Ask any person about one thing they hate the most about their home, most of them would say, peeling paint! There’s no denying that wall paint peeling in patches looks ugly, disturbs the whole look and sometimes also looks spooky. Well, we need to understand that this doesn’t happen overnight. Peeling begins quietly and by the time you realise, it becomes a major issue. From a tiny bubble on the bathroom wall or a flaky patch near a main door, soon turns into an eyesore! And if you ignore it, soon your wall looks damp, and ugly. But don’t worry! If you too are going through the same issue, we have some good news. You don’t need a full repaint and spend thousands of bucks immediately. With the right approach and some quick fixes, you can actually deal with peeling paint. Priyanka Sahai, an interior expert (Gurugram), says, “Paint never fails on its own. It’s the surface beneath which tells the real story.” On this note, let’s find out how to fix the problem in a smart way.Understand why peeling happens The most common causes are:
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Moisture and dampness: One of the main villains of the peeling paint in Indian homes are moisture and dampness which happens due to leaky pipes, bathroom humidity, seepage, or poorly waterproofed exterior walls. Uneven surface: If you have painted over dusty walls, or uneven surface, it weakens adhesion and eventually, paint starts peeling in patches.No or wrong primer: Primer is extremely important. If your painter has skipped primer or used the wrong one, you’ll soon notice peeling on your wall.Low-quality paint: Interior paint on exterior walls, or budget paints without moisture resistance, peel faster. Always use good quality paint which stays longer.Weather conditions: Painting during extreme humidity, cold, or heat prevents proper curing, leading to peeling.Quick fixes
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Scrape off loose paint : Use a scraper to remove the loose paint completely. Never, like ever paint over peeling areas. It will only add to the problem.Smooth the edges: Use a sand paper to smooth the area. It will help the peeled edges blend into the surrounding wall. This ensures the repaired spot doesn’t stand out later.Clean the surface: Wipe the region with a damp cloth to remove dust or residue. Now let it dry completely. Fix the dampness
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If peeling is caused because of dampness, then:Fix leaks firstCheck the ventilationLet walls dry for at least 24–48 hoursApply wall putty (If required)Use wall putty to fix cracks and uneven surfaces. Once dry, sand lightly for a smooth finish.Primer
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You cannot skip primer. Use interior primers for living areas and for washrooms, use damp-resistant primers. Primer helps sealing the surface and helps paint grip properly.Repaint twice but only with good quality paintAlways go for a good-quality paint. It is important to apply two thin coats on the wall. Avoid one thick layer and give proper drying time between coats.Quick design fixes
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If you can’t repaint immediately, here are some smart hacks:Accent wall: Turn it into a design featureWallpaper or wall decals: You can cover it with wallpaper or wall decalsWall panels: You can also hide the damaged sections using wall panelsThough these aren’t permanent solutions, they allow you some time.How to prevent paint peeling
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Make sure kitchens and bathrooms are properly ventilated Repair seepage before rains hitAlways use primerDo not paint during extreme humidity or rainsTarun Shah, a seasoned painter working in a society of Greater Noida advises, “Good paint lasts years, but good preparation lasts decades. Most issues we face in societies are during monsoons. Because of dampness and water seepage, the walls suffer and paint peels. So it’s advisable to invest in quality paint which is also weather proof and water proof”.Peeling paint in patches is an early warning sign that your home needs attention. With timely action, you can restore your walls and prevent damage. Fix it once, fix it right.
