Interior Paint Cracking, Flaking or Peeling
Cracking, flaking or peeling is the splitting of a dry paint film. This is a problem that needs fixing as it can lead to complete failure of the paint. Initially, the problem appears as a hairline crack, before evolving to flaking of paint chips.
Possible Cause
Use of a lower quality paint that has inadequate adhesion and flexibility.
Over thinning the paint or spreading it too thin.
Poor surface preparation especially not applying a primer before painting.
Poor adhesion of the underlying coats.
Excessive hardening and embrittlement of alkyd paint as the paint job ages.
Excessive moisture ingress within the substrate.
Solution
If caught early, it may be possible to correct superficial cracking by simply removing the loose or flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sanding to feather the edges, then priming any bare spots and repainting. However, if the cracking goes down to the substrate, you’ll have to remove all of the paint by scraping, sanding and/or using a heat gun. You can then prime and repaint the surface with quality products like Dulux 1Step® Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat and Dulux Wash&Wear®.
Help & Advice
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