If you have just finished painting a room and noticed that the paint has started to flake, or if you notice the first signs of hairline cracks in your wall paint, you might be wondering why is wall paint cracking. There are several reasons why your wall paint might be cracking, and there are a few things you can do to stop this from happening.
Preparation is key to preventing wall paint cracks
There are a number of reasons why wall paint cracks, and fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to minimize them. The most common culprit is moisture. You may have to turn on the dehumidifier if you live in an extremely humid climate, but even if you don’t, you should at least be prepared for a wet or damp day.
To prevent paint from cracking, you should first ensure that your walls are properly primed. This means you will have to sand down any existing finish and apply a coat of primer. This should be done before you start applying the new coats of paint.
The best way to accomplish this task is to take your time. If you’re applying more than one coat of paint, you may want to allow some time for each to dry. This will prevent uneven applications that can lead to cracks.
You should also consider the fact that you may have a textured wall. For example, you can use a small artist’s paintbrush to get a textured effect on patched areas.
Signs of hairline cracks in aging paint
Hairline cracks in aging wall paint can be a nuisance, but not necessarily a cause for alarm. They are not uncommon, as paints age and tend to lose their luster over time. Luckily, you can avoid cracking your paint job with the right preparation and precautions.
First, it’s always a good idea to check your walls before painting to make sure they are free of cracks. If you can’t see them, chances are you are overlooking a major issue. Additionally, you may want to consider hiring a professional to fix the problem. Some cracks are more serious than others, and you may end up having to pay a lot more for the job.
While you’re checking your walls for hairline cracks, you should also keep an eye out for any other signs of wear and tear. For instance, if you live in an area that experiences constant fluctuations in humidity, your paint may suffer from a lack of flexibility. This will lead to flaking and chipping.
Lead paint can cause health problems
If you live in an older house, you should know that lead paint can cause health problems. There are certain steps you can take to protect your family from lead.
If you think your child has been exposed to lead, ask your doctor for a blood test. If your child has an elevated blood lead level, chelation therapy may help. The treatment involves taking medication that binds with lead.
Children who have been poisoned by lead can show symptoms such as seizures and low IQ scores. The damage can be permanent.
Most homes built before 1978 contain lead paint. If your child has been in the home for more than a year, it is a good idea to have your home tested for lead.
The United States has banned lead paint since the late 1970s. However, many people still live in old houses that contain traces of the chemical. If you have a leadbased home, you should have it fixed as soon as possible.
Repairing flaking or peeling paint
If you have peeling or flaking wall paint, there are several steps you can take to fix the problem. These simple solutions will help you restore the look of your wall without having to repaint it.
The most common cause of peeling or flaking wall paint is excessive moisture. This is caused by excess humidity inside the home, from a leaky roof, gutters, or interior moisture that seeps through the exterior walls.
The first step in fixing peeling or flaking wall paint is to remove the old paint. A Painters in Geelong scraper is a great tool for this, and will easily lift the flaky paint off the surface.
Next, you will need to apply a primer to the area. The primer will create a smooth surface, and will also seal any moisture that has built up. It is important to ensure that the primer has completely dried before painting.
Once the primer is dry, you can then use a putty knife to apply a thin layer of patching material. Let the patch dry for 24 hours.