Paint easily scratches off, help!

Krystal Taft
by Krystal Taft

We put up FRESH drywall in our new construction home. Used KILZ all purpose primer on all rooms first and used gliden semi gloss paint on everything... 4 different colors.. several different cans. The paint is able to be easily scratched off in ALL the rooms!! Why is this happening and is there a way to fix it?? If you lean something on it (I leaned the broom on the wall) and it pulled a spot of paint off... even painters tape pulled paint off the walls when touching up the ceiling ..

  8 answers
  • GrannyL GrannyL on Sep 05, 2018

    I have no idea but would take receipt back to store explain what has happen see if they have any idea and ask for a refund. Get a different brand of blocker and paint. To try anew. Could it be the drywall?

  • 4002639 4002639 on Sep 05, 2018

    Wow Krystal that stinks.

    It sounds like a moisture issue.

    Either the drywall had some moisture in it or the Kilz didn't dry long enough before you painted it.

    I would contact a painter through an actual paint store (big box stores can't help you, although they refer you to a painter) and ask the best way to handle this.

    Sorry I can't be more help.

  • Krystal Taft Krystal Taft on Sep 05, 2018

    Thank yall! There was no power, so no ac in the house when it was painted and we live in Mississippi so maybe that's why. Humidity, maybe. Ugh. It has been awhile since it was painted. And it was a couple weeks after it was primed that the walls were painted with color.

  • Semigloss paint is not great on walls (typically nice on trim). Use a flatter finish like eggshell or satin. These finishes don't scratch off.

    Use a brand like Behr, which has a primer built in. More expensive paint is worth it. Valspar is good too. The Sherwin Williams line at HGTV is nice as well.

    And paint needs to cure for 30 days without being touched. Even though it feels dry, it needs time to harden completely.

  • You answered your own question. High humidity. Paint didn't dry between coats. . Needs a dehumidifier or at least portable fans to help dry between coats. Painting without proper lighting is risky. You get what you get. Now you know better. And with high humidity, give at least 30-45 days to fully cure.

  • Krystal Taft Krystal Taft on Sep 06, 2018

    It's been months now, and we've had power and the ac on. Its still doing it. The bedrooms aren't bad.. but the living room and bathroom are. Would painting over it help? What can we do?

  • Lucie - Oh my sander Lucie - Oh my sander on Sep 06, 2018

    It sounds like the paint did not completely dry between coats. And if you painted with no electricity this is where you messed up. I don't think painting over it would help, it will probably lift more paint off. Also, if the walls were not completely clean before painting it will cause the paint to peel as well. You can try sanding lightly and cleaning and priming and painting again.


  • Krystal Taft Krystal Taft on Sep 08, 2018

    It was fresh drywall 🤷🏻‍♀️ we paid someone to paint it. Looks like I'll slowly start sanding and priming and repainting the house a little at a time lol