Now the ceiling was fixed I needed to make sure that I focused on prevention from this happening in the future. The shower - which is just an attachment on the bath taps is quite powerful i.e. First of all you must scrape off all loose paint then sand down everywhere.Then wash down with an anti-fungal solution and leave to dry. * While this post is not sponsored in any way, please note that links within the post are affiliate (which means if you purchase anything via my links i’ll get a tiny commission.). Scrape the knife under the paint. How to Fix Peeling Paint on the Bathroom Wall & Ceiling Remove Chipped Paint. Liked this DIY post? On the walls, you can sand by hand with sandpaper. Upon having the tiles replaced in this bathroom, I decided it was time to tackle this ceiling once and for all with the proper products that would repair the existing damage and stop the paint peeling in the future. With its high humidity and possibility of water leaks, peeling paint is a common problem for bathroom walls and ceilings. Once the filler was dry, I then sanded the filled area until smooth and this is what I was left with: As you can see, the ceiling was still really uneven. Rinse with hot water to remove any remaining residue. In Need of A Fresh Layer of Paint? Once the chipped paint is gone, the surface will be uneven since … Zinsser 123 primer/sealant pealing off bathroom ceiling. I used easifill where filling was needed. To keep bathroom paint from peeling, run a bathroom fan that’s vented to the outside every time you shower or bath, and keep it running for 10-15 minutes after you’re through to expel as much of the moist air as possible. Keep a trash can or other receptacle on hand so you can catch the loose paint chips as they fall and line the floor with a dropcloth in case you miss any flakes. When the first coat is dry, you can apply a second layer if necessary. Her writing has appeared on BobVila.com, World Lifestyle, and House Logic. The paint was peeling significantly from the ceiling and the plaster coving. Opt for a quick-setting patching compound and apply it in a thin, even layer with a putty or broad knife. Cracking, flaking or peeling is the splitting of a dry paint film. Most of the time peeling ceiling paint is cause by damp or by not priming correctly before painting. How to Use a Whisk Broom With Textured Paint on Ceilings, How to Get Rid of Air Bubbles on a Bathroom Ceiling, How to Get Black Mold Out of a Wood Ceiling, How to Fix an Old Plaster Ceiling That Is Peeling, How to Use a Primer & Sealer for a Bathroom Ceiling, Painting and Decorating Concourse: How to Repair Peeling Ceiling Paint, The Family Handyman: Painting, How to Choose and Use Primers, How to Prepare Bathroom Ceiling & Walls for Paint, How to Paint the Ceiling a Contrasting Color, How to Finish a Basement Without Sheetrock, How to Replace Bathroom Wallpaper With Paint. Gear up with goggles and a face mask, because tiny flakes of paint are sure to go flying. A putty... Patch. A coat of paint applied over … I used the Ryobi Palm Sander as it is nice and light to hold above my head, plus it has a dust collection box which sucks the dust into the machine, rather than just let it all fall on your head! The surface wasn't properly prepared for painting. I used one generous coat of this on my ceiling and let it dry overnight before applying three coats of Tikkurila Luja 7. Zinsser products I have used before and love. To avoid the same problem in the future, use an oil-based primer with stain-blocking properties before painting. As mentioned, I purchased Tikkurila in my local decorators merchants, so seek out your local trade paint specialist to purchase in your area. Please click the confirmation link in your inbox, How To Repair A Peeling Bathroom Wall Or Ceiling, How To Make On-Trend Bubble And Shell Soy Wax Candles, How To DIY This Parisian Style Wall Panelling, How To Reupholster A Bed: The DIY That Transformed My Bedroom In A Day, DIY Starter Kit: The Basic Tools That You Need To Own, 7 Budget-Friendly DIYs That Will Add Value To Your Home, 5 Clever And Contemporary DIY Paint Decor Ideas For The Home, A beginner’s guide to painting wooden sash windows, How To Remove Wallpaper And Make Good The Walls. Overlap your lines and work slowly to avoid paint spatter. Twice, I have scraped off the peeling bits. When dry and sanded, painted over with Zinsser Peel Stop. I have sanded a lot of it down but can still feel a slight edge where the old paint meets the plaster. Stay tuned for the full bathroom reveal which is coming on the blog next week! A few months ago I