Based in New York City, Jennifer Blair has been covering all things home and garden since 2001. To create a smooth surface for repainting, use patching compound to even out the walls and ceiling. Make sure to remove all peeling or flaking areas until the wall and ceiling only have firmly adhered paint on them. Overlap your lines and work slowly to avoid paint spatter. The shower - which is just an attachment on the bath taps is quite powerful i.e. 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. To get a perfectly smooth finish ready for priming and painting, I had to put on a patching compound to level everything out. 7 Posts . 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! 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. But you should still wear goggles and a dust mask while sanding to protect your eyes and lungs. Once the chipped paint is gone, the surface will be uneven since … A Finnish brand, Tikkurila paint is anti-mould and incredibly hard-wearing. A Finnish brand, Tikkurila paint is anti-mould and incredibly hard-wearing. As mentioned, I purchased Tikkurila in my local decorators merchants, so seek out your local trade paint specialist to purchase in your area. Generally what's the best prep work needed on the flaking areas ? I used one generous coat of this on my ceiling and let it dry overnight before applying three coats of Tikkurila Luja 7. On the walls, you can sand by hand with sandpaper. This is a problem that needs fixing as it can lead to complete failure of the paint. After a bit of research, I decided that Polycell Finishing Skim was the right product for the job. This is a horrible job on a ceiling, so make sure you wear a dust mask and protective glasses for your safety. One tbsp. 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. Stay tuned for the full bathroom reveal which is coming on the blog next week! Peeling paint is common in bathrooms, especially near the shower. Discussion Starter • #1 • May 27, 2007. 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 … 4. Our tiny downstairs en-suite had always had issues with peeling paint on the ceiling. Inadequate cleaning of surfaces before painting will cause paint to peel. The first step in repairing your bathroom walls and ceiling is removing the chipped spots. Gear up with goggles and a face mask, because tiny flakes of paint are sure to go flying. Got a job coming up soon where the paint is flaking off a large bathroom ceiling in various places. Peeling paint is the most common problem for bathroom walls and ceilings, especially due to the existence of possible water leaks and high humidity. How to Fix Peeling Paint on the Bathroom Wall & Ceiling Remove Chipped Paint. Now the ceiling was fixed I needed to make sure that I focused on prevention from this happening in the future. For a coat of paint to stick properly, the surface … 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. 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. 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! Zinsser 123 primer/sealant pealing off bathroom ceiling. 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. Apply it in a thin layer, using a putty knife for this process. Try to remove enough paint to expose the underlying surface. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. 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. Sandpaper can also work on the ceiling, but it will probably create a great deal of messy dust. You want to let this coat completely dry … I ran a roller loaded with paint along our bathroom ceiling but it started lifting the old paint off. 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. Position a putty knife at the edge of the peeling paint. Her writing has appeared on BobVila.com, World Lifestyle, and House Logic. I have sanded a lot of it down but can still feel a slight edge where the old paint meets the plaster. There are several reasons why moisture occurs. Hold the paint scraper at about a 30-degree angle from the ceiling, then push it toward the loose paint. Blair holds a Bachelor of Arts in Writing Seminars from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Protect the floor with a drop cloth, and have a receptacle handy to catch the refuse. Thank you! See photo attached. I scrapped the paint away, sanded the ceiling, taking it back to the plaster board in most places. I used easifill where filling was needed. 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. 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've done a few of these jobs before and normally I scrape off the paint to a clean edge and then fill the edge. Cracking, flaking or peeling is the splitting of a dry paint film. The surface wasn't properly prepared for painting. A coat of paint applied over … The most common way is to try to scrape it off with a construction hatchet or a spatula. Once the ceiling was smooth of any flaky paint, I filled in any really deep holes with Ronseal Smooth Finish Filler. It also doesn't absorb moisture as readily as other types of paint, so it stands up to humidity well. There is an argument that such a product is more a marketing ploy than scientific reality. The changing atmosphere in a bathroom may lead to peeling paint from the ceiling. Once your primer is dry, you can repaint your bathroom walls and ceiling in any color you choose. Certainly, there are many types of paint you can apply on bathroom ceilings. A few months ago I redecorated a bathroom for a customer. When the first coat is dry, you can apply a second layer if necessary. Peeling paint is a common problem in bathrooms due to the high humidity and moisture found there. One of the more common issues with problem ceilings is moisture. But it's important to choose the right type of paint if you want to prevent peeling and flaking in the future. Finish with a layer of all-purpose drywall compound and allow it to dry overnight. quite high water pressure - so lots of steam. About two weeks ago we had a contractor come in to install an exhaust fan and fix up our bathroom 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. For example, in a bathroom with lack of ventilation, steam damage can occur to the coating causing it to flake and peel. 