pressures adheres to surfaces, this is typically unseen to the naked eye. This means that a small amount of water can sometimes get trapped between the paint and the wall, which, over time, can lead to the paint bubbling and peeling. If you suspect water ingress or damp is present, always treat this first and allow the surface to fully dry before priming and painting.
  2. Poor surface preparation - if you don't properly prepare your wall before painting, such as by cleaning it with a degreaser like sugar soap, you risk applying paint to a dirty surface. This can cause the paint to peel, as it won’t adhere properly. This is particularly important in kitchens and bathrooms where cooking oils, soap residues and splashes from cooking are likely to have had contact with the surface over time.

Why paint may peel on interior wood?

Paint can peel on wood due to similar reasons listed above, however wood also can come with further complications:

  1. Wood movement - wood is a natural material that expands and contracts, and if it moves too much, the paint can peel, crack or flake as a result.
  2. Use a primer and high-quality trade paint, ensuring that the paint is suitable for wood surfaces. Using the wrong type of paint can lead to peeling. To enhance adhesion, apply the recommended primer before the topcoat. This not only improves adhesion but also increases durability, allowing you to enjoy a flawless finish for longer without needing frequent touch-ups or recoating.

Note, if you're having issues with paint peeling on exterior wood - you will experience additional movement therefore a microporous paint & primer is strongly recommended. Items we would suggest for use on exterior wood are Johnstone's Stormshield Gloss & Johnstone's Stormshield Undercoat

Why paint may peel on radiators?

As painting radiators becomes more popular, we've outlined below some common causes of paint peeling on radiators to help you avoid them when you start your project.

  1. Painting the radiator when it's hot - this will cause the paint you are using to dry faster than anticipated and also not give it adequate time to correctly adhere to the surface. 
  2. Painting over loose paint on your radiator significantly increases the chances of peeling. To prevent this, it's highly recommended to thoroughly sand off the old paint. This will also help remove imperfections like rust or dirt. After sanding, apply a metal primer designed for radiators before adding your topcoat. This will improve adhesion and reduce the risk of peeling. 

Our top recommendations for water-based radiator paints (as this will avoid yellowing overtime)  Johnstone's Trade Aqua Guard Gloss or Satin.   

How to fix peeling paint on interior walls?

Before you start, make sure you’re fully aware of the area affected so when you are fixing the peeling paint you can do this in a single, or in various sections. 

  1. Grab your scraper, and scrape back the peeling paint back to the original surface. 
  2. Apply Polyfilla around the edges of your areas and flatten this out across your area with your scraper.
  3. Apply 2 coats of your chosen top coat and this will restore your wall back to looking perfect!

Note, if you have been impacted by any staining and risk this showing through, we recommend you apply a primer that offers stain blocking properties like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or Zinsser Cover Stain

How to fix peeling paint on woodwork?

To restore your woodwork back to normal, we recommend you:

  1. Start by scraping off the excess dried paint then rub down your area with a low grade 100 sandpaper to ensure a flat surface. 
  2. We recommend you then apply a layer of filler like Toupret wood filler to fill the peeled spot
  3. Add a coat of Zinsser Peelstop to help seal the peel and paint 2 coats of your chosen topcoat.

 

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