Exterior Paint Peeling

• Two main problems contribute to paint peeling off of exterior surfaces. Excessive moisture and a failure to provide proper ventilation for the surface can cause small cracks in painted exterior walls. While small cracks may seem like a minor concern, these cracks allow more moisture to become trapped under the paint. Eventually, the buildup of moisture will cause paint to peel off in sheets. Another major problem with peeling paint on exterior walls is the use of latex paint over oil paints. In the past, many homes were painted with oil paints. As latex paint technology advanced, durable exterior paints became the norm. Latex paints and oil paints cure differently, making the two surfaces incompatible when painted over one another. Latex paints expand while oil paints become brittle. When latex is painted over layers of oil paint, peeling commonly occurs.
  
  

Interior Paint Peeling

• On interior surfaces, many issues contribute to peeling paint, including excessive moisture, inadequate surface preparation, a failure to use a primer, age and gravity. Humidity, water damage and other causes of excessive moisture cause difficulty for paint to adhere to surfaces. Dirt and surface stains also cause difficulty for paint to stick to interior walls. In some cases, a painted surface may begin to peel simply because the paint has aged or too many layers of old paint become too heavy for the wall.
  
  

Importance of Primer

• Primer, a product similar to paint, helps prepare a surface, allowing paint to properly adhere to the wall more easily. Many primers also contain particles that help block stains and dirt, making a smooth, clean surface for applying new paint. A good primer can also help hide imperfections in the wall, hide seams between drywall and wallpapered surfaces, and help make the transition from a dark color to a lighter one easier. Several different types of primer are on the market. To prevent paint from peeling, prepare the walls by painting on a coat of primer compatible with the paint. For example, only use latex primers with latex paints and oil primers with oil paints.
  
  

Remedies

• Unfortunately, the remedy for peeling painted surfaces is time consuming. To prevent further problems, homeowners should take the time to strip off all of the old paint. Look for any visible signs of moisture. Home restoration experts at “This Old House” magazine recommend improving ventilation on exterior walls by adding spacers underneath shingled surfaces. For interior surfaces with excessive moisture, add a ventilation fan whenever possible. Prepare the surfaces with a high-quality primer before repainting.