Cause Peeling is caused by poor surface preparation, and refers to the removal of strips or sheets of paint due to loss of adhesion. The loss of adhesion could be the result of: painting over a coating containing wax; an excess buildup of moisture within the wood; painting over an old, smooth coating; or painting over heavy chalk surfaces. Other surface conditions or contaminants known to affect the adhesion of newly applied topcoats are oil, grease, various forms of pollution such as dust, dirt and mildew, applying paint over hard glossy surfaces and excessively thick film topcoats.
Solution Proper surface preparation will prevent peeling of the topcoat. If a peeling situation persists, the loose paint must be completely removed. Prepare surface by removing or abrading the problem surface. Sand all bare wood to fresh wood. Remove surface contaminants with naphtha solvent, detergents and water. Glossy surfaces must be scuff sanded. All surfaces must be rinsed with clean water and allowed to dry thoroughly. Exposed wood areas must be sanded to fresh wood and primed with an alkyd or latex primer.
