Peeling Paint: Proper Techniques For Prepping Exteriors

Do you have peeling paint on an exterior wood repaint? I recently had a conversation with one of my amigos about an upcoming project. He needed some advice on peeling paint issues and how to properly prep the wood surface. I figured I share the advice I gave him in this post.

I need to repaint an old house with peeling paint issues. Any advice?

First, remove as much paint as possible by scraping, sanding or other appropriate means. Test the coating surrounding any peeled areas out about six to 12 inches to be sure the adhesion is adequate. Recognize that any surface preparation short of total removal of the old coating may compromise the service length of the new system. Next, prime the bare surface with the appropriate primer and caulk where necessary (especially at angles and crevices) to eliminate any opportunity for moisture to penetrate into the substrate. Clean and repair gutters so they properly channel water away from the house. Install vents, louvers, fans and dehumidifiers to relieve moisture, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area. Siding wedges can be installed to allow the moisture to escape between the boards instead of through them.If wood siding is touching the ground, remove that portion of the wood. Siding should come down no further than six inches above the ground. If a wood surface is deteriorated, replace it using cedar, redwood or pressure-treated wood.Prime the butt ends of the wood before installation to reduce moisture penetration. Follow label and data page directions for proper surface preparation and environmental conditions. Be sure the surface is dry prior to painting.

One Point to Keep in Mind

The coatings you apply over the old wood and coatings are only as good as the existing substrate. Painting over gray deteriorated wood will always result in peeling eventually. Without the total removal of the existing coatings or even substrates, you will always have to play catch-up.

So Amigos, do you recommend any other techniques for prepping exterior peeling paint on wood? Share below…

Also, check out Paint Amigo’s exterior applicator recommendations below (Amazon affiliate links)…

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