Plaster Bathroom Ceiling Keeps Peeling After Being Fixed

Calcimine Coatings

• Calcimine is a type of paint that was used many years ago to coat plaster. It's a very soft paint with a chalky appearance that doesn't provide the type of base that today’s paints need for adherence. Therefore, layers of paint applied over calcimine coatings tend to peel off easily, often in large flakes. Homeowners should remove the calcimine paint to achieve a good base for any new paint coating. First, scrape off as much calcimine paint as possible. Wash the surface with a strong cleaner such as Spic-n-Span or trisodium phosphate, then, apply an oil-based primer and allow it to dry thoroughly before adding your topcoat of paint.

Moisture Problems

• Moisture is another common problem that can cause plaster ceilings to keep peeling even after repairs. Peeling often occurs in bathrooms because of the continuous moisture from showering or baths. Homeowners should increase the ventilation in the room by installing a ceiling fan to the outside that will release the moisture to the exterior environment. Opening windows slightly after showering or leaving the bathroom door open for a time will also help to remove the humidity that causes plaster ceilings to peel. A moisture-sealing primer can help to contain this problem.

Paint Layer Problems

• Layers of previous paint can also cause peeling problems on ceilings. For instance, several layers of oil-based paint can begin to crack and separate from the plaster surface, and lead to peeling areas that can grow in size over time. Another problem that cause paint to peel is applying latex paint over oil-based paints. You must remove all peeled paint, clean the surface thoroughly with trisodium phosphate and rough the surface with 120-grit sandpaper before applying a latex coating.

Water Leak Problems

• Water leaks from plumbing or the roof can create a continuous peeling problem in plaster ceilings. Homeowners should track down the leak and repair the problem before attempting to fix the peeling ceiling or the problem will recur. Tracking a leak may take some time because the leak may not originate in the same place where the water collects.