How to Fix Peeling Paint

Peeling paint is easily identified by spidery cracks, holes in the paint surface, and large strips of paint that peel off on their own. The causes of peeling paint vary between excess moisture, improper preparations, and having latex paint on top of oil paint. The majority of paint dealers blame peeling paint on poor prep work. Even the best cleaning, scraping, sanding, and priming routine won't keep paint from peeling if water gets in behind.

As a result, inspect and repair peeling areas annually. It may look tedious, but it pays off in various ways. Annual maintenance prevents localized peeling paint from spreading, and your house will look even better over the years.


Furthermore, because you've kept the exterior in good condition, the cost of whole-house repainting will be lower when the time comes to touch up the paint. Finally, remove the peeling sections and start over with fresh coats of primer paint to solve the problem. Interested to learn more? Keep reading to learn how to fix peeling paint with our step-by-step instructions below.

Best Tools for Peeling Paint

For the best Australia home renovations, the best tools for peeling paint you can use are:

-Personal protective equipment
-Plastic drop cloth or tarp
-Painter’s tape
-Wire brush or paint scraper
-Patching compound
-Putty knife
-Fine-grit sandpaper
-Tack cloth or sponge
-Paint roller or brush
-Primer
-Paint  

How to Fix Peeling Paint

Peeling paint must be removed before you can paint over the surface. Follow the steps below to fix peeling paints the right way. 

Prep Your Working Area Well

Even if you may not have lead-based paint, you should still protect yourself by wearing a safety mask, glasses, and gloves. Place a large piece of tarp or plastic in the space you are working to catch any stray paint pieces. Remove any rugs, furniture, and other finishings from the room and tape off nearby trim areas, such as baseboards. Place several drop cloths around the room to keep the paint from getting on other surfaces.

Safety tip: Lead-based paint may have been popular in painting older homes, particularly those built before 1978. Lead-based paint has been shown in studies to cause neurological damage. It is especially hazardous to pregnant women and children. Before you begin stripping or sanding the paint, test it for lead. If it does contain lead, hire a qualified remediation company to remove the paint.

Remove Peeling Paint Areas

If your paint is peeling, you should remove it from the affected area. Scrape off all loose paint with a wire brush or paint scraper. If you scrape with too much force, you may damage the surface underneath. Sweep away any remaining debris from the area with a wire brush. Work the damaged area's edges once more. If more paint starts to peel, use the paint scraper to pry it off.

Apply The Wood Filler Well

Apply wood filler on a putty knife and spread a thin layer of filler across the damaged area. Ensure the wood filler extends a little over the perimeter of the damaged section. The excess wood filler will then be sanded away. It is also crucial to ensure you flex the putty knife to produce a flat surface.

Tip: Do not apply your wood filler thickly because it will mean you have more material to sand away. Apply just enough amount to cover the damaged area.

Allow the Wood Filler to Dry

Allow the wood filler to dry as per the manufacturer's directions. It normally takes 45 minutes to an hour, but you should allow at least two hours. If you sand it before it completely dries, the filler sloughs off.

Tip: Water-based wood filler will dry faster than oil-based wood filler.

Sand Down the Wood Filler

Grind down the patched area with the oscillating sander and fine-grit paper until it is flush and smooth with the surrounding paint. Avoid sanding all the way down to bare wood.


Make Any Necessary Repairs

When the peeling paint is removed, you may notice cracks or holes in the wall. Before repainting, damages should be repaired. Apply patching compound as needed with a putty knife; smooth and let it dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.


Establish a Smooth Surface

Whether or not you had to patch the peeling paint, sand the area to ensure a smooth wall surface free of grooves or lines. Smooth the area with a very fine-grit sandpaper. Check that the surface is completely even with the surrounding wall by running your hand over it.


Clean the Area

The area should be completely clean to enable the new paint to adhere properly. Wipe down the area to be painted with a tack cloth or a lightly damp (not wet) sponge. Then, let it dry completely.

Prime The Walls

If moisture was the source of your peeling paint, primer paint could help seal the surface against moisture and allow the paint to adhere properly. Cover the area with this primer paint and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tip: When you apply paint, priming the entire surface will help the filled area blend in perfectly. If the patched area is not primed, it may absorb paint differently than the surrounding area.

Paint Walls

Your wall is now prepared for painting. The first coat should be applied evenly over the prepared area. Dry according to the manufacturer's instructions; if necessary, apply a second coat and let dry. Remove the tape and drop cloth and admire your newly smoothed surface!

Conclusion

Bad paint is rarely the cause of peeling paint. The same paint that peels in some places will stick tenaciously in others for many years. The professional blame peeling paint on poor prep work. Even the best cleaning, scraping, sanding, and priming routine will not prevent paint from peeling, if water gets into the wood. Therefore, it is vital to repair peeling paint regularly. Use these tips to care for your Australia home renovations by following our "how to fix peeling paint" guide!