Timber and steel windows – paint failure: peeling/flaking

Cause

Thermal expansion and contraction of the frame

Repair

  • scrape and/or sand paint back to bare timber or until the surface is sound; spot prime as required, then paint with at least 2 coats of semi-gloss or high gloss water-based enamel paint
  • caution: old layers of paint may contain lead. Lead can be a health hazard if fumes, dust or paint fragments are swallowed or breathed in. For more information see Health and safety: lead-based paint

Cause

Loss of adhesion due to excess moisture in frame

Repair

  • scrape and/or sand paint back to bare timber or until the surface is sound; spot prime as required, then paint with at least 2 coats of semi-gloss or high gloss water-based enamel paint
  • caution: old layers of paint may contain lead. Lead can be a health hazard if fumes, dust or paint fragments are swallowed or breathed in. For more information see Health and safety: lead-based paint

Cause

Poor initial substrate preparation

Repair

  • scrape and/or sand paint back to bare timber or until the surface is sound; spot prime as required, then paint with at least 2 coats of semi-gloss or high gloss water-based enamel paint
  • caution: old layers of paint may contain lead. Lead can be a health hazard if fumes, dust or paint fragments are swallowed or breathed in. For more information see Health and safety: lead-based paint

Cause

water-based enamel paint applied over water-based (acrylic) paint

Repair

  • scrape and/or sand paint back to bare timber or until the surface is sound; spot prime as required, then paint with at least 2 coats of semi-gloss or high gloss water-based enamel paint
  • caution: old layers of paint may contain lead. Lead can be a health hazard if fumes, dust or paint fragments are swallowed or breathed in. For more information see Health and safety: lead-based paint

Cause

The surface was damp or dirty when painted

Repair

  • scrape and/or sand paint back to bare timber or until the surface is sound; spot prime as required, then paint with at least 2 coats of semi-gloss or high gloss water-based enamel paint
  • caution: old layers of paint may contain lead. Lead can be a health hazard if fumes, dust or paint fragments are swallowed or breathed in. For more information see Health and safety: lead-based paint

Cause

A dark paint colour has been used

Repair

  • scrape and/or sand paint back to bare timber or until the surface is sound; spot prime as required, then paint with at least 2 coats of semi-gloss or high gloss water-based enamel paint
  • caution: old layers of paint may contain lead. Lead can be a health hazard if fumes, dust or paint fragments are swallowed or breathed in. For more information see Health and safety: lead-based paint

Cause

There has been timber swelling/shrinkage caused by moisture absorption into the timber end grain if the joints were inadequately primed before installation

Repair

  • scrape and/or sand paint back to bare timber or until the surface is sound; spot prime as required, then paint with at least 2 coats of semi-gloss or high gloss water-based enamel paint
  • caution: old layers of paint may contain lead. Lead can be a health hazard if fumes, dust or paint fragments are swallowed or breathed in. For more information see Health and safety: lead-based paint