Few things are more frustrating than seeing your home’s paint finish beginning to peel, crack, or bubble—especially if the surfaces in question were only recently painted! Whether it’s an indoor wall or part of your home’s exterior siding, peeling paint doesn’t just look bad; it’s also a clear sign that something isn’t right. However, knowing how to identify peeling paint and the probable cause will allow you to quickly remedy the issue and restore your home’s appearance. Here’s more about why paint normally begins to fail and how to handle it.
1. The Surface Wasn’t Prepared Properly
Proper preparation is the foundation of any lasting paint job; if the surface isn’t cleaned, sanded, or primed correctly, paint won’t adhere like it’s supposed to. Dust, grease, damage, or even old paint can all interfere with new paint and eventually cause peeling and lackluster results. Before repainting, be sure that the surface is clean, dry, and free of loose debris, and if there’s any damage, like dents or cracks, repair those as well. Of course, you’ll also need to carefully remove all of the old, peeling paint!
2. Moisture/Humidity Is Affecting the Paint
Water is often the hidden cause behind peeling paint. High humidity, roof leaks, plumbing problems, or even condensation can seep into the walls and push the paint away from the surface. This happens frequently in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and around windows, as well as exterior walls exposed to weather. This is why, before painting, you should always be sure the surface is properly sealed from moisture. A fan or dehumidifier in rooms with lots of moisture or high humidity can go a long way, too.
3. Low-Quality/Incorrect Paint Was Used
Not all paints are created equal, even beyond color; for example, some are used indoors only, and some are best for outdoor surfaces. Similarly, some are made from high-quality ingredients, while others are cheaper, contain fewer binding agents, and are less durable and more likely to fail over time. If a lesser paint was used, there’s a high chance of it failing far earlier than you anticipated. This is also why it’s normally a wise move to have a team of professionals paint your surfaces—they will commit to using only high-quality paints suited to your home’s needs.
Remember, both interior and exterior paint finishes aren’t meant to last forever, and peeling is going to be inevitable after some time. However, doing things correctly from the get-go can ensure that your paint lasts for as long as possible while looking great—and when the time comes, repainting will be a simple matter.
About Platinum Painting
Our Platinum Painting team has been helping homeowners all around the DFW metroplex for over 15 years, offering professional interior and exterior painting services. If it’s been a while since your home’s last paint job, or if you’re beginning to notice peeling paint, let us help you refresh your space! If you have any questions or you’d like to schedule a FREE in-home estimate, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance.
Tarrant County Telephone: (817) 697-2726.
Dallas/Denton/Collin County Telephone: (817) 993-4095.