Why Is My Paint Peeling and How Do I Fix It?
Peeling paint is one of the most common wall problems. The good news is that it can be fixed properly once you know the cause.
Common causes:
- Moisture: Dampness rising from the foundation or seeping through walls is the biggest culprit.
- Poor preparation: Painting over dust, grease or loose paint stops the new coat from bonding.
- No primer: Bare surfaces absorb paint unevenly.
- Painting too soon: Applying the next coat before the previous one dries can cause flaking.
How to repair it:
- Find and fix the source of moisture first. Repainting without this step will not last.
- Scrape off all loose and flaking paint.
- Let the wall dry completely.
- Fill cracks and sand the area smooth.
- Apply a suitable primer.
- Finish with two coats of quality paint.
For damp-prone areas, choose moisture-resistant products such as a damp-proof wall guard before you repaint.
If peeling keeps coming back, ask a professional to check for leaks or damp problems in the wall.
