Why is Interior Paint Peeling?
Most of the time, exterior paint failure can be attributed to improper surface preparation. However, when interior paint begins to peel away, there could be one of several culprits. Because certain painting materials are incompatible, they should not be used together, or they could create adhesion problems. The key to preventing paint failure is knowledge of both how to prepare the surface and which materials work best together.
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Dirt
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One of the most common causes of interior paint peeling is plain, old-fashioned dirt and dust. Dirty surfaces are ill-suited for paint adhesion and should be thoroughly cleaned, or paint will eventually chip and peel. Ordinary dish soap is appropriate for cleaning most interior surfaces. However, the soap should be rinsed, or it may cause adhesion problems of its own.
Silicone
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The appropriate type of caulk for interior surfaces is acrylic. However, many homeowners make the mistake of using clear, silicone caulk instead. Latex paints will not adhere to silicone caulk, and this is a common cause of indoor paint failure. Silicone caulk should be primed using an oil-based primer before it is painted.
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Oils
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Because they are water-based, latex paints will not adhere to surfaces where even the least bit of oil exists. Grease and oil are prime culprits for paint failure in the kitchen. Oil must be cleaned using a water-based degreasing cleanser before any paint is applied.
Abrasion
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Some surfaces are poorly suited for adhesion by nature. Vinyl, plastic and fiberglass surfaces will shed paint unless they are abraded before paint application. These surfaces should be scoured with a fine-grit sandpaper to provide a tooth for the paint to hold onto.
Base Coating
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Aside from drywall, most interior surfaces require a base coat of primer before they are painted. Raw wood and abraded vinyl, plastic and fiberglass must be primed, or they will resist adhesion. If you notice paint peeling from your wood baseboards, a lack of primer is the most likely cause.
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Resources
- Photo Credit red paint peeling image by Ragne Kabanova from Fotolia.com
