Peeling paint can happen for many reasons. We often see it inside homes, and the first step is figuring out what’s causing the issue so we can solve it.

One common place we find this problem is in bathrooms with showers and poor ventilation. In older homes especially, small bathrooms without a strong ceiling fan can trap steam, which causes moisture to collect on the walls and ceilings. That moisture leads to paint breaking down and peeling. At Absolute Painting, we’re experts at identifying and resolving peeling paint issues for both homes and businesses in the Portland area.

What to Do When You Notice Peeling Paint on Outdoor or Indoor Walls

When you start to notice paint peeling inside or outside your home, try to figure out what’s causing it and how to fix it. Peeling paint is common in areas with high moisture, on older painted surfaces, or where prep work was skipped during a DIY project.

Peeling paint on exterior surfaces isn’t unusual, especially on older wood siding and trim. You might see paint blisters or bubbles, which often come from the original layer losing adhesion and causing the rest of the paint to lift. This happens often on homes built before the 1970s, though we occasionally see it on newer homes depending on the siding.

Peeling or blistering paint isn’t always the painter’s fault. Older wood becomes more porous and damaged over time, making adhesion difficult. Multiple layers of paint can trap moisture in the wood, and when that moisture tries to escape, it pushes the paint away. If a home already has blistering paint before a repaint, you’ll likely see more blisters afterward unless the source is addressed.

Interior paint issues are usually caused by improper prep or using the wrong kind of paint. One of the most common mistakes is applying latex paint over an old oil-based surface without proper sanding or priming. This usually happens on doors, trim, and cabinets in older homes.

In this article, we’ll look at the most common causes of peeling paint, how to fix it, and how to avoid it in both interior and exterior spaces.

Why Is My Paint Peeling?

Why is my paint peeling in the first place? If you don’t know the cause, it’s hard to find the right solution. You may notice peeling, blistering, or cracked paint on walls or ceilings. Bathrooms and laundry rooms are common trouble spots because they’re warm and humid.

One of the biggest reasons for peeling paint is applying latex paint over a glossy or oil-based surface. Glossy paint needs to be deglossed before repainting. It’s best to sand and then prime high-gloss surfaces to ensure adhesion. Even if the paint sticks at first, it may scrape off easily later if the prep wasn’t done right. Doing a small test area can help you confirm whether your surface is ready.

We also see this problem a lot on older doors, cabinets, and trim that were originally painted with oil-based paint. These usually have a shinier finish, which makes it harder for new paint to bond. Always sand and clean these surfaces thoroughly, and use primer if needed.

The best rule is to make sure surfaces are clean, dull, and dry before you paint. Glossy, dirty, or damp surfaces can all lead to problems.

Common Causes of Paint Peeling

Paint peeling off walls or ceilings typically comes down to one or more of the following causes:

• Poor surface preparation – skipping cleaning, sanding, or priming steps.
• Moisture infiltration – leaks, condensation, or high humidity under or behind painted surfaces.
• Humidity and temperature swings – especially in bathrooms, attics, or exterior walls.
• Incompatible paint layers – latex over oil without primer or surface prep.
• Skipping primer – critical for glossy, old, or porous surfaces.
• Aging materials – wood, drywall, or siding breaking down over time.

DIY projects often fail due to rushed prep or using the wrong paint. Environmental factors like humidity and UV exposure are harder to control, but using the right products and methods can help.

Peeling Paint in Bathroom or Bathroom Ceiling? Moisture May Be the Culprit

Bathrooms without proper ventilation are one of the most common places we see peeling paint. Steam from showers collects on the ceiling and walls, and over time, it breaks down the bond between the surface and the paint.

Signs moisture is the cause:

• Musty smell
• Yellowing or discoloration
• Blistering or bubbling under the paint
• Peeling that returns even after repainting

Be sure your bathroom has an exhaust fan that works well and gets used regularly. If you notice signs of leaks or water damage, it may be time to call a professional.

How to Fix Peeling Paint the Right Way

Fixing peeling paint isn’t just about making it look good again, it’s about solving the underlying problem. Here’s how to fix peeling paint the right way:

1. Identify and fix the root cause – Moisture? Poor prep? Product mismatch?
2. Scrape and sand the affected area – Remove all loose and flaking paint.
3. Clean the surface – Use soap and water or TSP for tougher grime.
4. Let it dry completely – This is crucial for long-term adhesion.
5. Prime with the right primer – Wood, metal, drywall, and masonry all require different products.
6. Repaint with high-quality paint – Choose the right product for your surface and environment.

Cutting corners on drying time or skipping prep will just lead to more peeling down the road. And if you’re dealing with widespread failure, full removal may be needed.

How to Fix Peeling Paint on Drywall

When peeling paint happens on drywall, be extra cautious to avoid damaging the wall:

• Lightly scrape off any loose paint
• Use lightweight spackle to fill any gouges or dips
• Sand gently to smooth the area
• Apply a primer made for drywall before painting

If the wall underneath shows signs of water damage, make sure that’s addressed first.

How to Paint Over Peeling Paint (Spoiler: Don’t!)

Wondering how to paint over peeling paint? Don’t. At least not without removing any loose or flaking areas first. Painting over damaged surfaces will only lead to more problems, and the new paint will likely peel even faster.

Instead, follow the correct prep steps:

• Scrape away any peeling or bubbled areas.
• Sand smooth.
• Clean and dry the area.
• Prime.
• Repaint.

Paint is only as good as the surface it sticks to. The extra prep time is worth it.

How to Prevent Paint from Peeling on Any Surface

Here’s your checklist to prevent peeling paint on any surface:

• Clean and dry surfaces thoroughly before painting
• Use the right primer for the surface
• Don’t paint over damp or damaged areas
• Let each coat fully dry before the next
• Use high-quality paint appropriate for your surface and climate
• Avoid painting in extreme humidity or cold
• Hire a professional who doesn’t cut corners on prep

At Absolute Painting, we believe great paint jobs start with great prep. That’s how we ensure long-lasting, beautiful results for our Portland-area clients.

Fix Peeling Paint for Good With Absolute Painting!

Peeling paint is more than just a cosmetic issue. It can be a sign of deeper problems like trapped moisture, poor prep, or product failure. If you’re seeing these signs, don’t ignore them. Let us take a look and help you fix it for good.

We’ve helped hundreds of Portland-area homeowners and businesses with everything from bathroom touch-ups to full-scale exterior restorations.

To learn more about what causes peeling and how to deal with it, read more about paint failure here.

Ready to solve the issue? Contact Absolute Painting for a free quote or consultation.