How do i handle peeling paint?

Rivka
by Rivka

i want to paint over my walls but i have some spots where the paint peeled off. i'm worried it's going to hurt the quality of the new paint. how do i seal them?


  14 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on Sep 16, 2020

    If paint peels from an interior wall, the reason for the peeling paint is often an improperly prepared surface and moisture seeping through from the wall to the paint surface. If that is the case you will need to remedy this first.

    Scrape away as much loose paint as possible using the paint scraper first and then the wire brush.

    1. Repair any holes or cracks in the wall with the patching compound. Apply the compound with the putty knife and smooth it in a thin layer to fill in these areas along the wall. Allow the patching compound to dry completely.
    2. Sand the wall over the repaired areas to make it smooth and even with the surrounding wall before applying the primer. Wipe off the wall with the tack cloth to remove dust.
    3. Apply the primer to the wall first to seal the wall and prevent moisture problems. Use the paintbrush first to paint around the perimeter and then use the paint roller. Allow the primer to dry according to the drying time recommended on the paint can.
    4. Apply the latex paint in the same manner as the primer. Allow the paint to dry and then apply a second coat, if you desire.
    5. Remove the masking tape and drop cloths.


  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Sep 16, 2020

    I would try to get all of the pealing paint off as possible, using a fine grit sand paper and sanding it by hand would probably be the easiest way to go in making certain there is no loose paint before you put on your new coat.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Sep 16, 2020

    Lightly sand any areas that are peeling with a fine grit sand paper. I would use a sanding block. Then clean the wall with soapy water and microfiber. Prime and then paint.

  • Recreated Designs Recreated Designs on Sep 16, 2020

    Hi Rivka, I agree, you want to get as much of the loose paint off as possible. Start by sanding it down and removing anything that is or may be falling off. Then use the paint you are planning to use for the wall to paint the spots where there is no paint. This will help to seal the spots and fill them in so there is isn't an indentation. Once the paint is dry, sand again using a fine grit sandpaper and repeat this until the spot is smooth and even with the rest of the wall. Then you can paint the entire wall and you will never know there was anything loose or missing. Hope that helps!

  • Dorothy Cappe Dorothy Cappe on Sep 16, 2020

    I have that in my bathroom because I didn't use bathroom paint. Home Depot said to just very lightly sand then use paint and primer paint. It will be OK they told me. Haven't tried it yet.

  • Dee Dee on Sep 16, 2020

    First look for why the paint is peeling. Is there too much moisture? Do you have a leak?

    Sand off as much of the peeling paint as you can. If there are places that need to be filled use DAP. Then sand that down even to the wall. If you need texture Homax makes texture in a can. Then seal the walls with a good stain blocking primer. When completely dry, paint with a good acrylic paint. If it is in a bathroom or kitchen use the appropriate paint.

  • Deb K Deb K on Sep 16, 2020

    Hi Rivka, this should help you prep the walls before you start to apply new paint

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAjl2Hyfyi0

  • Cindy Cindy on Sep 16, 2020

    Hi Rivka. Begin by scraping off all the peeling paint using a paint scraper. Then use a palm sander, or a sanding block to sand off any remaining pieces of peeling paint. Sanding the walls will also give you a nice smooth surface. Then it's time to prime and paint. What room is this peeling paint in? It makes a difference when choosing new primer and paint. I recommend that you visit a paint store. They will give advice for best result. Good luck Rivka. I wish you well.

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Sep 17, 2020

    First fix the leak wherever it is. I would not attempt to paint anything again until the moisture problem is fixed. Yes, then once you have figured that out, sand by hand or depending how big of a problem, sand with a drywall sander. You can rent one from ABC rental. Then I would use kilz primer. good luck!

  • I would definitely sand all the loose paint off first, so you have a nice smooth surface.

  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on Sep 19, 2020

    I agree it’s a good idea to sand and clean the wall first before trying to paint. Use a good primer before painting, too.

  • Jeremy Hoffpauir Jeremy Hoffpauir on Sep 19, 2020

    Use a Binding Primer such as this one: https://amzn.to/3iMhSf3


    Hope this Helps! Jeremy - https://do-daddy.com

  • Maura White Maura White on Sep 22, 2020

    You will need to sand off any flaking or peeling paint before you cover with a new coat.