Peeling paint is usually the first thing someone will notice about a space. It makes bathrooms unappealing to use; living rooms feel old and dated and, when it comes to the exterior, it can turn any potential home into an unwanted mess.
Not only is peeling paint an eyesore it also comes with a significant health risk concerning lead exposure. Back in the early 70’s many Australian houses were coated in lead based paint. When that coat is damaged and disturbed it means nothing is stopping your family from coming into contact with the lead daily. If you’re concerned this may be the case in your house, contact a professional. Lead based paint removal needs to follow all the necessary precautions and should only be carried out by Trusted lead based paint contractors.
Moisture is the number culprit when it comes to flaking paint. When water finds its way into the wood, it causes the paint to separate from the surface of the wood, resulting in the cracking and bubbling you may see in bathrooms from time to time. Peeling paint can be useful to indicate if gutters need a clean out. If windows or doors are letting water in or if there are any leaks in your household.
Where there’s moisture on surfaces, there’s usually a poor ventilating system following right behind it. High humidity will destroy your paint, as not only will it cause the paint to separate, but is also responsible for mould and mildew that you can’t paint over.
Speaking of mould and mildew, if there’s any dirt or other foreign material on a surface paint is not going to stick. Factors like mould will continue to grow breaking through the paint and causing it to fall. This is extremely dangerous as the removal of lead paint puts you and your family at risk.
This is why it’s essential to ensure there’s no water damage to your surfaces and that your space has proper ventilation, thus decreasing the risk of mould ruining your paint.
If you’re applying a new coat on a surface, always make sure to wipe down the surface and prime beforehand to keep your paint looking fresh.
While we can’t control the weather, it’s best to know how different temperatures and conditions affect your paint. While it might seem best to paint in higher temperatures, this will cause the paint to dry too fast, resulting in weaker bonds from forming. The sun and dry weather can also trigger the peeling process as the former weakens bonds over time while the latter prevents them from forming correctly in the first place.
The simple act of applying to many or too few coats can leave your paint coat looking less than stellar. When it comes to your ceiling using heavy layers of paint will cause the coating to crack and fall resulting in what may be an unwelcome surprise on your living room floor. Even the brush can be a factor as not applying an even coating of paint will result in weak bonds to the surface.
Not all paints are built equal! That’s why it’s important to know the difference and not mix the two. Oil-based paints will not paint over latex ones, and vice versa so always ensure you’re using the same base. Oil-based paints, they more durable of the two, suitable for any areas that take a lot of wear, such as doors. Latex paints are more comfortable to work with less odour and quicker drying time. They’re easier to clean so perfect for walls but not as enduring.
Low-quality paint can also pose an issue as these brands won’t dry or adhere suitably. When shopping be sure to pick up something with a lot of pigment, resin and few solvents even if they cost a little extra (they’ll save you on maintenance in the long run). Like mentioned above, using the incorrect paint is something you need to watch out for. Keep in mind that there are different paints and primers for many different surfaces so make sure you use the correct tools based on your project.
Time will always be a factor when it comes to paint peeling. To maintain your surfaces repainting is a necessity. Wood needs to be repainted every 3 to 7 years, while other surfaces will differ.
Paint won’t last forever; this includes in its tin as rust will ruin the paint. Always check for any odd odours or smells before starting your job.
At the end of the day, no paint job lasts forever. With any luck, these tips have given you a clear idea of how to get the most out of your coat. As a homeowner, you’ll have to check in annually for any signs of damage. The damage will usually appear in the form of cracking or bubbling before the peeling itself starts. Like we mentioned above this is an excellent way to check on other factors such as water damage and if you haven’t already ensured that your home isn’t fitted with lead based paint, and contact a lead based paint removalist today.
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