redecorated a bathroom for a customer. Clear the ceiling of oil paint - the task is almost impossible, but the washing, albeit very difficult, but still possible. Repairing peeling paint on your bathroom walls and ceiling can be a time-consuming process, but it isn't difficult. Set up a small step ladder that allows you to safely reach the ceiling. Finishing Skim is a more watery type of filler that you apply with a paintbrush, then smooth over with the scraper that is supplied in the tub. A Finnish brand, Tikkurila paint is anti-mould and incredibly hard-wearing. But you should still wear goggles and a dust mask while sanding to protect your eyes and lungs. You don't use flat paint in a bathroom, you should use at least a satin or semi-gloss kitchen and bath paint. I couldn’t be happier with the DIY job and a flaky ceiling is now not something that I should have to deal with in the future. There are several reasons why moisture occurs. For a coat of paint to stick properly, the surface … After a bit of research, I decided that Polycell Finishing Skim was the right product for the job. About two weeks ago we had a contractor come in to install an exhaust fan and fix up our bathroom ceiling. One of the more common issues with problem ceilings is moisture. Finish with a layer of all-purpose drywall compound and allow it to dry overnight. Also wet areas in the house such as the kitchen, laundry and bathroom can create moisture. Once the chipped paint is gone, the surface will be uneven since some areas will have a layer or more of paint and others won't. Try to remove enough paint to expose the underlying surface. Rising steam from showers and baths cover a ceiling and smother the paint, allowing it to peel from the surface. I cleared away the sander and washed down the ceiling with sugar soap to remove any surface dust. I applied the skim quite liberally in all directions with the paintbrush as I found that this had the best outcome. The most common way is to try to scrape it off with a construction hatchet or a spatula. You may begin to notice cracks and peeling in your paint around this 10-year mark. It also doesn't absorb moisture as readily as other types of paint, so it stands up to humidity well. A putty knife or paint scraper works well at removing the paint if you carefully move it along the loose edges. It will not soften when exposed to moisture and it has been designed for use in high humidity environments such as swimming pools, distilleries and hospitals. Peel Stop actively bonds down old paint edges and seals any cracks so that any moisture in the atmosphere cannot penetrate and push out the paint. Based in New York City, Jennifer Blair has been covering all things home and garden since 2001. I tried in another area and the same issue happened. To create a smooth surface for repainting, use patching compound to even out the walls and ceiling. Blair holds a Bachelor of Arts in Writing Seminars from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. If you're worried about stains, opt for a paint designed to resist mildew. Once all the loose paint has been completely removed, use a sander with a medium-grit paper to sand and smooth the ceiling down as much as possible. We have a shower in here that is hardly used, but the condensation was enough to seep in under the paint and push it away from the plaster. I've done a few of these jobs before and normally I scrape off the paint to a clean edge and then fill the edge. primer is the best primer going and I’ve used it in a multitude of DIY projects. Nothing to do with moisture resistant paint, my bathroom ceiling is painted with matt emulsion, as is the kitchen, the problem is the original surface being powdery. In some cases, the paint will look as though it is peeling off the wall in sheets like wallpaper. Discussion Starter • #1 • May 27, 2007. Strip completely, & seal the surface with a coat of Zinsser Gardz or Artex Stablex before painting. A layer of paint on a bathroom ceiling will typically last about 10 years before the paint starts peeling. The changing atmosphere in a bathroom may lead to peeling paint from the ceiling. Peeling paint is a common problem in bathrooms due to the high humidity and moisture found there. You won’t have to remove any of the old paint that is still intact. After I smoothed it over with the plastic scraper and left it overnight to dry, this is what it looked like: I then gave it a good going over with the sander again (using a fine grain paper this time) and this was the result: I have to say I was overjoyed with the result. The paint on the bathroom