Home Garden

How to Keep Paint From Peeling Off an Outside Wall

Once you've found the perfect home and have finished unpacking your belongings, you may decide to redecorate both inside and out to reflect your personality. While you have a multitude of exterior paint options when it comes to color and texture, any exterior paint may eventually begin to peel and wear. When you choose to apply long-lasting paint to an outside wall, there are a number of ways you can prepare the wall to keep the paint from peeling.

Things You'll Need

  • Scraper
  • Sandpaper
  • Scrub brush
  • Dish-washing soap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove old, peeling paint before you attempt to apply a new color. Avoid simply painting over already-peeling paint as this can worsen the issue. Use a scraper, which you can purchase at any home-improvement or paint store, to gently remove old paint particles from your wall.

    • 2

      Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or bumps before you apply the new color of paint.

    • 3

      Clean the surface of the wall before you paint using a scrub brush and soapy water, removing any oils or residues from the wall.

    • 4

      Apply fresh paint in moderate amounts. Avoid caking on new paint as paint applied too thickly can crack and peel when it dries. Instead, apply a thin layer of paint and add additional layers as needed.

    • 5

      Examine the side of the wall for possible leaks. Sometimes, peeling can be caused by a leaky roof, gutter or window. Examine areas close to the peeling paint for possible damage that may require repair.