cracking & flaking painting interior walls & ceiling
Flaking paint occurs when cracked paint begins peeling off its original substrate. In its early stages, the problem appears as hairline cracks in the paint, but will worsen over time if the problem is not fixed, causing larger pieces of coatings to chip off.
Paint cracking on walls, ceilings, and exterior surfaces happens due to a variety of causes, one of the most common being poor preparation of a surface prior to painting. Painting over cracked paint is a bad idea; it is important to remove any flakes from the surface before repainting.
Why Does Paint Crack and Flake?
- Poor surface preparation, especially when the paint is applied to bare wood without priming, or to previously coated surfaces that show signs of cracking or flaking paint.
- Using low-quality paint, as it may have inadequate adhesion and/or flexibility.
- Spreading paint too thin during application.
- Paint becoming brittle with age, failing to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes.
How to Fix Cracked or Flaking Paint
If cracking goes down to the substrate: Remove as much of the existing paint as possible. Methods for removal could include scraping, sanding, using a heat gun, abrasive blasting, etc. Once most of the paint is removed and surface is smooth and even, prime, and repaint with a quality latex paint. TESTIMONIALS
If cracking does not go down to the substrate: Remove the loose or flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sand the area to feather the edges, prime any bare spots, and repaint the surface.
How to Prevent Paint from Cracking or Flaking
Allow paint to dry thoroughly before adding another coat.
Take care prepping surfaces before painting: Only apply paint to surfaces that have been properly sanded, cleaned, and primed.
Never paint over cracked paint.
