The telltale signs of a peeling coat are hard to miss: spidery cracks, holes in the surface, and even large strips or sections of paint that come off on their own. The reasons for a peeling coat can vary widely. Painting over dirty walls, excess moisture, improper prep, and using latex on top of oil material can all affect the material’s adhesion and cause it to eventually begin flaking off. To solve the problem, you’ll need to remove the peeling areas and start over with fresh coats of primer and paint. Use our step-by-step guide to learn how to fix peeling paint.
If your home was built prior to 1978, it could have lead-based material, which can pose serious health risks, especially for children. You can find testing kits at hardware stores, but to be sure, hire a certified company to collect chips and send them to a lab for testing. If you think your home has lead-based material, do not try to fix the peeling yourself. Instead, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends hiring a professional from their approved list of providers who can follow lead-safe work practices.
Unsightly walls and trim where the paint is beginning to peel can be an eyesore for homeowners. However, you can always fix it, and let’s tackle them easily with this step-by-step guide on what to do if your wall is peeling.
How to Fix Peeling Coat
Peeling needs to be removed first before you can paint over the surface. Follow these instructions to repair it.
- Personal protective equipment
- Plastic drop cloth or tarp
- Prep tape
- Wire brush or scraper
- Patching compound
- Putty knife
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Tack cloth or sponge
- Roller or brush
- Primer
- Paint
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Whether or not the peeling is lead-based, you should still wear a safety mask, glasses, and gloves to protect yourself. Regardless of the size of the area or the type of material used, place a large piece of plastic or a tarp near the area in order to catch any stray pieces. Tape off nearby trim areas, such as baseboards, and remove any furniture, rugs, or other finishings from the space. Place drop cloths around the room to keep paint on the desired surfaces.
Step 2: Remove Problem Areas
If your wall is peeling, you’ll need to remove the material from the affected area. Use a wire brush or scraper ($10, The Home Depot) to scrape off all loose stuff. Don’t use too much pressure while scraping or you might damage the surface underneath.
Step 3: Make Any Necessary Repairs
Once the peeling is removed, you might be left with cracks or holes in the wall. Any damage should be fixed before you repaint. Apply a patching compound ($6, The Home Depot) with a putty knife as needed; smooth and let dry according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 4: Establish a Smooth Surface
Whether or not you’ve had to patch the peeling area, you’ll want to sand the space in order to ensure a wall surface free of any grooves or lines. Use very fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the area down. Run your hand over the surface to ensure it’s completely even with the surrounding wall.
Step 5: Clean the Area
The area should be completely clean to allow the new paint to adhere properly. Using either a tack cloth or a lightly damp (not wet) sponge, wipe off the area. Wipe the surface again with a clean, dry rag and let dry thoroughly.
Step 6: Prime Walls
If moisture was the cause of peeling, it’s particularly important to protect your new area from the same problem. Primer can help seal the surface to protect against moisture and allow the paint to properly stick. Cover the area with primer, allowing the surface to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 7: Paint Walls
Your wall is now ready! Apply the first coat evenly over the prepared area. Dry according to the manufacturer’s directions; apply a second coat if necessary and let dry. Remove the tape and drop cloth and enjoy your new smoothed-out surface!