How to Fix Chipped Paint on a Wall

Paint peeling is a common problem that can occur on walls. It not only affects the aesthetic appeal of your home but also indicates underlying issues. Understanding why paint peels and learning how to fix chipped paint on the wall can help you maintain a beautiful interior. Wondering how to fix chipped paint on a wall? Follow the steps to prepare the area, patch the wall, sand it, clean off the dust, add primer, and paint.

Why Does Paint Peel?

There are several reasons why paint may start peeling off the walls. These include:

1. Moisture: Excessive moisture buildup, such as high humidity or water leaks, can cause paint to lose adhesion and peel.
2. Poor surface preparation: Insufficient cleaning, improper priming, or applying paint on a damp or dirty surface can lead to paint failure.
3. Low-quality paint: Using cheap or low-quality paint that lacks proper binders and pigments can result in premature peeling.
4. Age and wear: Over time, paint naturally deteriorates due to exposure to sunlight, temperature changes, and general wear and tear.

How to Fix Chipped Paint on the Wall

To fix chipped paint on a wall, follow these steps:

1. Preparing the area: Start by removing loose or damaged paint chips from the affected area using a scraper or putty knife. Be careful not to damage the underlying surface.
2. Patch the wall: Fill any holes, cracks, or gaps with a suitable patching compound or spackle. Smooth out the patched area using a putty knife and let it dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Sand the patched area: Once the patching compound is fully dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the patched area until it becomes smooth and blends in with the surrounding wall surface.
4. Clean off sanded dust and apply primer: Wipe away any sanding dust using a damp cloth or sponge. Apply a primer to the patched area to ensure proper paint adhesion and an even finish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time.
5. Paint the patch to match the wall: Using a brush or roller, apply a coat of paint that matches the original wall color to the patched area. For seamless integration, feather the edges where the new paint meets the old paint. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying additional coats, if necessary.

When to Call a Professional

While fixing small areas of chipped paint can be a DIY project, there are situations where it’s best to seek professional help. Consider calling a professional painter if:

• The peeling paint covers a large area or multiple walls.
• The underlying cause of the paint peeling is related to structural issues, such as water damage, mold, or rot.
• You lack the necessary tools, skills, or time to properly address the problem.
• The damaged area requires expert color matching or special techniques.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you know about chipped paint on walls, let’s take a look at a few other areas of recommended maintenance.

One of those is cleaning prefinished hardwood floors. To keep the floors looking nice, dust weekly, wet mop monthly, and polish to avoid streaks.

Another is fixing the baseboards and using the right size nail. Most baseboards use 2-inch nails which are suitable for attaching standard 3/4-inch thick baseboards to drywall. It also will depend on the thickness of the baseboards.

Lastly, if you have dry-erase marker on the walls, there are some things you can do to get it off. You can use rubbing alcohol, magic eraser, or mild soap to get it off.

Conclusion

Taking care of chipped paint on your walls is essential for maintaining a visually appealing home. By understanding the causes of paint peeling and following the steps to repair it, you can effectively restore the appearance of your walls. Remember, while some repairs can be done independently, it’s always wise to consult a professional for larger-scale or complex issues. Reach out to Alpha building inspections for a full home inspection in Merrimack, New Hampshire, and surrounding areas.