How to Repaint a Wall That Has Peeling Paint

There are a few causes for peeling paint. One possible cause is humidity. You may also end up with peeling paint if you did not prepare or prime the surface properly before painting, for example, if there was oil on the wall or if you used latex paint to cover an oil-based paint. Using primer can go a long way towards preventing peeling paint.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fine grain sandpaper
• Paint scraper
• Gloves
• Drywall joint compound
• Warm water and dishwashing liquid
• Rag or sponge
• Primer
• Paint
• Paintbrush or roller

1. Scrape gently all the pieces of paint that are peeling off the wall, using the scraper. Catch every flake and piece of paint that has begun to peel from the wall.

2. Pass your gloved hand or paint scraper softly over the complete section to confirm you have not overlooked any spots. The glove or scraper will catch on any raised spots you may have missed, even if it is not yet evident to the eye.

3. Use the scraper to scrape and eliminate these minor spots as well. Doing so will prevent future spots of peeling paint.

4. Apply a light coat of drywall joint compound, using the scraper, to all the areas where you have scraped.

5. Sand lightly all the areas you have worked on, using a fine-grain sandpaper. Concentrate on eliminating the demarcation between these areas and the rest of the painted surface. Doing so will create a smooth surface to paint, while helping the new paint to stick better.

6. Wash the walls you are going to paint, using warm water mixed with dishwashing liquid. Wipe the whole area carefully, eliminating all traces of dust and soil.

7. Blot with paper towels, and give it some time to dry, (at least an hour or more depending on the type of paint--if it's a flat finish it may take longer). Check with your hand for any trace of moisture.

8. Paint the walls with primer, using the roller.

9. Give the primer between 30 and 60 minutes to dry, then check to see whether it will require another coat of primer. If so, apply a second coat; allow 30 to 60 minutes to dry completely.

10. Apply the first coat of paint. Allow 30 minutes to dry, then check to see whether the walls require another coat. If so, give apply another coat, concentrating on covering the areas that weren't completely covered with the first coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Getting the primer tinted the color that you are going to paint will cut down on the coats of paint you will need to get full coverage.