How to Fix Flaking Paint
What is Peeling Wall Paint?
The lifting of paint from the underlying surface in the form of flakes. Flaking is generally preceded by cracking or checking, and will occur over different surfaces.
What Causes It?
- Poor surface preparation.
- Applying too thin of a coat of paint.
- Poor paint penetration, especially on wood with an excessive amount of flat grain pattern, which is smooth, hard, and nonporous.
- Cracking of exterior wood and plywood as it expands and contracts in response to temperature and humidity changes, which is transmitted through the coating.
Solutions for Flaking Wall Paint
- Scrape, sand, or scrub with a wire brush to remove all loose and peeling paint.
- If needed, sand to fresh wood. Wood must not be exposed to weathering prior to reapplying primer or paint.
- Follow label and data page directions for surface preparation for the coating.
- Do not paint over flaking or cracked paint. The problem can return or you may be left with an unsightly texture.
Flaking Paint Repair Products
Interior Repairs
To help even out less-than-perfect surfaces, start with PrimeRx™ Peel Bonding Primer. Then apply Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint for a beautiful finish.
Exterior Repairs
After you've removed the flaking paint, you may want to prime your surface. We recommend Multi-Purpose Latex Primer Or start with a high-quality, paint-and-primer-in-one like Emerald® Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint.
