You just finished painting your home only to discover the paint is already peeling, cracking, or fading. Paint failure can be incredibly frustrating, not to mention expensive. Before you break out the paintbrushes for another round, it’s important to understand why the paint failed in the first place. This will help you take the necessary steps to ensure your new paint job lasts.
There are several common reasons house paint fails prematurely. Pinpointing the cause is the first step to remedy the problem for good. We’ll explore the 12 most likely culprits behind your paint troubles, from surface prep mistakes to using the wrong type of paint. Arm yourself with knowledge before you start your next paint project.
Improper Surface Preparation
Failing to properly prep the surface is one of the biggest reasons paint jobs fail. No matter how high-quality the paint, it won’t adhere well or last if the underlying surface isn’t ready for it.
What kind of prep is needed?
Proper surface prep for exterior paint includes:
- Cleaning dirt, mildew and chalking
- Fixing flaws like cracks, holes, and peeling patches
- Removing gloss from shiny surfaces
- Sanding rough areas
For interior paint, prep work involves:
- Washing walls to remove grease and dirt
- Sanding down glossy surfaces
- Filling holes and patching flaws
- Removing old wallpaper or paint
Why is surface prep so crucial?
Paint adhesion relies on both mechanical and chemical bonding. Mechanical bonding means the paint physically grips an appropriately textured surface. Chemical bonding occurs when the paint bonds on a molecular level with the surface.
Inadequate prep interrupts mechanical bonding. Dirt, glossy coatings, and unpatched flaws prevent the paint from gripping. Chemical bonding also suffers if surfaces contain grease, wax, or other contaminants.
Bottom line? Skipping proper prep almost guarantees paint failure down the road.
Using the Wrong Type of Primer
Applying primer is an essential step in most paint jobs. Primers maximize paint adhesion and durability. However, you need to use the right type of primer for the surface you’re painting. Using the wrong one can undermine the paint job.
What are the different types of primer?
Common primer varieties include:
- Acrylic primers for interior walls and ceilings
- Stain-blocking primers for heavily stained areas
- Bonding primers for slick surfaces like metal or tile
- Masonry primers for exterior concrete, stucco, brick or cinderblock
How does the wrong primer cause paint failure?
Using exterior primer indoors or a drywall primer on masonry results in inadequate adhesion and premature peeling or fading. Stain-blocking primers formulated to lock out stains won’t bond as well to surfaces without staining issues.
Be sure to use the primer type recommended for the specific surface you’re painting. This provides an optimal basecoat for the topcoat of paint.
Not Allowing Proper Dry Time Between Coats
If you rush the painting process, the paint finishes may not have adequate dry time. This can compromise durability and adhesion. Respect the recommended recoat window specified on the paint can.
How long should you wait between coats?
The recoat window varies based on factors like:
- Type of paint used
- Temperature and humidity levels
- Air circulation for drying
Oil-based paints may require up to 24 hours between coats. Latex paint usually needs 2-4 hours between coats. Cool, humid conditions extend dry times.
What happens if coats are rushed?
When you apply another coat before the previous one fully dries, a few things can happen:
- The finish may develop a cloudy, washed-out appearance
- Adhesion suffers as the coats can’t properly bond
- Trapped moisture ruins the paint film integrity
- Future peeling or cracking is more likely
Don’t rush the drying process. This helps ensure paint toughness and longevity.
Choosing the Wrong Sheen Level
Paint comes in a variety of finishes ranging from flat to high-gloss. Using a sheen not suited for the environment can lead to premature paint failure.
Where are different sheens appropriate?
- Flat or matte works for low-traffic walls and ceilings
- Eggshell resists scuffing on walls in entryways, hallways, and kids rooms
- Satin is durable enough for doors, trim, and cabinets
- Semi-gloss makes a smooth, wipeable finish for kitchens and baths
- High-gloss creates a shiny, reflective surface for accents
How does the wrong sheen cause issues?
Using too much sheen in high-traffic areas leads to scuffing and wear. Flat sheens in wet environments allow moisture penetration, fading, and wear. Glossy paint yellows more readily than lower sheens.
Pay attention to gloss levels recommended for each type of room when selecting your topcoat.
Painting Over Chalky Surfaces
Chalking occurs when sun exposure degrades exterior paint. It leaves behind a powdery, chalk-like film on the surface. Painting over chalking without proper prep is a recipe for failure.
Why does chalking interfere with new paint?
When paint chalks, the pigment erodes away while the weakly bound paint film remains. This compromises adhesion for the new coat of paint. Any polymers left will block proper chemical bonding with the fresh paint.
How should you address chalking before repainting?
Lightly chalked areas just need a good pressure washing before new paint. Heavily chalked surfaces require priming with a chalk-binding primer to restore integrity. The primer consolidates and stabilizes the surface for paint.