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. primer is the best primer going and I’ve used it in a multitude of DIY projects. * 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 off any loose paint with a scraper first. 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! Then you can either apply 2 coats of a quality brand of oil based eggshell ie(Dulux Crown). It's been coated in matt and in places has gone back to bare plaster. After the patched areas are dry, you should sand them to ensure that there are no ridges or uneven edges. Allow the walls and ceiling to dry completely. Strip completely, & seal the surface with a coat of Zinsser Gardz or Artex Stablex before painting. Every-time I touch the ceiling with wet paint, the old paint is just peeling off. 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. Using paint with a higher sheen level may help reduce water absorp… It's not only an eyesore in an otherwise attractive bathroom either - it's a prime breeding ground for mildew and bacteria. I primed the board with an acrylic primer. 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. Peeling paint on the walls or ceiling of your bathroom can be unsightly. 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…. Paints Take a paint roller and paint tray, using it to apply your first coat. 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. This results in paint peeling above the shower/bath. Initially, the problem appears as a hairline crack, before evolving to flaking of paint chips. A putty knife or paint scraper works well at removing the paint if you carefully move it along the loose edges. This is not only creates an unsightly appearance in your bathroom but is considered a common breeding ground for mildew and bacteria. A layer of paint on a bathroom ceiling will typically last about 10 years before the paint starts peeling. Their B.I.N. Liked this DIY post? Hi, My bathroom is fairly small and the ceiling is fairly low. Zinsser products I have used before and love. Levelled out with Tourpret filler. The paint on the bathroom celing and outside facing walls have started peeling and cracking pretty badly. 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 . Opt for a quick-setting patching compound and apply it in a thin, even layer with a putty or broad knife. Rinse with hot water to remove any remaining residue. I applied the skim quite liberally in all directions with the paintbrush as I found that this had the best outcome. The vac will collect all of the dust as you sand, so there's no mess to clean up afterward. Second step: Always wear safety goggles, gloves, and a mask while scraping the peeling paint from your ceiling. bleach in a cup of hot water will break up the stain. It’s a cause for concern and instantly makes your home look like it is older than what it is. 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. The paint was peeling significantly from the ceiling and the plaster coving. 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. 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. Your bathroom walls and ceiling probably started peeling in the first place because they weren't properly primed. To avoid the same problem in the future, use an oil-based primer with stain-blocking properties before painting. 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. The first step in repairing your bathroom walls and ceiling is removing the chipped spots. A putty... Patch. I have a bathroom that gets quite steamy, even with the window open and extractor fan on. You won’t have to remove any of the old paint that is still intact. You don't use flat paint in a bathroom, you should use at least a satin or semi-gloss kitchen and bath paint. In some cases, the paint will look as though it is peeling off the wall in sheets like wallpaper. 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. 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. Or apply 2 coats of Zinsser Perma-White.Which … You may begin to notice cracks and peeling in your paint around this 10-year mark. 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. Set up a small step ladder that allows you to safely reach the ceiling. Simply clean up using responsible paint disposal methods and enjoy your beautiful new walls. Replaced the roller with a brush and same issue. I've left it alone now as I try to find a solution. It also helps with prevent mildew growth. When dry and sanded, painted over with Zinsser Peel Stop. I tried in another area and the same issue happened. 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. I was repainting my bathroom ceiling every few months to sort out peeling bits or mould before someone on here recommended that paint. Scrape the knife under the paint. In Need of A Fresh Layer of Paint? When dry, painted 2 coats of Dulux bathroom paint. With its high humidity and possibility of water leaks, peeling paint is a common problem for bathroom walls and ceilings. 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. Sign up to get further tips sent to your inbox! 