Paint failure
Peeling & flaking paint
Paint lifts or comes away, exposing the coating or surface underneath.
Signs, causes & next stepsPainting & decorating at H&C 
Surface problems · Practical advice
Painting & decorating problems
Peeling paint, stubborn stains or a surface that won’t hold a finish? Good decoration starts with understanding what is underneath — not just covering it up.
H&C decorating work pictured; not a photograph of every defect described.
Find the problem
What have you noticed?
Possible causes and preparation approaches, not a diagnosis from a photograph. The surface, existing coating and conditions all matter.
12 problems
Paint failure
Blistering paint
Bubbles form beneath the coating and may later crack or peel.
Signs, causes & next stepsMoisture & stains
Water stains & tide marks
Yellow or brown marks can show through a new coat of paint.
Signs, causes & next stepsMoisture & stains
Mould & condensation marks
Dark spotting or recurring staining may develop in moisture-prone areas.
Signs, causes & next stepsMoisture & stains
Nicotine & smoke staining
Smoke residues can discolour finishes and bleed through decoration.
Signs, causes & next stepsSurface preparation
Grease & surface contamination
Paint may crawl, separate or fail to grip a contaminated surface.
Signs, causes & next stepsSurface preparation
Glossy & hard-to-paint surfaces
Smooth finishes can be difficult for a new coating to bond to.
Signs, causes & next stepsSurface preparation
Powdery & chalking surfaces
Loose powder can prevent a sound bond for new decoration.
Signs, causes & next stepsMoisture & stains
Efflorescence & white salt deposits
White crystalline deposits may appear on masonry or plaster.
Signs, causes & next stepsSurface preparation
Cracks & damaged plaster
Cracks, dents and weak plaster can spoil a finish or indicate movement.
Signs, causes & next stepsMoisture & stains
Wood knots & tannin staining
Natural wood constituents can discolour a painted finish.
Signs, causes & next stepsPaint failure
Patchy paint & flashing
Different sheen or colour patches remain visible after painting.
Signs, causes & next stepsDo not disturb suspected lead paint or asbestos-containing materials. Active damp, extensive mould, unstable plaster and structural concerns need assessment before decorating. Product choice must follow the current manufacturer’s technical and safety guidance.
Preparation before paint
Find the cause. Prepare the surface.
Choose the right finish.
H&C can discuss the preparation and decorating work your property needs. Leaks, structural faults and specialist remediation may need another qualified professional before we can decorate.
Original H&C guidance inspired by the problem-solving approach of Zinsser UK. H&C is not approved, accredited or endorsed by Zinsser. Manufacturer instructions take precedence over general advice.
Zinsser UK how-to guidesHailsham & East Sussex
Need help with a decorating problem?
Tell us what you’ve noticed, where it is and whether it keeps returning. You can attach photos when sending your WhatsApp message.