Paint With Confidence
Exterior Common Issues & Solutions
Text & image courtesy of the Rohm & Haas Paint Quality Institute
Peeling
Loss of paint due to poor adhesion. Where there is a primer and top coat, or multiple coats of paint, peeling may involve some or all coats.
Possible Cause
- Seepage of moisture through uncaulked joints, worn caulk or leaks in roof or walls.
- Excess moisture escaping through the exterior walls (more likely if paint is oil-based).
- Inadequate surface preparation.
- Use of lower quality paint.
- Applying an oil-based paint over a wet surface.
- Earlier blistering of paint (see Blistering).
- Applying paint in a very thin coat.
Solution
Try to identify and eliminate source of moisture (see Efflorescence/Mottling). Prepare surface by removing all loose paint with scraper or wire brush, sand rough surfaces, prime bare wood. Repaint with a top quality 100% acrylic latex exterior paint for best adhesion and water resistance.
