Interior Peeling Paint
Common Causes and Ideas About Prevention

The most common causes of interior peeling paint is water under the paint film, inadequate surface preparation during painting, aging of the paint film or incompatibility between the layers of paint. Fixing this problem can involve more than just repainting. Always try to prevent peeling rather than repair later.

The Effects of Water on the Paint Film

Water can cause many interior paint problems. If an easily dissolved material, such as drywall, has absorbed water its size and shape changes. This pulls and stretches the paint film causing a tare. Plus the water applies pressure to the paint.

Now with a microscopic tare the water begins to loosen the paint film and lift it from the surface. The end result is what we see as peeling.

Peeling of the paint film can be prevented in most cases. The most common areas that show signs of paint peeling first is painted windows and bathrooms.

Windows

Windows, especially single pane, sweat in the winter. The water running down the glass will penetrate behind between the glass and frame, into the wood. No matter how good the primer or paint is peeling will occur. Stopping this water is as easy as caulking the frame to the glass with a paintable clear caulk after painting and trying to reduce the humidity within your home.

High Humidity Rooms

Bathrooms always have excessive humidity from bathing and general use. This water vapor must be removed before it has a chance to escape into the attic or under the floorboards.

A properly sized exhaust fan can prevent many interior paint problems including mold and mildew.

If moisture is under the paint film, cracking and peeling or flaking can result. This water will do damage too more than the paint.

It is vital to inhibit this moisture in order to prevent interior peeling paint.

Foundations

Foundations are often a source of moisture. Many basements in older homes will have problems due to foundation cracks or lack of concrete sealer, tar.

In order to prevent interior peeling paint look to the exterior of your home first. Fixing this problem can be as simple as redirecting downspouts and increasing the slope of the landscaping away from the house. If the peeling recurs water locking concrete primers can be used. These primers do work but prevention is a better solution.

Additional Causes

Other components of your home can cause water damage as well. Roof leaks will appear as a water stain before causing serious damage. Plus air conditioning ducts will cause water to condensate on the metal surfaces if the humidity in your home is too high.

Inadequate Surface Preparation Prior to Painting and Loss of Adhesion

A dirty or greasy surface prior to painting can bring about interior peeling paint. Cleaning the walls and ceilings to remove any grease and grime will assure a strong bond for your new finish. Use heavy duty cleaners, such as trisodium phosphate, for heavy deposits of grease or grime. Rinse well and allow complete drying of the surface before starting to apply any paint.

Glossy finishes need to be dulled before painting. Sanding the surface with 120 or 150 grit sand paper and using a liquid deglosser, such as Paso, will insure maximum adhesion.

Old paint becomes hard and brittle with time causing cracks that can develop into flaking and peeling. Using a good interior primer with sealing capabilities is needed in order to promote the best adhesion of the new finish.

The use of the best primers and paints will help prevent interior peeling paint in the future.

All surfaces, including previously painted and new, must be properly prepared before painting. This includes removing any loose and flaking paint by scraping with a stiff putty knife, paint scraper or wire brush. Sand the remaining paint edges to produce a smooth transition.

If the exposed surface is in good shape, no chalky and loose plaster or drywall, a patching compound can be applied to level the repair with its surroundings. Now retexture to match the surrounding surface. Apply a stain blocking primer to the repaired area and apply a compatible paint.

Interior paint preparation can consist of many steps, each equally important at preventing paint problems.

Prevent Interior Peeling Paint

Try to prevent interior peeling paint by figuring out what is causing the problem. It's a waste of your time to repaint without eliminating the source of the peeling.

Maintain the exterior paint. Many sources of water and damage originate from the outside. Look for cracked or missing caulk around the windows and repaint when necessary.
Improve the removal of humid air from inside your home, especially bathrooms. If possible, maintain 50% or less humidity inside the home. Excessive humidity can condense inside the walls leading to problems.