One of the most common surface problems that you encounter when doing home painting in Pleasanton is peeling paint.
When your wall paint begins to crackle and peel, several factors may contribute to it. It may be understandable if the paint has been standing for a decade or so, so you are likely to apply a fresh coat of paint.
But what if it is a recent paint job and it is peeling sooner than expected? Several possible culprits include:
- Poor adhesion. It can be a result of poor surface preparation or not preparing the surface before painting.
- Use of low-quality paint. All paint is not created equal. Better quality paint is less likely to peel.
- Applying an oil-based paint over a wet surface. The surface must be dry before adding new paint.
- Not allowing sufficient drying time between coats can cause peeling in the future.
- Excessive moisture, whether the weather was humid when painting began or there was a shower, can undermine the paint’s adhesive properties. It may either escape through exterior walls (it is most likely to happen if the paint is oil-based), or you are painting in an area where there is moisture present (such as the bathroom).
The earlier you can detect the problem, the better. Otherwise, you may end up repainting the entire wall to combat the problem.
Instead, you can probably do a patch job and save yourself from the considerable effort of repairing and repainting the walls.
But here is an important reminder: it is crucial that you get the surface in shape and use only appropriate tools and products to ensure a smooth, long-lasting paint finish. Here are the steps to get rid of peeling paint and get your walls back into tip-top condition again:
- Before everything else, it is a good idea to check your roof or plumbing for leaks. They could be the culprit of the peeling on your walls and can derail your repair attempts.
- Once you have addressed the root cause of the problem, you can deal with those cracks and peels. Protect the floor with drop cloths to catch the tiny flakes of peeled paint. Wear a pair of goggles and a face mask to protect you from those small flakes.
- Use a putty knife, a wire brush, a paint scraper, or even an old credit card or gift card to scrape off peeled or chipped paint from the walls gently.
- After removing the peeling paint, prepare the surface. Using a putty knife, apply quick-drying patching compound in a thin, even layer on cracks and holes. Allow the compound to dry completely and repeat the process when necessary. It is best to allow it to dry overnight.
- Using a very fine grit sandpaper or a shop vacuum with a sanding attachment, sand off the excess dried compound to make the surface even and smooth.
- Clean the area with a damp sponge and wipe off the moisture with a dry cloth. Allow it to dry completely to make sure all the moisture has dissipated.
- Prime the surface. It is best to use a stain-blocking primer for extra protection against humidity. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the topcoat.
- Once the primer dries, repaint the surface. Let the paint dry completely.
Any DIY-er can fix the peeling problem on their walls, providing that they have the right products or materials and know the proper peeling and patching procedures. But if the peeling and cracking become more extensive, the best way is to hire home painting in Pleasanton contractors. They employ their skills, experience, and use of high-quality paints and tools to ensure a smooth, durable, and long-lasting finish for your walls.