-Paint peels for several reasons and while it’s relatively easy to repair it’s also important to determine why the paint peeled in the first place and fix that problem first. George Borlodan from Borlodan Painting Company, recently released the top culprits that cause paint to peel and the steps for repair.
- Weather, temperature and moisture are top causes for paint to peel. The combination of seasonal weather and fluctuating temperatures contribute to changes in the painted surfaces. Wood contracts and expands with moisture and temperature changes and over time the wood ages causing the paint to crack and peel. Windblown dirt and other debris is another source of damage to both the paint and surfaces. Weather damage happens over time and eventually the building needs to be repainted.
- Moisture not only causes paint to peel it can be a sign of water damage and mold. A leaky roof is a leading cause of moisture as is water and moisture underneath a building. Other culprits are leaky showers, leaking appliances, faucets and pipes that go unnoticed and unrepaired. When the cause of peeling paint is moisture more extensive structural repairs and drying the affected materials are critical before repainting. Without the surfaces being repaired and dry, new coats of paint are only going to peel again and water and mold damage will continue.
- Chemicals, oil and surfaces that weren’t properly prepared in the first place can also cause paint to peel. It’s important to do all the prep work before applying that first coat of paint. Clean surfaces thoroughly. Painting over the wall behind the kitchen stove without first removing all traces of cooking residue guarantees the paint will peel again. That coat of primer might seem like too much work but it can also make a difference in whether the paint peels or not. Some cleaning solutions and spills can also damage an existing paint job, causing peeling.
- Other common reasons for peeling paint include the wrong type of paint, old paint (check the expiration date for that paint that has been in the garage for years) and too many coats of paint. Older homes with rooms that have been painted, repainted, then painted again tend to have problems with bubbling and peeling paint.
Before starting to scrape and paint, the Atascadero painter recommends locating the cause of the peeling. It makes sense to clean up and repaint small sections. The more or larger the areas of peeling paint the more work is involved. Sometimes it’s best to just start over with an entirely new paint job. When the cause of the peeling paint turns out to be moisture in the walls from water damage, more extensive repairs are needed before any new paint is applied.
When there is no deeper damage, repairing patches of peeled paint is straight forward:
- Scrape away the old paint. Use a drop cloth to protect the floor and catch the paint chips. Goggles and a face mask are a good idea because paint flakes and dust get airborne. Have at wire brush, putty knife and paint scraper on hand. The chances are one tool isn’t going to do the entire job.
- Prepare the surface by removing any trace of grease and dirt, patching holes and deep scratches. Proper and thorough preparation is key to any successful paint job says the Atascadero painter. When the area is completely dry sand the patched areas until they are blend with the surface. A sander with a dust bag attachment helps keep the dust under control. Remember goggles and face mask! When the surface is smooth and even, wipe it clean with a damp sponge followed by a dry cloth then let the area dry thoroughly.
- Apply a primer as advised for the type of paint and surface. It’s worth the extra step. Let the primer dry thoroughly.
- Paint the newly prepared and primed spots, applying as many coats as advised. Make sure each coat dries before applying the next. Let the final coat dry completely, especially in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room.
Borlodan Painting Company has been supporting the interior and exterior painting needs of Central Coast residents and businesses since 2005. “The Borlodan Touch” that has made the company the painter of choice comes from the team’s refusal to cut corners. Every job is approached with care and professionalism, from proper surface preparation to choosing paint brands that can stand up to outdoor weather, or the wear-and-tear of indoor life.
“The way we see it,” says Borlodan, “every job we take on is our most important project. The client has chosen us, and it’s up to our team to reward that trust.”
Borlodan Painting Company
2197 Bel Air Place
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 295-0194
