You spend hours painting a room and leave it to dry, only to find that when you remove the painter’s tape, a large strip of paint comes off with it. Frustrating, right? Well, there are several reasons why latex paint doesn’t stick to walls or furniture. Let’s explore them and find solutions.
Table of Contents
Why Your Paint Doesn’t Stick
Dirty Surfaces
When a layer of grime sits between latex paint and the wall or surface, the paint cannot bond properly. It simply dries in place and easily peels off with a bit of friction. Not ideal, huh? That’s why it’s crucial to clean any surface you plan to paint. In particular, kitchens tend to have this issue, so when painting cabinets or kitchen walls, make sure to clean them with a mixture of dish soap and water. This will significantly improve the paint’s ability to adhere.
Oil-Based Paint
If you have an older home, it’s possible that some walls or furniture were painted with oil-based paint, which was common in the 20th century. Unfortunately, modern latex paints do not bond well with oil-based paint due to its oily nature. But don’t worry, there’s an easy fix! Apply a coat of oil-based primer before using latex paint, and you’ll solve the problem.
Glossy Surfaces
Latex paint needs tiny pores, bumps, or scuffs to properly adhere. Therefore, smooth materials like metal, plastic, and laminate struggle to hold paint. Ever tried painting Ikea-style furniture? It probably didn’t last long. However, there’s hope! With a good primer, you can still paint on top of these surfaces. For metal and glass, consider using spray paint, which is oil-based. It adheres well even to glossy surfaces, as demonstrated by the successful application of high-heat spray paint on a brass fireplace insert.
Weather
The first three problems I mentioned can be solved by using a good primer. Weather, on the other hand, presents a different challenge. Check the temperature recommendation on your paint can—usually between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you apply paint outside of this recommended range, it may struggle to dry or have issues with adhesion. High humidity can also reduce adhesion. Ideally, you want to paint on a neutral day, neither too hot nor too cool, and with moderate humidity. If your climate doesn’t provide such conditions, air conditioning or central heating can help create a suitable environment for paint application. Remember, the outside temperature won’t matter if the area where the paint is drying is temperature controlled.
Paint Isn’t Sticking? Here’s How to Fix It!
Step 1: Remove Loose Paint
Start by getting rid of any paint that isn’t sticking. If it’s still wet, wipe it off with rags or a cloth. If it’s dry, peel off as much as you can. If there’s still paint remaining that you can’t easily remove, use 150 grit sandpaper to gently sand it off. You can do this by hand or with an orbital sander. If you’re not a regular DIY-er, a handheld drywall sander might be a handy tool to speed up the process. A side note: If the paint is fully adhered, consider stripping it off completely. However, since the paint is poorly adhered in this case, a little sanding should suffice. If it doesn’t, stripping the paint would be a good option. Refer to my post on how to strip paint for more detailed guidance.
Step 2: Prime the Surface
For this situation, an oil-based primer is your best bet. I highly recommend Zinsser’s Oil-Based Cover-Stain Primer for any challenging projects. Since you’re working on a surface that initially rejected paint, this primer is perfect. Another option is Zinsser’s Shellac-Based Primer, which is even more heavy-duty (and expensive). If you couldn’t remove all the initial paint from the wall, the shellac sealer in this primer will prevent it from causing issues with your new coat. However, in most cases, Zinsser’s Oil-Based Primer should suffice. Apply the primer just like you would apply a layer of paint. Remember that neither primer cleans up with water, so it’s best to use disposable supplies, such as cheap foam brushes, for easy cleanup. Wait at least 2 hours before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Paint as Normal
In many cases, one coat of primer is enough. However, if you’re unsure or want to be extra cautious, feel free to apply two coats. Once the primer is dry, proceed to paint as you normally would. This time, the paint should stick perfectly!
Remember, if you encounter any issues or have specific questions, you can always visit 5 WS, where you’ll find comprehensive information about a wide range of topics. Happy painting!