celing and outside facing walls have started peeling and cracking pretty badly. Or apply 2 coats of Zinsser Perma-White.Which … This results in paint peeling above the shower/bath. Make sure to remove all peeling or flaking areas until the wall and ceiling only have firmly adhered paint on them. However, it is almost impossible to not damage the rest of the coating! Then you can either apply 2 coats of a quality brand of oil based eggshell ie(Dulux Crown). Second step: Always wear safety goggles, gloves, and a mask while scraping the peeling paint from your ceiling. The other reason it may peel is because it was previously painted with oil-based and you put latex on top, so I would get the Zinseer B-I-N primer that will help with that. Scrape off any loose paint with a scraper first. Peeling paint is common in bathrooms, especially near the shower. It also helps with prevent mildew growth. One tbsp. Initially, the problem appears as a hairline crack, before evolving to flaking of paint chips. quite high water pressure - so lots of steam. Replaced the roller with a brush and same issue. Inadequate cleaning of surfaces before painting will cause paint to peel. Remove remaining mildew stains by spraying a weak solution of diluted bleach water onto the spots. It's been coated in matt and in places has gone back to bare plaster. Got a job coming up soon where the paint is flaking off a large bathroom ceiling in various places. This is a problem that needs fixing as it can lead to complete failure of the paint. Allow the walls and ceiling to dry completely. There were four key products that I used that gave me a super-smooth, repaired ceiling and peace of mind that peeling would not be a problem in the future: Find the links to all these products in the DIY guide below…. This type of paint has a high-gloss or semigloss finish and is washable. I have a brilliant local decorators merchant who give me a wealth of advice and they recommended two products: Zinsser Peel Stop Primer and Tikkurila Luja Matt 7 Anti-Mould paint. Thank you! 7 Posts . It's not only an eyesore in an otherwise attractive bathroom either - it's a prime breeding ground for mildew and bacteria. Every-time I touch the ceiling with wet paint, the old paint is just peeling off. It’s a cause for concern and instantly makes your home look like it is older than what it is. While this will not be my most glamorous blog post, it will sure beat all the badly filmed ‘boring bloke in a bathroom’ You Tube videos I had to endure to learn how to carry out this DIY task myself! Simply clean up using responsible paint disposal methods and enjoy your beautiful new walls. Yes its expensive paint but it is a two coat process where the two coats somehow fuse together - plus it has an anti mould additive in it. Generally what's the best prep work needed on the flaking areas ? I've left it alone now as I try to find a solution. This is not only creates an unsightly appearance in your bathroom but is considered a common breeding ground for mildew and bacteria. Their B.I.N. Peeling paint is the most common problem for bathroom walls and ceilings, especially due to the existence of possible water leaks and high humidity. There is an argument that such a product is more a marketing ploy than scientific reality. When I covered how I repaired my flaky, peeling bathroom ceiling on Instagram stories recently, I had so many messages about it that I decided to document the process over here on the blog. You may need to put in a good extractor fan despite having the window open, or it could be that the newly plastered ceiling was not mist coated or were covered with … Some paint had been removed back to the plaster, while some layers remained. Hi there currently working on bathroom ceiling which was flaking above shower area the best paint I can recommend is acrylic eggshell excellent properties for high steam and condensation areas. The first step in repairing your bathroom walls and ceiling is removing the chipped spots. The primer helps prevent water marks on the walls and ceiling and keeps the patching compound from getting wet and causing the paint to peel due to the humid conditions in the bathroom. It's important to work carefully, though, if you don't want your paint to peel again. Levelled out with Tourpret filler. The vac will collect all of the dust as you sand, so there's no mess to clean up afterward. I have a bathroom that gets quite steamy, even with the window open and extractor fan on. Using paint with a higher sheen level may help reduce water absorp… For example, in a bathroom with lack of