Few things are more frustrating than investing in a fresh interior paint job only to then see cracks or flakes appear on your walls or ceilings. The good news is that learning why paint fails can help you prevent future problems and ensure your next paint job lasts for a while.

What Are the Causes of Cracking or Flaking Paint?

If paint begins cracking or peeling shortly after application, the cause is usually related to preparation or materials.

• The surface wasn’t properly prepared. Surfaces must be clean, dry, smooth, and properly primed to allow the paint to bond correctly.
• The wrong paints were used, or low-quality paints and materials were used to try to paint the interior.
• Paint was applied too thickly, without proper drying time between coats, or over an incompatible surface.
• You needed a different type of paint in areas with high humidity and moisture. For example, kitchens and bathrooms may crack or peel faster due to the presence of water and steam.

Cracking or flaking paint is a strong sign that something was done incorrectly during the painting process.

Should You DIY Even With These Risks?

DIY can seem like the simplest and cheapest way to go, until it isn’t. Many homeowners don’t have professional painting experience, which means that they make simple mistakes or don’t know which materials to use. This leads to coating breakdown on interior walls shortly after the project is done. If you want to save time, money, and frustration, it’s best to skip DIY and to enlist the help of a professional painting company near you to get the job done correctly the first time around.

Older Paint Cracking or Flaking? What You Should Know

Some homeowners may be concerned about flaking or cracking paint later on, rather than immediately after a paint job. For example, you may have had the same paint for a significant amount of time, but now it’s starting to show signs of wear. This is quite common in older homes as paint ages and becomes less elastic. At that point, it may be time to repaint your interior. In homes built before 1978, older layers may contain lead-based paint and require proper safety precautions to be taken.

If you notice that your paint is cracking or peeling, work with a professional painter to restore your walls to their former appearance. Reach out to us at 1st Choice Coatings in Pensacola, FL, to get the interior painting support you deserve!