Check whether moisture or another underlying fault is still active.
All decorating problems
Paint failure · H&C advice
Peeling & flaking paint
Paint lifts or comes away, exposing the coating or surface underneath.
- Loose flakes around edges, ceilings or woodwork.
- A finish that lifts rather than wearing evenly.
Understand before treating
What might cause it?
Similar-looking defects can have different causes. Assessment comes before product choice.
Possible causes include moisture, contamination, poor adhesion to an earlier coating or painting over an unsound surface.
Preparation & next steps
How we approach it
Remove failed coating back to a sound edge and clean the surface.
Repair and prepare the exposed area, then select a suitable primer and compatible finishing system.
Do not simply cover loose paint. Older coatings may contain lead; assess before scraping, sanding or using heat. Check current product technical data, safety instructions and compatibility; this guide is not a site diagnosis or a guaranteed repair specification.
The right system for the surface
Product selection matters
A suitable primer or sealer may be part of the preparation, but it cannot replace fixing the cause. Zinsser is one of the brands we use; the exact product depends on the surface, defect and intended finish.
Zinsser UK product guidanceOriginal H&C guidance. We are not approved, accredited or endorsed by Zinsser.
Local decorating help
Let’s look at the problem properly.
Share your postcode, the affected surface and what you’ve noticed. Preparation and repairs are assessed before a quote is agreed.