How To Fix Peeling Paint On A Ceiling The Best Way

 A peeling ceiling is bad news! Not only does it look bad it can also point towards other problems, as in what could be causing it.

In this post, you can find out how to fix peeling paint on a ceiling. You can also discover what could be causing it and how to help prevent peeling ceiling paint.

How To Fix Peeling Paint On A Ceiling In 7 Steps

1. Find out what’s causing the peeling

If it’s water damage you’ll want to fix the cause before fixing the peeling or it’ll just happen again. It could also just be old paint or worn from being in an area with high heat and humidity.

2. Identify the type of paint on your ceiling

This is so you know what kind of paint to use to fix the peeling part. Using the same color and paint type helps keep your ceiling looking uniform.

3. Prepare the area

This means moving things beneath the peeling area and putting down drop cloths. Moving things gets them out of the way and keeps them safe from paint. Putting down drop cloths helps catch any dust, paint chips, and stray paint, and makes cleanup easier.

4. Get rid of the peeling paint

Scrape off peeling paint on the ceiling using a putty knife. Lightly sand the area using 150-grit or higher sandpaper. Clean off any dust.

Sanding helps the patching compound, the primer, and the paint bond more tightly to your ceiling. This helps lower the chances of it peeling again.

5. Patch the area

Patch the peeling area with a thin layer of patching compound and a putty knife. Let it dry and apply a second coat. Lightly sand and clean the area.

When you scrape and sand an area it ends up shallower than the ceiling around it. Patching levels the surface for a better-looking paint job.

6. Prime the area

Prime the area with an oil-based primer and let it dry.

Priming helps the paint stick better to the ceiling so it lasts longer. It’s a good idea to have any fans on and windows open as the primer will have a strong smell.

7. Paint the area

Paint the area with whatever type of paint is on your ceiling. Start in the middle of the area and spread out the paint, going lighter and lighter the further away you go from the middle.

What 6 Main Factors Can Be Cause My Ceiling Paint To Peel?

• Other damage. Water damage and more can cause paint to peel
• Heat and humidity. Areas with high heat and humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens, can cause paint to peel faster than other areas.
• Age. Age affects everything, including the paint on your ceiling. It could just be time to repaint your ceiling.
• Improper painting prep. If the surface isn’t clean or doesn’t have proper priming the paint can peel much faster. This happens mostly due to moisture. Moisture gets between the paint and the wall, causing it to peel.
• Improper painting techniques. Another reason ceiling paint peels could be not enough drying time. This can cause severe cracking, or “alligatoring”.
• Poor quality paint. The paint may not be of high enough quality. Ceilings in areas with high heat and humidity need paint that sticks better and is flexible. This way it can expand and contract with the heat and moisture.

How Can I Help Prevent Peeling Paint On A Ceiling?

You can use high-quality paint like bathroom and kitchen-specific paint, allow enough drying time between coats, ventilate the room with open windows, fans, or vents, or repaint it before it gets too old.