How To Repair Peeling Paint

Peeling paint is a common issue that can detract from your walls’ appearance and lead to more serious problems if you don’t address it. Whether your peeling paint is caused by moisture, poor surface preparation, or aging, repairing it is a simple DIY project that can restore your home’s interior beauty. Painting contractor Jim Clark demonstrates how to solve persistent peeling paint problems, particularly those caused by leftover wallpaper glue, in the video above.

Understanding the Causes of Peeling Paint

Before diving into the repair process, you should know why paint peels in the first place. Here are some common causes of peeling paint:

• Incompatible paint layers: Using incompatible types of paint, such as applying latex over oil-based paint without proper priming, can cause peeling. Always double-check that your paints and primers are compatible to avoid this issue.
• Moisture issues: Excess moisture is one of the most common culprits behind peeling paint. This can occur because of water leaks or in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Address moisture issues promptly to prevent recurring problems.
• Poor surface preparation: If you don’t properly clean, prime, and dry a surface before painting, the new paint may not adhere correctly, leading to peeling. Proper preparation is the key to a durable finish.

Preparing To Repair Peeling Paint

Gather the following materials before you begin the repair process:

• Drop cloths
• Joint compound
• Mildew-resistant paint (for bathrooms and kitchens)
• Oil-based primer
• Paintbrushes
• Painter’s tape
• Paint roller
• Protective gear (gloves, safety glasses, dust mask)
• Sanding block
• Stiff-blade putty knife
• Wallpaper stripper solution (if dealing with wallpaper glue residue)

Remove furniture or cover it with drop cloths to prepare your work area. Use fans or open windows and doors for ventilation. Lay drop cloths on the floor to catch debris and paint drips and use painter’s tape to protect edges and nearby surfaces from any paint splatter.

Steps To Repair Peeling Paint

Once you’ve gathered the necessary tools and prepared your work area, you can begin your repairs. Follow our step-by-step guide below to repair peeling paint and restore your walls to their former glory.

1. Remove Loose Paint

First, you’ll need to remove any loose paint as follows:

1. Use a stiff-blade putty knife to scrape off all loose and peeling paint. Be thorough but careful not to damage the underlying surface.
2. Sand the edges of the remaining paint to create a smooth transition between the bare and painted areas.
3. Clean the area with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.

2. Clean the Surface

If you’re dealing with wallpaper glue residue, as Clark references in the video, here’s how to clean it:

1. Apply wallpaper stripper solution to the affected area.
2. Scrub the walls clean of all wallpaper glue residue using a coarse scouring pad and rinse the area with clean water.
3. Allow it to dry completely.
4. For stubborn glue, use a more abrasive pad or repeat the stripper solution application.

3. Prime the Surface

Next, apply an oil-based primer to the cleaned and sanded area. Oil-based primer will seal in any remaining water-based glue and prevent future peeling. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Apply Joint Compound

Follow these steps to apply joint compound: 

1. Once the primer is dry, spread a thin layer of joint compound over the area using a putty knife.
2. Feather the edges of the compound to blend it with the surrounding wall surface.
3. Allow the joint compound to dry completely.
4. Inspect the area for smoothness and reapply joint compound if necessary.

5. Sand and Prime Again

Once you’ve applied your joint compound, you can sand and prime the surface again as follows:

1. Sand the dried joint compound with 100-grit abrasive paper until smooth.
2. Wipe away any dust with a clean, damp cloth.
3. Apply another coat of oil-based primer to the repaired area and allow it to dry.

6. Paint the Repaired Area

Now that you’ve dealt with the peeling paint, you can paint the surface by following these steps:

1. Choose a paint color that matches the existing wall color.
2. For bathrooms and kitchens, use mildew-resistant paint to prevent future moisture-related issues.
3. Apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
4. Inspect the finish for consistency and touch up as needed.

Additional Tips for a Professional Paint Finish

A thorough paint job involves more than just fixing peeling paint. Consider the following tips to achieve a professional finish:

• Apply paint evenly: Use even, consistent strokes and avoid overloading your brush or roller with paint.
• Check for imperfections: After the first coat of paint dries, inspect the wall for any missed spots or imperfections and address them before applying the second coat.
• Use high-quality brushes and rollers: Invest in high-quality brushes and rollers to achieve a smoother finish and reduce the chance of streaks.

Preventing Future Paint Peeling

Taking preventive measures can help you avoid future peeling paint problems. Here are a few ways you can control moisture in your home to prevent paint from peeling:

• Consider using a dehumidifier in particularly damp areas of your home.
• Fix any leaks or water damage promptly.
• Regularly inspect areas prone to moisture for early signs of peeling or damage.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity.

Choose Quality Paint

Investing in high-quality paint can significantly impact your paint job’s longevity. Quality paints offer better adhesion and durability, reducing the likelihood of peeling. Consider using paints that are specifically formulated for each room’s conditions, such as moisture-resistant paints for bathrooms and kitchens.