How to Repair Peeling Paint

Your new paint should last, right? It shouldn’t start looking as if it’s been on the walls for 25 years when you just repainted six months ago. When paint starts to peel and crack long before it should, many factors could be at the root of the issue. 

Keep reading to learn what issues can cause paint to peel and crack and how to repair your peeling paint.

What Causes Paint to Peel Prematurely?

If a new paint job in your home starts aging before its time, numerous factors may be at fault:

• Improperly cleaned, primed, or prepped surfaces can lead to paint flaking, cracking, or peeling.
• Not allowing ample drying time between paint coat applications can also be to blame.
• Low-quality, bargain paint tends to be less flexible and not as adhesive as high-quality paints, resulting in premature cracking, flaking, or peeling.

Steps to Repair Peeling Paint

If you are aware of the peeling issue early on, you can likely perform a patch repair job rather than a complete repaint of the entire surface. 

Tools and Supplies:

• Latex or vinyl gloves, goggles, face mask, and protective/old clothing
• Ladder (if necessary)
• Patching compound
• Putty knife
• Old washcloths or rags
• Fine grit sandpaper
• Scraper or wire brush
• Shop vacuum
• Drop cloth
• Trash can
• Primer
• Matching paint
• Paintbrushes

Steps to Patch Repair Peeling Paint:

1. Use your drop cloth to protect the floor and have a trash can nearby to collect debris. Protect your eyes, face, and hands with your goggles, mask, and gloves. 
2. Gently begin to remove any peeling, chipped, or flaking paint from your surfaces with a wire brush, paint scraper, or putty knife.
3. Fill any holes or cracks with a thin, even coating of the patching compound with a putty knife. Allow to dry completely and repeat as necessary before allowing to cure completely overnight. (If shrinking occurs, you can lightly sand and clean the repaired area and apply additional layers of patching compound as needed.)
4. Sand patched areas with fine-grit sandpaper until smooth and matches the rest of the surface. Use your hands to feel for any uneven areas or ridges you may have missed while sanding. (If your surfaces are textured, you can purchase textured patching kits. Just be sure to follow the instructions for proper application.)
5. Wipe the patched and sanded area clean with a moist cloth, dab dry with a separate dry rag, and allow to air dry thoroughly. 
6. Use your shop vacuum to clean up any dust, paint chips, or other debris from surfaces in the area you are repairing (remember, dust is not your friend when painting!). 
7. Use an oil-based, stain-blocking primer to cover the affected areas and allow them to fully dry.
8. Once your primer has cured completely, it’s time to paint! Using a bristle- or sponge-tipped brush, begin in the center of the patched areas and, using feathered strokes, push the paint outward. Be stingy. When repainting a repair, you never want to use a glob of paint, as it can cause some unsightly issues. 
9. Allow the paint to fully dry. 
10. Step back and admire your work!