Quick answer: Most paint failure starts before the paint goes on: poor prep, the wrong primer, moisture behind the surface, or painting in the wrong conditions. Diagnose the failure first. Peeling usually points to adhesion, bubbling to moisture or heat, and cracking to a flexible paint over a moving surface.
PeelingUsually adhesion. The paint did not bond to the surface.
BubblingUsually moisture or heat behind the film.
CrackingUsually a rigid paint on a moving or flexing surface.
FlashingUneven sheen from porous or patched areas.
Failure shows the cause. Read it before you repaint.
Failure shows the cause. Read it before you repaint.

Diagnose the failure

What you see Likely cause Fix
Peeling in sheets Poor adhesion, no primer, glossy surface Scrape, sand, prime, repaint
Bubbles Moisture behind the paint or heat on the surface Find and fix moisture, then repair
Cracks along joints Movement, or rigid paint on flexing surface Repair, use a flexible paint, check the structure
Flashing and uneven sheen Porous or patched surfaces absorbing unevenly Prime with a stain-blocking or sealer primer
Yellowing or chalking Age, sun, low-quality paint Clean, prime if needed, repaint with a better product
Are you preventing the next failure?

All five ticked? You are set up to last. Missing any? Fix that step before the next coat goes on.

How we fix a failed paint job

1
Diagnose

Find out why the paint failed before anything is removed.
2
Fix the cause

Stop moisture, repair movement, or correct the surface.
3
Remove what is loose

Scrape and sand back to sound material.
4
Prime correctly

Use the right primer for the surface and the stain.
5
Finish and document

Two finish coats, then the product and colour recorded for future work.

The most common causes, in order

Surface not prepared

Dust, grease, glossy surfaces and loose paint are the top cause. Sanding and cleaning fix most of it.

Moisture

Water behind paint causes bubbling and peeling. Find the source before you repaint.

Wrong conditions

Painting too cold, too humid or in direct sun can stop paint curing correctly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I paint over peeling paint?

No. Peeling paint must be removed back to sound material first. Painting over it only hides the problem for a short time.

Why does paint bubble?

Usually moisture or heat behind the film. Find and fix the moisture before repainting.

How do I stop paint from cracking?

Use a flexible paint on surfaces that move, and repair the movement itself where it is possible.

Related searches: why does paint peel, why paint bubbles, paint cracking causes, paint failure, how to fix peeling paint

Related: Painting services, including surface prep and primer decisions.

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