How to Fix Peeling Paint on Painted Drywall

Remove all of the loose or peeled paint from the drywall's surface, using a 4-inch scraper. Start at one end of the wall and work to the other.

Smooth the peeled paint areas on the drywall, using 100-grit sandpaper. Work the sandpaper in circular motions. Remove the paint's sharp edges and any dark or oily areas on the drywall.

Clean the sanded drywall and the remaining paint on the drywall, using a damp rag. Remove all drywall dust and paint debris.

Cover the sanded areas on the drywall with all-purpose joint compound, using the 4-inch scraper to spread the compound. Feather the joint compound onto the remaining paint. Let the joint compound dry, using the manufacturer's recommended drying time.

Smooth the joint compound by using 220-grit sandpaper. Work the sandpaper with circular motions. Remove all ridges and lumps in the compound's surface. Blend the compound into the old paint's surface.

Wash the drywall with a damp rag, removing all dust.

Apply a drywall texture to the repaired areas of the drywall, using a style that matches the existing texture on the wall. Follow the texture manufacturer's application and drying instructions.

Cover the repaired area with a drywall primer, using either an aerosol can of primer or a 3-inch brush to apply the primer. Some primers come in an aerosol can and usually have a flat white color. For a dark-color wall, use a tinted primer. A colored primer helps blend the new paint's finish coat into the old paint on the drywall. Let the primer dry completely, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Apply the finish coat of paint to the drywall, using either the 3-inch brush or a paint roller. Work from the top of the wall down toward the bottom.

Allow the finish coat of paint to dry, following the paint manufacturer's drying instructions. Inspect the repaired areas. If the repaired areas have a dull appearance, give the drywall a second coat of the finish paint.