Chalking is a common paint failure factor for exterior surfaces. Address chalk buildup before attempting to repaint.
Painting in Extreme Temperatures
Trying to paint when it’s too hot or cold outside practically guarantees a failed paint job. Frigid temperatures prevent proper film formation while blistering can occur when it’s too hot.
How cold is too cold to paint?
Most latex paints shouldn’t be applied at temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Oil-based paints often have a higher minimum temperature of around 60 degrees.
What about painting when it’s hot outside?
Temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit frequently cause problems. The surface dries too fast, trapping moisture underneath the paint film. This moisture leads to bubbles, wrinkles, and peeling.
What’s the ideal temperature range?
For best results,most painters recommend an ambient air temperature between 50-90°F while applying and drying paint.Plan your exterior paint projects during moderate weather for optimal results.
Moisture Issues Behind the Paint
Trapped moisture behind fresh paint is a prime culprit for paint failure, especially outside. Signs like peeling, blistering, and bulging indicate moisture issues under the paint film.
How does exterior moisture get trapped?
Common ways moisture sneaks in include:
- Painting while or soon after it rains
- Painting wet wood
- Painting over damp masonry or concrete
- Painting too late in the day when dew is forming
- Not allowing adequate dry time between coats
What about interior moisture issues?
Sources of indoor moisture leading to paint failure include:
- Painting over unprimed porous surfaces
- Not fixing interior leaks before painting
- Insufficient ventilation and airflow
- Applying paint too thickly so it seals in moisture
Moisture has to fully escape before applying paint. Trapped moisture damages the paint bond and finish.
Applying Paint Too Thickly
It’s possible to apply paint too thickly during application. This excess paint causes curing issues that undermine the paint job.
How thick should paint coats be?
Paint should only be applied as thickly as recommended on the manufacturer’s instructions. Typical dry film thickness for latex paint is around 1.5-2.5 mils. Oil-based enamels require 2-3.5 dry mils.
What’s the downside of too-thick paint application?
Overly thick paint leads to problems like:
- Extended dry times
- Uneven sheen
- Trapped moisture
- Cracking or peeling
- Brush and roller marks
Multiple thin coats usually provide better results than one overly thick coat. Avoid the temptation to apply too much paint in hopes of better coverage.
Painting Over Oil-Based Paints with Latex
Many homeowners want to paint over oil-based paint with latex due to latex’s easier cleanup and lower odor. However, this shortcut often leads to paint failure.
Why don’t oil and latex paints get along?
Oil and latex (water-based) paints have different properties and don’t bind well together. Latex will frequently peel or chip when applied directly over cured oil-based finishes.
What’s the fix for painting latex over oil?
Lightly sand the oil finish to rough up the glossy surface.Then apply a heavy-duty primer formulated for paint transitions.Oil-based bonding primers work best for this. Allow extended dry time before applying latex topcoats.
With proper prep, it is possible to successfully paint latex over oil. Take steps to ensure compatibility between the two.
Fading from Sun Exposure
Exterior paints contain pigments that give them color. However, sun exposure can gradually cause those pigments to break down. This results in fading of the paint color over time.
What factors make paint fade faster outside?
- Darker paint colors fade more quickly
- Hot, sunny climates speed up sun damage
- Higher-gloss paints tend to fade more over time
- Inferior quality paint has less fade resistance
How can you extend the vibrancy of exterior paint?
- Select lighter, brighter hues
- Use paints with UV-resistant pigments
- Focus on paint quality over cost-cutting
- Apply a clear protective topcoat yearly
Fading is a common end-of-life failure for exterior paints. Plan on refreshes every 3-7 years to keep colors vibrant.
Neglecting Caulk and Sealant Maintenance
Caulk and sealant around windows, trim, joints, and openings are the first line of defense against exterior moisture. If this caulk breaks down and isn’t repaired, moisture damage to paint often follows.
How do you know when to re-caulk and reseal?
Signs caulk or sealant needs replacing include:
- Cracks, gaps, or missing sections
- Peeling, flaking, or oozing
- Obvious signs of water infiltration
- Changes in color or texture
What’s the maintenance recommendation?
Inspect caulk and sealant yearly before painting. Repair or replace any deteriorated sections to prevent leaks leading to paint failure.
Proper sealing is a paint perimeter defense. Don’t ignore this important maintenance step.
Using Interior Paint Outside
It may seem convenient to repurpose leftover interior paint for exterior projects. Unfortunately, interior paints lack the formulation needed for outdoor durability.
How are interior and exterior paints different?
