Interior paint – flaking

Cause

Age, UV deterioration

Repair

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • solvent-borne paint should generally not be applied over water-based paint

  • 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

  • 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