Paint Keeps Peeling on a Spot on the Wall

Causes of Paint Peeling

• Peeling of paint can occur due to constant moisture around or behind the painted wall, differences in composition of the layers of paint, or poor adherence of the paint to the wall. Any of these problems can cause paint to peel or lift from the underlying surface, either in small areas or the entire wall surface. First, determine the extent of the problem. If only small areas are affected, you can treat them area in a limited way. Larger problems may need replacement of the entire wall.

Fixing Underlying Wall Problems

• Trying to get paint to stick to a wall that is constantly infused with water from pipes or rain intrusion is a hopeless endeavor. Locate the source of the leaking pipe and repair it before attempting to repair or repaint the wall. Repairing moisture damage may require replacement of the drywall or covering it with a thin sheet of wallboard. To solve the problem of incompatible paint, repaint the wall area with an all-purpose primer sealer like Kilz, which will provide a neutral surface for the new coat of paint. Ensure that the wall surface is free of dirt and grease, which can affect the ability of the paint to adhere to the wall. Reduce indoor humidity by venting dryers to the outdoors and providing ventilation for attics and bathrooms.

Repairing Peeling Paint

• For small areas of peeling paint, scrape off the loose chips and level the surface with wallboard compound. Several coats of the compound will give a smooth surface to the wall. Allow the compound to dry completely, and sand in between coats to remove high spots. Wipe the area of all sanding grit and debris before re-painting.

Proper Wall Preparation for Painting

• Ensure that the wall is clean and dry before applying paint . If there is any doubt that the wall will accept the new paint, apply a primer coat first. Avoid waiting too long in between applying the primer coat and the top coat of paint. A soap-like film can form on the wall, preventing the top coat from adhering properly. If more than two weeks pass between these two coats, wash the surface with a wall cleaner and water solution before applying the top coat. Repair cracks and holes before painting, and allow wall compound or fillers to dry thoroughly before applying the paint.