Last modified: 2023-01-03 | Approximate reading time 
4 mins
Showering, bathing, hair drying and moist towels hanging from every fixture; all the activities that take place in the bathroom breed humidity.
As a result, for homes with paint jobs that were completed years before, peeling paint is a common problem.
What cause the paint to peel?
While taking a look at the peeling paint on your bathroom walls, you’re probably asking yourself: but why? Many reasons can explain such a situation.
First of all, it’s worth knowing that an insufficient preparation of the surface to be paid such as a bad cleaning is a factor often implicated.
Also, the use of paint that is not antifungal and therefore unable to withstand a high level of humidity can contribute to this problem. Keep in mind that paints with matte finishes are generally more vulnerable to mold. Let's specify that it's still possible to opt for this type of finish if the paint is antifungal.
Lastly, let’s remember that choosing a poor quality paint can also contribute to its peeling.
Problems that can be caused by peeling paint
Not only is the chipping colour unsightly, but those open wounds in the wall can aid in the unsightly production of mildew and bacteria. It isn't overly complicated to repair peeling paint, but extra caution should be taken in cases of older homes where lead paint could have been used. If your home was built before 1979, please consult a professional before moving forward with at home repairs.
In all other instances, it only takes a few simple steps to revamp your bathroom's coat of paint and take care of that breeding ground of mildew.
Solutions for peeling paint in the bathroom
If you're up for the job, here are the simple steps to combat that peeling paint in your bathroom!
Source: Google; David Gunter
Out with the old and in with the new! Begin by removing existing paint chips from the walls
Work carefully and precisely to remove hanging or unadhered paint from ceilings and walls, making sure that only tightly fastened paint is left standing. This job can be done with a paint scraper or flat surfaced knife such as a putty knife. It's recommended that the job be done while wearing protective eyewear and a dust mask or ventilator, as tiny flakes of paint may circulate in the surrounding air and can easily be inhaled.
Now you're making smooth moves towards a restored bathroom!
With the removal of layers of paint in only certain sections of the wall, uneven, broken spots will now be found. An important step is smoothing out the surface you're repairing. This process can be done using fine-grain sandpaper or an electric sander. As you complete the sanding process, don't forget to dust off those surfaces so that they'll be as flat and polished as possible moving forward.
Patch and Go: patch up rough, uneven spots with a patching compound.
A patching compound can be found at your local hardware store. Apply the compound carefully, making sure to level it out as much as possible. After the first coat has dried, apply a second coat and leave it alone overnight. The following day, wake up revived and continue with your dream bathroom DIY.
With the patched areas dry, grab the sandpaper, your eyewear and dust mask again and have another go at those newly crafted uneven surfaces. You'll want to spend some time sanding down the patching compound so that the walls and ceiling are unwrinkled and even. It is sometimes recommended that a vacuum be used following this step, as dust particles will be present.
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Prepare surfaces before painting: prime the walls to avoid future problems
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Priming the walls and ceiling is a very important step, as most paint peels due to lack of primer. Be sure to use a moisture-resistant primer, as this will stand up against the humidity of most bathrooms. Using a small brush or roller, prime the areas you will be painting and allow the primer to dry fully.
Now you're prepped and ready to paint! Hopefully, you've been left with a baby-smooth surface so the paint can be applied easily. Make sure to choose a paint that will stand up to the heat of the bathroom, such as gloss or semi-gloss paints, as well as a colour that will keep the space tranquil.
Recap table of the steps to repair peeling paint on bathroom walls
1) Start by removing the old paint with a scraper or flat knife;
2) Work carefully and be precise when removing paint that peels off walls and ceilings;
3) Using a sandblaster or sandpaper, smooth the surface you are repairing;
4) Remove the dust on the surfaces;
5) Carefully apply the filling compound, making sure to maintain a uniform surface;
6) Let the product dry;
7) Sand the surface again;
8) Remove the dust again;
9) Apply a coat of primer to the surfaces;
10) When the primer is dry, you may proceed to painting.
Don't forget to wear protective clothing to avoid injuries.
Author- Amanda Harvey
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