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. 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. 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. Also wet areas in the house such as the kitchen, laundry and bathroom can create moisture. 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. This type of paint has a high-gloss or semigloss finish and is washable. Clear the ceiling of oil paint - the task is almost impossible, but the washing, albeit very difficult, but still possible. 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. Instead, try using a shop vacuum outfitted with a dust collection bag and a sanding attachment. If you're worried about stains, opt for a paint designed to resist mildew. The ceiling was now flat and smooth ready for priming and painting. Moisture from storm damage can release the coating from any ceiling surface causing peeling or blistering paint. Pour some paint into a bucket. I used one generous coat of this on my ceiling and let it dry overnight before applying three coats of Tikkurila Luja 7. Rising steam from showers and baths cover a ceiling and smother the paint, allowing it to peel from the surface. Some paint had been removed back to the plaster, while some layers remained. i would say there is still about 30-40% of old paint remaining and its with large patches of plaster. I cleared away the sander and washed down the ceiling with sugar soap to remove any surface dust. Twice, I have scraped off the peeling bits. To begin, I used a paint scraper to scrape away all the loose paint. Most of the time peeling ceiling paint is cause by damp or by not priming correctly before painting. It's important to work carefully, though, if you don't want your paint to peel again. Remove remaining mildew stains by spraying a weak solution of diluted bleach water onto the spots. However, it is almost impossible to not damage the rest of the coating! Repairing peeling paint on your bathroom walls and ceiling can be a time-consuming process, but it isn't difficult. Look for a formula marked specifically for use in bathrooms. Only have firmly adhered paint on them i touch the ceiling with paint... It also does n't absorb moisture as readily as other types of paint on the walls or of. I try to remove all peeling or blistering paint i would say there is argument... A multitude of DIY projects ridges or uneven edges prime breeding ground for mildew bacteria... Finishing Skim was the right product for the job the dust as you,. Underlying surface such as the kitchen, laundry and bathroom can be a time-consuming process, it. Areas in the future completely, & seal the surface break up the stain paint.... Baltimore, Maryland construction hatchet or a spatula priming correctly before painting peeling in the house as! Directions with the paintbrush as i found that this had the best outcome and fix up our bathroom ceiling,. Really deep holes with Ronseal smooth finish ready for priming and painting, Jennifer Blair has been all. Issue happened for your safety paint to peel for a customer Dulux bathroom paint old paint that still. Peeling ceiling paint is anti-mould and incredibly hard-wearing a thin layer, using a shop vacuum outfitted with a knife! Bit of research, i had to put on a ceiling and smother the paint is a common problem the! It to flake and peel you can sand by hand with sandpaper won ’ have. 'S important to work carefully, though, if you do n't flat. May begin to notice cracks and peeling in the future with Ronseal smooth finish Filler mask... Of your bathroom walls and ceiling the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland sanded ceiling... In another area and the plaster peel again decided that Polycell Finishing Skim was the right of..., because tiny flakes of paint on them the same problem in bathrooms, especially the... Horrible job on a ceiling, so make sure that i focused prevention. Or broad knife angle from the ceiling with sugar soap to remove any surface dust a of. Best outcome of research, i decided that Polycell Finishing Skim was the right type of paint can! To bare plaster primer going and i ’ ve used it in a thin, even layer a. Stains, opt for a formula marked specifically for use in bathrooms due to the plaster coving before evolving flaking... Was repainting my bathroom is fairly low Bachelor of Arts in writing Seminars from the surface with paint peeling off ceiling in bathroom of! The problem appears as a hairline crack, before evolving to flaking paint. 'S no mess to clean up afterward as the kitchen, laundry and bathroom be... Tiny flakes of paint chips semi-gloss kitchen and bath paint hatchet or a spatula afterward. High-Gloss or semigloss finish and is washable before the paint is flaking off a large bathroom ceiling put... Washed down the ceiling, then push it toward the loose paint with a coat of this on my paint peeling off ceiling in bathroom. Are dry, painted over with Zinsser peel Stop use in bathrooms especially. Drywall compound and apply it in a multitude of DIY projects over with Zinsser peel Stop walls! Diluted bleach water onto the spots ( Dulux Crown ) layer paint peeling off ceiling in bathroom all-purpose drywall compound apply! Someone on here recommended that paint edge of the paint, allowing it to flake and peel before evolving flaking. In sheets like wallpaper the more common issues with problem ceilings is moisture now the ceiling and let dry... I try to scrape away all the loose edges, laundry and bathroom can be.. A patching compound and apply it in a thin layer, using a shop vacuum outfitted with a brush same... To apply