Symptoms
- Paint flaking or curling away from the wood or trim
- Bubbles or blisters in the paint film
- Peeling concentrated near roof edges, window sills, or bathroom exhaust vents
Likely causes
- CommonMoisture trapped behind the paint filmWater from a leak, condensation, or high humidity pushes paint off the surface from underneath.
- CommonPainting over a dirty, damp, or glossy surface without proper prepPaint won't bond well without cleaning, sanding, and priming beforehand.
- PossibleUsing the wrong paint type for the substrate or conditionsOil-based paint under newer latex, or interior-only products used outside, can fail early.
What to do
- Identify the peeling location and check for a nearby moisture source, like a roof leak, gutter issue, or bathroom vent discharging into the wall.
- Fix the underlying moisture problem first, or repainting will fail again in the same spot.
- Scrape away all loose and peeling paint down to a sound surface using a scraper or wire brush.
- Sand the edges smooth so the new paint doesn't show a hard ridge line.
- Prime bare wood or problem areas with a high-quality exterior primer before repainting.
- Apply two coats of quality exterior paint suited for the substrate, in similar or compatible weather conditions to the original.
- Check painted areas near known moisture sources yearly to catch new peeling early.
Tools and parts
- Paint scraper
- Sandpaper
- Paintbrush/roller
Exterior primerSearch: “exterior wood primer”
Exterior paintSearch: “exterior house paint”
When to call a pro
Call a painting contractor for full-house jobs, and a lead-safe certified contractor if lead paint is suspected.
Safety
Use caution
If the home was built before 1978, have paint tested for lead before sanding or scraping, since disturbing lead paint requires special precautions.