Paint Peeling Off a Wall Very Easily

Moisture

• A leading cause of paint peeling from walls is excessive moisture or humidity in the home. Excessive moisture in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens penetrates the paint film, causing it to peel away. The installation of exhaust fans in these high humidity areas directs the moisture outside. At times, moisture problems begin on the outside of the home. Leaking roofs, cracked or missing caulk around windows and cracks in the foundation allow moisture to seep into the home affecting the inside humidity level. Basements are another source of excessive moisture. Maintaining the exterior of your home, repairing cracks and leaks and applying waterproofing to basement walls are ways to reduce the moisture level inside your home. The installation of exterior wall or roof vents is helpful in some homes.

Wall Preparation

• Improper wall preparation prior to painting contributes to paint peeling from the surface. For paint to adhere properly, walls need to be free of dirt and grease. Cleaning heavily soiled walls with a heavy duty cleaner, such as those with tri-sodium phosphate, prepares the wall surface properly. Glossy surfaces need to be lightly sanded with 120- or 150-grit sandpaper before painting. A liquid deglosser used in addition to sanding ensures maximum adhesion. If loose or peeling paint wasn't removed from the wall before new paint was applied, the paint will continue to peel. To prevent this from continuing, you can scrape all loose paint and sand the walls. A good primer with sealing capability provides good adhesion and prevents cracking and peeling.

Types of Paint

• Not all paints are created equal. Although most name-brand paints are acceptable, the better the paint, the better the results. More important than the brand of paint you choose is the type of paint. Latex paint does not adhere well to oil-based paint and peeling might occur. The primer that is used needs to be compatible with the type of paint you use. If old paint is used on a wall, it may have begun to deteriorate, causing it to peel. Sometimes a wall has too many coats of paint. The weight of the paint on the wall causes peeling.

Exterior Paint

• Paint on exterior walls peels for the same reasons it peels from interior walls. Before repainting exterior surfaces, the old paint must be removed, either by scraping, sanding, power washing or using a heat gun. Without proper preparation, the peeling and blistering of the paint will recur. If you prepare your walls, patch and prime the wood and use the right paint, the peeling problem should be eliminated.