The bathroom is one of the most beloved areas of the home, and it’s a place where we can enjoy some much-needed downtime from work or the kids. But peeling paint is inevitable here, due to the amount of moisture the surfaces are subject to. The ceiling is a surface that gets attacked from numerous angles, and the resulting peeling, cracking, and bubbling can be very unpleasant to look at.
There are many different reasons why the paint peels, but several factors will determine how often it happens. In this post, we will look at five of the most common reasons for paint peeling, cracking, or bubbling on the bathroom ceiling.
Water
The number one suspect for paint peeling, cracking, or bubbling is usually water. In fact, it can be a warning sign that there is a problem with the roof, such as a leak or a blocked gutter. It can also be a result of water from daily use getting through the top layer of paint, or simply that it is excessively humid.
Whatever the reason, once water gets in, you will need to perform some painting and/or maintenance.
Poor Preparation
Unfortunately, many folks fail to prepare adequately for painting jobs and often miss a few essential steps. Before you even go near a ceiling or wall, you should make sure you have the right paint and equipment for the job. Then the surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned, and any holes should be filled in. After that, the surface will be ready for a primer. Then and only then are you ready to start painting the ceiling.
Failure to follow these steps will result in a poor finish, and you will soon notice bubbling and cracking of the surface layer.
Trying to Cut Corners
It always pays to spend a little more on high-quality paint for its strong adhesion qualities. Going for a cheap alternative in the bathroom is not a good idea, as you will find yourself having to continually touch up the paint—or worse, having to start again, which brings us on to our next point.
Too Much, Too Often
Let’s face it: Some people get carried away when it comes to DIY, and this never helps. As mentioned above, failure to prepare can result in a very poor finish. Sometimes, folks decide that the best solution is an extra layer or two. Sadly, this will only make the situation worse, and the bubbles will be back sooner rather than later.
End of the Road
Over time, the paint on the walls will lose its bond strength and will start to become brittle. When this happens, it will begin to peel away from the surface. The best solution when this happens is to put the surface out of its misery.
Take this opportunity to change things up by trying a new color, but always remember to thoroughly scrape off the remaining paint and clean the surface before getting to work.