How to Paint Over Peeling Paint
- 1). Eliminate as much peeling paint as possible from exterior surfaces using a pressure washer. Ensure the washer is equipped with a low-pressure tip. Wait a full day for wood surfaces to dry. Wait three to four hours for metallic and vinyl surfaces to dry. Skip this step if the surface is located indoors.
- 2). Scrape off large pieces of loose, peeling paint, using a putty knife. Use a metal putty knife on durable surfaces, such as metal, vinyl and wood. Use a plastic putty knife on drywall.
- 3). Scrape smaller bits of flaking paint from durable surfaces using a pull scraper. Don't use a pull scraper on drywall as it may cause scarring.
- 4). Smooth stubborn fragments of chipping paint using 80-grit sandpaper.
- 5). Coat exposed areas of bare wood or vinyl with latex primer using a 2- to 4-inch synthetic paintbrush. Use a galvanized metal etching primer on exposed metal. Wait two hours for the primer to dry.
- 6). Wash the synthetic brush with water.
- 7). Coat the properly prepared surface with latex paint, using the clean brush.