ventilation, steam damage can occur to the coating causing it to flake and peel. When dry, painted 2 coats of Dulux bathroom paint. Your bathroom walls and ceiling probably started peeling in the first place because they weren't properly primed. This is a horrible job on a ceiling, so make sure you wear a dust mask and protective glasses for your safety. Peel Stop actively bonds down old paint edges and seals any cracks so that any moisture in the atmosphere cannot penetrate and push out the paint. I ran a roller loaded with paint along our bathroom ceiling but it started lifting the old paint off. Sign up to get further tips sent to your inbox! I’ve done a few patch-up jobs in the past, scraping off the worst of the damage and touching it up with a kitchen and bathroom paint, but the problem always resurrected itself quite quickly. Because small flakes of paint may fly through the air, wear protective eye wear and a dust mask as you work to avoid getting paint chips in your eyes or inhaling particles. A Finnish brand, Tikkurila paint is anti-mould and incredibly hard-wearing. I followed the instruction in this forum how to deal with paint peeling off in the bathroom ceiling,by scraping off all the loose paint washing off the area and after the area was dry, applied a coat of Zinsser 123primer/sealant and left to dry over night. Our tiny downstairs en-suite had always had issues with peeling paint on the ceiling. I have scrapped of the peeling paint as much as i can but cannot get all the paint off the ceiling without damaging the plaster. 4. To get a perfectly smooth finish ready for priming and painting, I had to put on a patching compound to level everything out. Peeling paint on the walls or ceiling of your bathroom can be unsightly. The ceiling was now flat and smooth ready for priming and painting. Third step: It would be perfect if you can use one of your hands to hold a tray for the falling flakes to minimize clean-up if you like . Once the ceiling was smooth of any flaky paint, I filled in any really deep holes with Ronseal Smooth Finish Filler. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Sandpaper can also work on the ceiling, but it will probably create a great deal of messy dust. Once your primer is dry, you can repaint your bathroom walls and ceiling in any color you choose. I was repainting my bathroom ceiling every few months to sort out peeling bits or mould before someone on here recommended that paint. See photo attached. Moisture from storm damage can release the coating from any ceiling surface causing peeling or blistering paint. The first step in repairing your bathroom walls and ceiling is removing the chipped spots. Look for a formula marked specifically for use in bathrooms. A good tip I got after I shared this photo online was to cover the plughole with tape so the paint flakes don’t trickle down there! If your home was built before 1979, it may contain lead-based paint, so you're better off hiring a professional to handle the repairs if that's the case. I scrapped the paint away, sanded the ceiling, taking it back to the plaster board in most places. Position a putty knife at the edge of the peeling paint. Instead, try using a shop vacuum outfitted with a dust collection bag and a sanding attachment. You want to let this coat completely dry … Hold the paint scraper at about a 30-degree angle from the ceiling, then push it toward the loose paint. Despite always having the window open when the shower is running, the amount of condensation that forms on the ceiling means that the paint tends to peel off the ceiling (walls are tiled). I used one generous coat of this on my ceiling and let it dry overnight before applying three coats of Tikkurila Luja 7. But it's important to choose the right type of paint if you want to prevent peeling and flaking in the future. Paints Take a paint roller and paint tray, using it to apply your first coat. After the patched areas are dry, you should sand them to ensure that there are no ridges or uneven edges. bleach in a cup of hot water will break up the stain. Pour some paint into a bucket. Certainly, there are many types of paint you can apply on bathroom ceilings. To begin, I used a paint scraper to scrape away all the loose paint. Hi, My bathroom is fairly small and the ceiling is fairly low. i would say there is still about 30-40% of old paint remaining and its with large patches of plaster. Apply it in a thin layer, using a putty knife for this process. Protect the floor with a drop cloth, and have a receptacle handy to catch the refuse. I primed the board with an acrylic primer.