Several factors can cause ceiling paint to peel, including improper surface preparation, using low-quality paint, high moisture levels, and insufficient drying time between coats.
Some common reasons include poor paint adhesion, moisture issues, poor surface preparation, or simply the age of the paint. When the conditions are not right, the paint doesn't bond well with the surface, leading to paint cracking on the ceiling.
To fix the peeling area, you can try using a paint scraper to remove any loose paint and sanding the area lightly to create a smooth surface. Then, you can apply a primer/sealer like Zinsser Peel Stop to the area to help the new paint adhere. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times.
Peeling paint is most commonly created when water gets under the paint. Therefore, the most common areas for peeling paint to occur are in the wet areas of a house or building e.g. bathroom, laundry or kitchen. However, there may be other issues with the premises such as excess humidity or a leaky roof.
Zinsser Peel Stop 1-gal. Water Base Clear Interior/Exterior Binding Primer and Sealer (Case of 4) glues down peeling paint and bind chalky surfaces. Designed to seal cracked and checked surfaces for durability, it helps provide a sound surface.
Well, an alternative to this drastic action is using a binding primer. A popular choice is Zinsser's Peel Stop, which is a water-based primer that penetrates chalky surfaces and helps to glue-down the edges of cracking and peeling coatings to the substrate so they can be successfully painted over.
Peeling or Bubbling Paint
Example of peeling and bubbling paint caused by humidity damage. If your paint is peeling or bubbling, also known as paint blistering, there's likely excessive moisture in your home that's causing the paint to lose surface adhesion.
New paint will not improve the adherence of the suspect old paint coating. Rather it is likely to make it slightly worse due to the stresses imparted as the new paint coating dries. Waterborne paints take a few days to develop full adhesion especially if applied in heavy coats in dubious weather.
Peeling paint must be removed prior to applying a fresh coat of paint to ensure proper adhesion. For Best Results: Refer to the how-to for guidelines on removing peeling paint. Using a scraper or 100-grit sandpaper, remove any loose, cracked, or peeling paint from the damaged area.
Extreme dryness can prevent the formation of strong adhesive bonds that allow the innermost coating of paint to stick to the surface properly. Similarly to painting highly humid surfaces, extreme dryness causes any newly applied coats of paint to peel.
If you have various stains, shellac Bonding primer is the ideal choice. It can be used to cover rough surfaces and old varnish as well as metal and ceramic.
Moisture. One of the main causes of peeling paint is the presence of moisture or water around the paint. This will usually happen when water gets into the wood behind the paint.
If the paint has gone bad, it will look curdled like cottage cheese or overly thick like a pudding. If you dig out an old can of paint and you have either of these, it's best not to use the paint and dispose of it properly.
Check you've a working extractor fan and that there's sufficient insulation in the ceiling above. Remove all flaking paint with a scraper and sand it back, clean the area then prime first then repaint. If it's damp which it looks in the photos then it'll need to dry out first.
Several factors can cause ceiling paint to peel, including improper surface preparation, using low-quality paint, high moisture levels, and insufficient drying time between coats.
Solutions for Peeling Paint Caused by Moisture
Proper ventilation can fix most interior moisture problems. High-moisture areas such as bathrooms with showers should have exhaust fans installed. Proper ventilation in the walls and/or roof of the home may be necessary.
For optimal results, the painting should be completed when relative humidity is between 40-50%. While too much humidity is damaging to paint, you still want some to reach a well-calibrated drying time. Avoid painting when the humidity is 85% or more.
Over time, fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels can make paint peel. For spaces where this is normal like kitchens, using KILZ 3® Premium Primer (known for its exceptional adhesion and durability) before you paint can help ensure your paint job lasts longer.
Remove all loose and flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sand the surface and feather the edges. If the flaking occurs in multiple layers of paint, use of filler may be necessary. Prime bare timber areas before repainting. Use of a premium quality primer and topcoat should prevent a recurrence of the problem.
The best specialty paint for your bathroom ceiling is acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is not only highly resistant to water, mold, and mildew, but it also dries faster and often contains no VOCs. This paint is less odorous, making it easier to be around while waiting to dry.
Remove Chipped/Flaking Paint
A putty knife or paint scraper works well at removing the paint if you carefully move it along the loose edges. Make sure to remove all peeling or flaking areas until the wall and ceiling only have firmly adhered paint on them.
If the peeling is due to poor adhesion or surface preparation issues, it is generally possible to paint over it. However, if the peeling is caused by moisture, mold, or other structural issues, addressing the root cause is essential before applying new paint.
Peel Bond is a great bonding primer that can be used when you need to apply a topcoat over a surface that you are concerned it may not stick to. It will even penetrate bare wood and masonry to promote better adhesion, as well as bridge hairline cracks in existing surfaces.