What Makes Interior Paint Peel?

A fresh coat of paint can make any room feel renewed and beautiful. You likely do not think much about your walls after they have been painted, and you probably realize certain parts start to peel over time. This is normal, and learning why this happens can help you take preventative steps to keep your walls looking great.

Common Reasons for Paint Peeling

There are several reasons why paint might start peeling, and these are among the most common causes. Keep an eye on these factors, and you will understand the condition of your walls and why the paint is starting to peel.

• Water damage: Leaks, whether they are new or already existing, can ruin your paint. This happens because moisture collects between the wall and the paint. The plasterboard is not very durable once it gets wet, and it will start to rot.
• Too many layers: If your walls have been painted with multiple layers, this can lead to peeling over time. The paint has no room to breathe and the added layers make it hard to adhere to the surface.
• High humidity: Depending on the area you live in, environmental factors might come into play. Some paints react poorly to high humidity and will start to peel. A solution is to keep the area well-ventilated.
• Lack of primer: Using a paint primer is very important. This smooths the surface of your walls, so without it, the paint might appear textured. This can cause peeling and even blistering.
• Exposure to high sunlight/temperatures: The sun is very powerful, and having a room with a lot of natural sunlight can impact the quality of your paint job. This is especially true if your paint is oil-based. If you can, try to close the blinds or curtains during the brightest time of the day to protect your paint.
• Expired paint: Believe it or not, paint does have an expiration date. Since there are different chemicals in paint, this can cause separation or even mold/mildew after a while. Be sure to check that the paint you are using is in date.
• Low quality paint: Choosing a lower quality paint is great for your budget, but it could lead to problems in the future. These paints tend to be less flexible and will not adhere to surfaces very well. Even though you are saving money right now, you will inevitably have to fix the problem later on. It is better to just go with a nicer brand instead of having to do double the work in the future.
• Incorrect compatibility: All paints are not created equal. Some are great for traditional walls, but there are special paints to use on wood, rougher textures, and concrete. Make sure you are selecting a paint that is compatible with your wall type to avoid peeling and other problems.

With these reasons in mind, your walls are going to look great. Fresh paint that holds up is essential for keeping any room looking good as new.