Paint Peeling on Walls: Causes and Fixes (Whitehouse Guide)
Dealing with paint peeling on walls Whitehouse knows is frustrating—but it's usually fixable with the right approach. At Whitehouse Painting & Decorating, we regularly help Northamptonshire homeowners stop peeling, repair damage and prevent it returning with proper preparation and quality materials.
Peeling paint ruins aesthetics and can signal underlying issues like moisture or poor adhesion. Whitehouse explains the most common causes and provides step-by-step fixes—whether you're tackling small patches yourself or need professional help for larger areas.
Common Causes of Paint Peeling on Walls
- Moisture & damp — Leaks, condensation, rising damp or poor ventilation cause paint to lift and bubble.
- Poor surface preparation — Painting over dust, grease, old flaking layers or without primer leads to weak adhesion.
- Incompatible layers — Applying water-based paint over oil-based (or vice versa) without proper bonding primer causes peeling.
- Wrong paint type — Using interior emulsion on exterior walls or high-humidity areas (bathrooms/kitchens).
- Substrate movement — Settling plaster, thermal expansion or new plaster not fully dried before painting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Paint Peeling on Walls
- Identify & address the cause — Check for leaks, improve ventilation, treat damp; fix before repairing paint.
- Remove loose paint — Gently scrape flaking areas with a flexible scraper; avoid gouging plaster.
- Sand & clean — Feather edges smooth; wash with sugar soap or mild detergent to remove grease/dust.
- Prime properly — Use a high-adhesion or damp-seal primer (especially on affected areas) for strong bonding.
- Fill & level — Apply flexible filler to cracks/holes; sand flush once dry.
- Repaint — Apply 2 thin coats of quality paint matching original sheen; use mould-resistant formulas in bathrooms/kitchens.
Prevention Tips from Whitehouse
Always prepare surfaces thoroughly; use correct primers between paint types; choose moisture-resistant paints in humid rooms; ventilate bathrooms and fix leaks promptly. Whitehouse uses premium, flexible paints to reduce future peeling risk.
When to Call Professionals for Paint Peeling
Extensive peeling, suspected damp/structural issues, or historic properties often need expert diagnosis and repair. Whitehouse assesses the root cause and provides a lasting fix with a 12-month guarantee.
See repair examples in our Projects gallery or explore Services and FAQs.
Struggling with paint peeling on walls Whitehouse can fix? Contact us today for a free assessment and quote.