Exterior paints contain:
- Primers for better adhesion
- Flexible resins to allow expansion/contraction
- Binders to withstand UV rays
- Added mildewcides and mold inhibitors
- Greater color pigment concentration
What happens when interior paint is used outside?
Since interior paint lacks weathering additives, it will tend to:
- Fade, peel and chip prematurely
- Allow greater moisture absorption
- Provide inferior UV protection
- Chalk excessively
Don’t swap interior for exterior paint unless the can specifically says it’s designed for “multi-surface” use.
Painting Over Dirty or Greasy Surfaces
Paint doesn’t fare well when applied over dirt, grease, oil, wax, or other contaminants. These grimy residues keep paint from properly adhering to the surface.
How does dirt undermine paint?
Surface contaminants prevent adequate mechanical and chemical bonding. Dirt or grease on the substrate blocks physical adhesion and keeps the paint from penetrating or fusing at a molecular level.
What’s the best practice for cleaning surfaces prior to painting?
Proper cleaning is crucial before painting. Use heavier-duty cleaners designed for grease-cutting. Rinse off residue and allow surfaces to fully dry before applying paint.
Don’t overlook thorough cleaning and degreasing for the most trouble-free paint application.
Skimping on Coats for Cost Savings
It’s tempting to take shortcuts and use fewer coats of paint to save time or money on a paint job. However, this often leads to premature paint failure.
What’s the recommended minimum number of paint coats?
Most quality paint jobs require:
- 1-2 coats primer
- 2 finish coats over previously painted surfaces
- 3 finish coats over bare drywall or wood
How does reducing coats undermine durability?
Insufficient coats mean:
- Inadequate hiding and color consistency
- Increased moisture absorption
- Reduced longevity and wear resistance
- More opportunity for lap marks and flaws
While extra coats add upfront cost, they deliver big savings over time by extending repaint intervals.
Ignoring Recommended Recoating Windows
The recoat window refers to the amount of time you must wait before applying another coat of paint. Disregarding this drying time compromises intercoat adhesion and durability.
Where do you find the recommended recoat time?
The manufacturer’s instructions listed on the paint can specify the recommended wait time between coats. This varies based on paint chemistry.
What happens if recoating time is rushed?
Paint needs adequate drying between coats so solvents fully evaporate and intercoat bonding can occur. If coats are rushed:
- The paint film may develop cracks or wrinkles
- Adhesion between layers decreases
- Gloss and sheen consistency suffers
- Future peeling and flaking issues are more likely
Respect the recoat windows for the most resilient, lasting paint job. Don’t take shortcuts to hasten the painting process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common signs of paint failure?
Some common signs that paint is failing include:
- Bubbling, cracking, or peeling paint
- Fading, yellowing, or chalking paint
- Rust showing through exterior paint
- Stains bleeding through interior paint
How can I make my new paint job last longer?
Tips for increased paint job longevity include:
- Proper surface cleaning and preparation
- High-quality primer suited for the surface
- Allowing adequate dry time between coats
- Using better-quality paint for durability
- Maintaining exterior caulk and sealants
- Washing exterior annually before reapplying protective clearcoat
What causes exterior paint to peel?
Exterior paint peeling is often caused by:
- Moisture issues behind the paint film
- Inadequate prep and cleaning of old paint
- Painting over glossy or chalky surfaces without priming first
- Applying latex paint directly over oil-based paint
- Painting in extreme hot or cold temperatures
How long should interior paint last before needing to be repainted?
With quality application, most interior latex paints should last 5-10 years before needing repainting. Flat or matte finishes may start looking drab earlier than satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss paints. Signs of wear like scuffing, yellowing, or stains indicate repainting is needed.
Is it better to use oil-based or latex paint?
In most cases today, latex (water-based) paint makes the best choice for interior and exterior painting:
- Latex offers excellent adhesion and durability rivaling modern oils.
- It provides easier cleanup than oil-based paints.
- Latex dries faster with less odor and toxicity.
- It lacks the yellowing issues associated with aging oil paint.
How many coats of paint should be applied for best results?
For optimum paint results:
- Priming coats: 1-2 primer coats depending on surface
- Previously painted surfaces: 2-3 finish coats
- New drywall or wood: 3-4 finish coats
Extra coats enhance durability and longevity. Don’t skimp to save on paint costs.
Conclusion
Freshly painted walls provide a welcome facelift for tired rooms. But paint that quickly fades, chips, or peels ends up looking worse than before painting. Addressing common paint failure causes lets you combat premature deterioration issues.
Proper surface prep, adequate dry times, high-quality paint, and following application best practices helps ensure your new paint job stays beautiful year after year. Avoid frustration by understanding and correcting the factors that undermine paint adhesion, protection, and longevity. With knowledge and effort, you can create durable, long-lasting painted finishes throughout your home.