Of all home improvement jobs, removing interior or exterior paint or wood stain from the ceiling is one of the worst. The peeling paint is hard to reach, and scraping paint from overhead creates a massive mess on the floor. Learn how to remove peeling paint from the ceiling without all the fuss.
One of the primary causes of peeling paint is moisture, which is why the problem often occurs on the bathroom ceiling. Dampness gets between the bathroom walls and the paint, causing it to peel. Another reason may be that the paint product is low quality or was applied with improper painting techniques.
Whatever the cause, flaking paint on drywall, plaster, or concrete is unattractive, and it’s not long before a small peeling area in the corner of the room spreads to the entire ceiling. Getting to the problem as soon as you notice it is vital to prevent a small chore from turning into a large, messy project.
Cleaning Peeling Paint from the Ceiling
While paint removal, interior painting, and exterior painting are time-consuming, there are ways to make the process easier. Discover how to fix peeling paint from latex paint, acrylic paint, or oil based paint without using chemical paint stripper.
Preparing for Getting Peeling Paint Off the Ceiling
Removing peeling paint from the ceiling is not as challenging as you may think if you prepare ahead. Follow some tips for gathering tools and supplies and prepping the space for paint removal.
Before getting peeling paint off the ceiling or you remove paint from walls, it’s essential to understand if you have lead paint. Lead based paint causes health issues and requires special removal techniques, and you may be better off calling a professional.
Move furniture away from the work area or out of the room, cover the floor with a drop cloth, and set up a trash can for convenient clean-up. Gather supplies like a paint scraper, putty knife, sandpaper, and a stepladder, put on goggles and a dust mask, and open a window for ventilation.
The Best Way to Clean Peeling Paint from a Ceiling
Using a scraping technique is the best way to clean peeling paint from a ceiling, similar to removing paint from vinyl siding. A paint scraper helps you remove loose paint, making the final paint removal steps easier. Use this tool to scrape chipping paint from the ceiling or to strip paint from any wood trim without using a stripper.
Use a paint scraper, putty knife, or wire brush to remove paint adhesion from the bathroom ceiling or wall. Hold it at a 30-degree angle and push it toward the peeling paint. Allow the paint chip to fall to the floor or toss it into the trash can. Continue working along the ceiling until all the loose paint is gone.
If you have a large outdoor wall or driveway that has peeling paint or otherwise requires paint removal, try a pressure washer as a way to get paint off concrete. This is often easiest for outside projects.
How to Remove Peeling Paint from the Ceiling
You may notice bits of old paint after removing flaking paint from a ceiling with a scraper or putty knife. Sandpaper works well to remove leftover paint, leaving a smooth surface for cleaning.
The best way to clean peeling paint from a ceiling or to peel paint off a wood table for a smooth surface is by sanding. Attach 150-grit sandpaper to a sanding block and scrub the surface lightly, rubbing the area just enough to rough up the paint residue without leaving scratches.
Only sand the areas with peeling paint if you don’t plan on painting the ceiling. Otherwise, sand the entire area.
Cleaning the Ceiling After Removing Peeling Paint
It’s essential to clean the surface after getting peeling paint off the ceiling, especially if you are considering a fresh coat of new paint. Wash the ceiling with a homemade cleaning solution to remove paint dust or apply to scored wallpaper and make it easy to take off any wallpaper border near the top of the wall.
After you get rid of peeling paint from the bathroom ceiling or if you need to deep clean moldy spots off drywall ceiling, make a cleaner with warm water, dish detergent, and white vinegar. Stir the solution to mix and dunk a sponge into the cleaner.
Wring out the excess liquid and use the sponge to remove paint and sand residue from the ceiling. Once the wall is clean, dry it thoroughly with a lint-free towel.
Finishing the Ceiling After Removing Paint
Once you remove all the chipped paint and clean the ceiling of dust, it’s time to start painting. Use the proper paint type to ensure you don’t end up with peeling paint again in the future.
If the ceiling has any holes or cracks, apply patching compound to the area with a putty knife. Let the compound dry for 24 hours, spread one more layer of compound over the spot, and sand the area so that it blends with the rest of the ceiling. Wipe the surface with a damp sponge and dry it with a towel.
After the ceiling is dry, spread an oil-based primer over the surface with a paintbrush or roller, and let it dry for about eight hours. Apply a coat of acrylic paint and try to match up the new color to the old one. Choose a moisture-resistant paint compatible with your primer, and let the paint dry for 24 hours.
No one wants to spend a weekend off work stripping bathroom ceiling paint and cleaning up the mess. Fortunately, there are ways to make the paint removal process less tedious without a paint stripper, as long as you use the proper tools and techniques.
We hope that knowing how to remove peeling paint from the ceiling makes your home improvement job more manageable, and we’d love it if you’d share our tips for removing chipped ceiling paint with your family and friends on Pinterest and Facebook.