Why Paint Peels and Bubbles, and How to Fix It
Peeling and bubbling paint is frustrating, but it's usually a sign of a fixable problem underneath.
Common causes
- Moisture. Leaks, humidity, or poor ventilation (common in bathrooms) push paint away from the wall.
- Dirty or glossy surfaces. Paint can't grip grease, dust, or shiny finishes.
- Latex over oil without a bonding primer.
- Painting in heat, direct sun, or high humidity.
- Skipping primer on bare or patched surfaces.
How to fix it
- Find the cause. If moisture is the problem, fix it first, or the peeling will come back.
- Scrape away all loose and flaking paint.
- Sand the edges so the patch blends with the surrounding wall.
- Clean the area and let it dry completely.
- Prime the bare spots.
- Repaint with a quality paint like Behr.
Important safety note: If your home was built before 1978, old paint may contain lead. Don't scrape or sand it until it's been tested. Lead dust is dangerous, especially for kids and pregnant women.
Bottom line: Fix the cause, then scrape, sand, prime, and repaint.
Not sure what's causing your peeling paint? Call Imagination Renovations for advice at (672) 515-3402. We're always happy to help, and we offer free estimates when you're ready for a pro. Because we also handle plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, we can help track down the problem behind the paint.
We don't just paint, we solve paint problems.
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