Flaking paint can cause a lot of decorating headaches, as there’s nothing more frustrating than a freshly painted surface that has just started to peel. What’s more, peeling paint often signals underlying issues with adhesion or moisture, and addressing the problem requires additional time and effort to prepare the surface properly.
Read on to find out why Zinsser Peel Stop is known as the silver bullet solution for flaking paint and discover how to tackle flaking, chalking, cracking and other problematic surfaces.
Start by scraping off all loose, flaking paint using a paint scraper. Be thorough, as any remaining loose paint can cause further peeling later on.
After removing the loose paint, sand the area with medium-grit sandpaper (120 to 150 grit) to smooth out rough edges and create a level surface. This also helps the new paint adhere better.
Once sanding is complete, clean the area to remove any dust, dirt or debris. A damp cloth or sponge works well, but make sure the surface is completely dry before moving onto the next step.
Prime the area by applying Zinsser Peel Stop to the prepped surface. Even after the surface has been scraped and sanded, tiny cracks and gaps remain under the edges of old paint. Peel Stop is a clear bridging sealer that seeps into these spaces and glues them down, providing a stable, sound surface for the new paint and preventing the finish coat from cracking. Touch dry in 1 hour and recoatable in 2 hours, one coat of Peel Stop is usually all that is required, but you might need to apply a second coat on very porous surfaces.If the surface isn’t completely smooth, apply filler to the area after Peel Stop application. Now you’re ready to apply a topcoat.
After allowing two hours drying time, you can decorate with your desired topcoat. For interior rooms where high humidity and cracking paint is an issue, we recommend decorating with Zinsser PermaWhite. PermaWhite is a tough, scrubbable paint, ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. It’s specifically formulated for spaces with persistent high humidity, frequent temperature fluctuations and poor air circulation. The durable, mould-resistant formula resists cracking, flaking and blistering for up to 7 years.
For more information on treating and preventing flaking paint in high humidity areas, check out our case study on tackling mould and peeling paint on a bathroom ceiling.
Flaking paint is typically caused by poor surface preparation, moisture or using the wrong type of paint for the surface. If the surface isn’t cleaned, primed or allowed to dry before painting, the paint will not adhere properly, leading to peeling and blistering. Using the wrong primer can also cause flaking, as specific primers are formulated to work with certain types of paint.
Leaks and water damage are another common culprit, as paint does not adhere well to damp or wet surfaces, causing it to peel. High humidity and poor ventilation can also cause moisture build-up in the walls, which makes the paint blister.
It is not recommended to paint directly over flaking paint using standard emulsion, if you want to prevent it from peeling in the future. Make sure to scrape off flaking paint using a scraper or 100 grit sandpaper and clean the surface with a damp cloth. Ensure that the surface is clean and dry before applying clear bridging primer Peel Stop to the problem area, to ensure proper paint adhesion.
The most effective way to apply Peel Stop is by spot priming with a synthetic bristle brush, though it can also be applied with a roller or an airless sprayer for larger areas. When applied correctly, it dries to a slight sheen, which your topcoat will easily cover. Typically, one coat is sufficient, but particularly porous surfaces may require a second coat. Thanks to its water-based formula, Peel Stop is ready for a topcoat in just two hours.
Follow the steps in this article to tackle flaking paint and prevent it from peeling in the long run.
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