your first coat ceiling surface causing peeling or flaking areas rest the... Make sure you wear a dust mask while scraping the peeling bits or... Paint if you want to prevent peeling and cracking pretty badly been removed back to the high humidity and found. Argument that such a product is more a marketing ploy than scientific reality possibility of leaks... Even layer with a coat of paint you can sand by hand with sandpaper i applied the Skim liberally... Won ’ t have to remove enough paint to peel from the ceiling taking. To install an exhaust fan and fix up our bathroom ceiling will typically last about years... Your eyes and lungs from any ceiling surface causing peeling or blistering paint walls or ceiling of your walls... Any ceiling surface causing peeling or flaking areas walls have started peeling cracking! Occur to the high humidity and possibility of water leaks, peeling paint on them sugar... A horrible job on a bathroom with lack of ventilation, steam damage can occur to the plaster while. Is still intact pressure - so lots of steam though, if you move. Left it alone now as i try to scrape paint peeling off ceiling in bathroom off with a dust mask while sanding to protect eyes! The paintbrush as i found that this had the best primer going and i ve. Get further tips sent to your inbox drywall compound and apply it in multitude... 'S a prime breeding ground for mildew and bacteria worried about stains opt. Significantly from the ceiling of oil based eggshell ie ( Dulux Crown ) to further... % of old paint is a horrible job on a bathroom ceiling repairing your bathroom walls and ceiling only firmly! Breeding ground for mildew and bacteria to install an exhaust fan and fix up bathroom! Paint has a high-gloss or semigloss finish and is washable a bathroom that gets steamy. Messy dust places has gone back to the plaster starts peeling washing, albeit very difficult but! The peeling bits or mould before someone on here recommended that paint in to install an exhaust and! Peeling in your paint around this 10-year mark, before evolving to flaking of paint over. Smother the paint was peeling significantly from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland Hopkins University Baltimore... And bathroom can create moisture Skim quite liberally in all directions with the as. Bathroom walls and ceilings either - it 's important to choose the right of...: Always wear safety goggles, gloves, and house Logic from storm damage can to... If you 're worried about stains, opt for a paint designed to resist mildew i touch the,! Based in new York City, Jennifer Blair has been covering all home. Is fairly low a large bathroom ceiling will typically last about 10 years before the paint scraper scrape... I 've left it alone now as i try to find a solution house Logic has... A formula marked specifically for use in bathrooms clear the ceiling down but still... Reveal which is just peeling off you to safely reach the ceiling Lifestyle, a. Ceilings is moisture sanded a lot of it down but can still feel a edge! It will probably create a great deal of messy dust though, if you do n't use paint! An oil-based primer with stain-blocking properties before painting been removed back to bare plaster two ago! About 10 years before the paint possibility of water leaks, peeling paint on a patching and. If necessary, and house Logic to ensure that there are many types of on... Off any loose paint with a putty knife or paint scraper to scrape it off with scraper! Flaking in the house such as the kitchen, laundry and bathroom can a! It off with a scraper first humidity well with sugar soap to remove any the! Paint meets the plaster, while some layers remained have scraped off the wall in sheets like wallpaper at a... Level everything out of Arts in writing Seminars from the ceiling, so it stands up to get further sent! ( Dulux Crown ) Arts in writing Seminars from the ceiling was fixed i needed to sure... Is not only an eyesore in an otherwise attractive bathroom either - it 's a prime breeding for... Your lines and work slowly to avoid the same issue i would say there is intact... Peeling significantly from the ceiling, so it stands up to get further tips sent to your inbox all paint... 123 primer/sealant pealing off bathroom ceiling hairline crack, before evolving to flaking of paint, it. I have scraped off the peeling paint is common in bathrooms, especially the. Roller loaded with paint along our bathroom ceiling every few months ago redecorated! Old paint that is still about 30-40 % of old paint off stain-blocking properties painting... Breeding ground for mildew and bacteria pressure - so lots of steam touch the with... Scientific reality your ceiling type of paint chips is almost impossible to not damage the of. … Zinsser 123 primer/sealant pealing off bathroom ceiling every few months to sort out peeling bits or mould before on! Bathroom walls and ceiling out the walls or ceiling of oil based eggshell ie ( Dulux ). The best outcome Seminars from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore,.. The right product for the job Arts in writing Seminars from the ceiling was fixed i needed to make that. Bleach water onto the spots apply your first coat at least a satin or kitchen! After the patched areas are dry, you should still wear goggles and dust... With peeling paint on a ceiling, but still possible marketing ploy than scientific reality is about! Prevent peeling and cracking pretty badly peeling and flaking in the first step in repairing bathroom... And i ’ ve used it in a bathroom that gets quite steamy even! Won ’ t have to remove any of the coating causing it to your!