Interior paint – flaking
Listed under: Interior, finishes, paint, walls, lead-based paint
Cause
Age, UV deterioration
Repair
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scrape and sand off loose paint until the surface is smooth, clean and dry. Repaint with a good quality paint. On walls that get direct sun, use a lighter coloured paint – darker colours absorb heat, which can reduce the lifespan of the paint
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for contact surfaces such as windows, doors and cupboards, use a water-borne enamel. These are quick drying, have lowerodour and clean-up is done with water
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wear a mask when removing layers of paint to prevent breathing in paint particles. Very old layers of oil-borne paint may contain lead (this is more likely on doors and windows frames). 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
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if strong sunlight is also damaging furnishings, consider a window treatment (a shade outside or filter curtains inside) to reduce this
Cause
Oil-based (alkyd) paint applied over water-based (acrylic)
Repair
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solvent-borne paint should generally not be applied over water-based paint
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scrape and sand off the paint until the surface is smooth, clean and dry, removing the top solvent-borne layer completely. Repaint with a good quality acrylic paint, using a water-borne enamel on contact surfaces such as windows, doors and cupboards
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wear a mask when removing layers of paint to prevent breathing in paint particles. Very old layers of paint on doors and window frames 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