Peeling Problems in Painted Furniture

Paint Incompatibilty

• Peeling often occurs when water-based paint is used on furniture that was previously painted with oil-based paint. The two types of paint are not chemically compatible and do not adhere together properly. This incompatibility causes the layers to separate in areas. This peeling can become worse as time goes on. The best way to prevent problems with paint incompatibility is to first paint the furniture with a good-quality primer. Allow it to dry completely before applying the desired color of topcoat.

Paint Quality

• The quality of the paint you use on furniture can also affect its ability to adhere to the surface. Cheap quality paint contains less of these chemical binders that hold paint to the furniture. The higher cost of good quality paints pays off in its increased adherence and fewer coats required for adequate coverage. Spreading the paint too thinly or too thickly can also cause peeling.

Improper Surface Preparation

• Not preparing the surface to accept the paint is one of the chief failures of paint finishes. Peeling or chipped paint should be removed with sandpaper, a scraper or stripping chemicals. You should remove all dirt from the surface with mild soap and water. A good quality primer will give furniture a stable base for the new paint. Primer eliminates problems with different types of paint composition and neutralizes surface contaminants on the wood surface.

Age

• No matter what kind of paint you use, it will deteriorate over time. Normal wear, exposure to indoor heating and humidity, as well as normal cleaning will break down the coating little by little until the film that composes the paint coating breaks down in small areas, causing peeling. Too many layers of paint added on top of each other can also cause paint peeling problems.

Moisture

• Paint finishes that are exposed to moisture on a regular basis experience swelling and shrinking that can cause the painted surfaces to peel and crack. To preserve wood finishes, try to keep indoor temperatures stable. If humidity is a problem in your area of the country, run a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels low. Very dry conditions can also cause paint coatings to peel. If your home is very dry, run a humidifier to add more moisture to the air.