How to Solve a Problem With Peeling Paint in a Bathroom

Peeling occurs when proper paint adhesion fails.

Peeling paint in a bathroom happens after a bathroom is repainted. The common places in a bathroom where this occurs is near the sink, the bath/shower or toilet. The cause for this peeling occurs when paint is applied over soap scum that has built up on the walls or ceiling of the bathroom during everyday showering, sink use and toilet cleaning. Solving the peeling problem involves removing the peeling paint and the soap scum.

Things You'll Need

• Stiff putty knife
• 100 grit sandpaper
• Pure vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Rag
• Stain-blocking primer
• Paint brush
• Mini roller
• Drywall mud
• 150 grit sand paper
• Finish paint

Instructions

1. Scrap away peeling paint with a stiff putty knife. Sand the area where the paint was removed with 100 grit sand paper. Sand an inch into the paint surrounding the area where the peeling paint was removed to ensure removal of all underlying soap scum.

2. Spray the area with pure vinegar in a spray bottle to further remove all soap scum build-up. Allow the vinegar to soak on the wall for 10 minutes and then wipe it off with a wet rag. Rinse and wring out the rag with clean water and go over the area once more to remove the vinegar.

3. Prime the prepped area with a stain-blocking primer paint using a paint brush or mini roller. Allow the primer to dry following the dry time instructions on the label. Skim coat the primed area with drywall mud using a stiff putty knife to make bring the area where the paint was removed flush or level with the outer-lying paint coat. Allow to dry and then sand smooth with 150 grit sandpaper.

4. Prime the drywall mud with another coat of stain-blocking primer. Allow primer to dry and then paint a coat of finish paint over the area. Paint the entire wall if needed, or feather the paint out onto the existing finish coat surrounding the repaired area. Allow to dry and then add a second coat of finish paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Failing to prime the drywall mud will result in a sheen variance between the existing paint and the repainted area.