A bad paint job comes in many forms; uneven paint colour, drips, bubbles, poor sheen uniformity – you get the picture. One we often see is peeling or flaking paint. There are many reasons paint could be painting and or flaking but before we can fix it, we need to understand the cause of the defect. One such cause can be the incorrect paint used on the existing surface, most commonly painting a water-based product over an oil-based enamel without the correct preparation.
Now this raises two important questions.
1. How can I avoid making this painting mistake?
Let us introduce you to The Metho Test. This test is how you determine what paint was previously used on the surface and is key to ensuring you don’t make the mistake of painting a water-based product over an oil-based enamel.
How to run The Metho Test:
Dampen a rag with methylated spirits and rub it on your painted surface.
If the paint transfers to the rag, it’s water-based.
If the rag remains paint-free, it’s oil-based enamel.
If the test reveals that your surface is water-based, then you can simply clean your surface, give it a light sand and apply your chosen water-based topcoat straight on top.
Expert tip – When changing the colour from a darker shade to a lighter colour, we recommend applying a stain blocking primer (such as Dulux Precision Stain & Mould Blocker) to your surface before your topcoat. This will prevent the previous dark colour from bleeding through your new topcoat.
However, if the test reveals that your surface is oil-based, you cannot apply a water-based topcoat without first cleaning and lightly sanding the surface and applying a specialised primer (we recommend Dulux Precision Maximum Strength Adhesion Primer). Then, once dry, you can apply your new water-based topcoat.
If you’re still unsure, head to your local Inspirations Paint store to get the right advice and right products for your paint project.
2. How can I fix this bad paint job?
If it’s too late for The Metho Test or you’ve inherited the bad paint job in your new home, don’t worry. Fixing this mistake is easier than you think. Simply follow these 4 steps to prep and paint your surface like a pro.
Step 1:
Scrape away any peeling or flaking paint from the surface with a paint scraper. When choosing the best paint scraper for your project, think about what surface you’ll be using it on and pick an appropriate sized paint scraper.
Step 2:
Sand down your surface to remove the old paint as best you can. You don’t need to sand down to the timber, just enough to dull the finish and allow your primer to stick to it effectively. Wipe down the surface to remove any dust before priming.
Step 3:
Apply 1x coat of a specialised primer. We recommend Dulux Precision Maximum Strength Adhesion Primer for this project. The adhesion strength of this product will ensure your chosen top coat will bond successfully. Allow the primer to dry completely.
Step 4:
Finally, apply 2-3x coats of your chosen top coat to the surface. Allow to dry between coats.
Don’t let peeling or flaking paint get you down. With the right products and advice, you can fix this common painting problem and prevent it from happening again.
If you’re in the fixing mood, check out these step-by-step instructions on how to repair a water damaged door with paint or how to re-coat your deck in 3 easy steps.
Head to your local Inspirations Paint store for everything you need for your next paint project.