How to Fix a Satin Paint Over Oil Wall That's Peeling

There are two main types of house paint, water-based acrylic and solvent-based enamel paints. Water-based paints have less sheen, so are often referred to as satin, or flat, paints. Enamel-based oil paints generally have a higher sheen. Additionally, oil-based paints are good for laundry rooms and bathrooms because they don't absorb water, although they may temporarily change color, usually lightening slightly. While you can always paint enamel over an acrylic paint, because the solvent in the enamel will bite into the surface of the acrylic and create a bond, water-based acrylic paint can't bite into the cured enamel.

4-inch scraper
200-grit sanding block
Sponge
Matching acrylic paint
Painter's tape
Tarp
Stir stick
2-inch cut-in brush
Roller
Rolling pan

Instructions

- 1
  Hold the scraper 10 to 30 degrees off the plane of the wall and push it across the wall, scraping all the loose paint off the wall.
- 2
  Sand the surface of the wall to remove the gloss from the exposed enamel paint. You don't have to remove the layers of paint, just scuff up the surface and soften the edges where the paint peeled.
- 3
  Clean the wall with a damp sponge. Squeeze out the sponge as much as possible before using it on the wall. Allow the wall to completely dry before repainting.
- 4
  Tape all edges with the painter's tape. Lay tarps over the floor and furniture.
- 5
  Repaint the wall with either leftover paint or matching acrylic paint. Mix the paint by inserting the stirring stick down the side of the can, pulling it across the bottom of the can and lifting it up in the center at a moderate speed. Avoid stirring so quickly that you trap air in the paint.
- 6
  Cut in along all the edges with the 2-inch brush. To properly load the brush with paint, dip it no more than one-third of the way into the can and lightly drag it against the rim as you remove it. Use the roller to coat large sections of the wall.

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