IQHab › United States › Painting › Why Is My Paint Peeling?
Why is my paint peeling?
Peeling paint is usually a prep or moisture issue. Here's how to fix and prevent it.
Likely causes
| Cause | Likelihood | Severity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poor surface prep | high | Low | $0–$200 |
| Moisture | medium | Medium | $100–$1,000 |
| Old, incompatible paint | medium | Low | $100–$500 |
| Low-quality paint | low | Low | $200–$600 |
Safe checks you can do
- Identify whether it's interior or exterior peeling.
- Check for moisture or a leak behind the paint.
- Scrape a sample to see the layers.
Emergency signals
- Water damage behind paint
- Mold
- Active leak
Next action
Fix the moisture source, scrape and prime, then repaint. Interior peeling often points to a leak.