Peeling from Wood

Progression

Affected surface area can widen and continue to loosen the paint film if left untreated.

Causes

• Moisture or water seeping into the painted wood surface through uncaulked joints, worn-out caulking or leaks in roofs or walls
• Exterior moisture escaping through exterior walls (more likely if the paint is oil-based)
• Vegetation giving off moisture too close to wood siding
• Painting damp wood
• Power-washing wood and not allowing sufficient time for the wood to dry
• Inadequate surface preparation
• Painting wood boards or siding too close to the ground
• Using a low-quality paint

Solutions

• Inspect the outside of the building to identify and eliminate all sources of moisture, especially windows, trim areas and other joints.
• Repair leaks in the roof, clean out gutters and downspouts. Re-direct sprinklers if necessary. Trim nearby vegetation if you suspect it may cause peeling.
• If moist air is originating from inside the building, consider installing vents or exhaust fans, especially in kitchen, laundry and bathroom areas.
• If moisture is rising from the ground through the masonry, waterproof the foundation with a specially designed coating. Remove the portion of the wood that is touching the ground. Siding should come down no further than six inches above the ground.
• You can correct peeling from moisture on siding by inserting small plastic or aluminum wedges or shims in between the nail heads under each board.
• Remove all loose paint with a scraper or wire brush, down to the bare wood if necessary.
• Feather-sand rough edges for a smooth appearance and rinse thoroughly with a hose. Power-washing is recommended for larger areas (let wood dry for three to five days before priming).
• Prime bare wood with the appropriate primer. Read the label to determine how long the primer should dry before applying the top coat of paint.
• Repaint with two coats of a high-quality acrylic latex paint.

Notes

If it is not possible to eliminate the source of moisture, repaint the stripped wood with a thin coat of latex paint. A water-repellent solution may be applied to exposed wood.