Quite often when I
start preparing a room for redecoration I notice that much
of the existing paint is peeling or flaking away from the
surface beneath. Sometimes these are little flakes which
many people overlook if done DIY, though there are the ones
the size of a pterodactyl getting ready to leap.
So what causes such a thing? Quite honestly not using the
correct painting system.
You often find gloss paints flaking away from skirting and
radiators, usually caused by not keying sufficiently and
using the correct primer or undercoat and allowing to dry
fully before application of the gloss. Using a fine
sandpaper, tac clothing and applying the correct primer
should provide an excellent base for the top coat. Though I
have to say I dead against painted radiators, they aren't
really designed for such a thing.
Then there's the ones
where the whole thickness of paint is trying to do a
runner, this is usually caused by the timber not being
primed correctly, so the undercoating has broken free. I
recommend using an acrylic primer/undercoat for this, does
a great job of priming the softwood and provides a little
undercoat to boot. Ideal if you're going to use a solvent
satin on top, though for a solvent gloss I would use an
extra coat of solvent undercoat first just to strengthen
the shine. The acrylic/undercoat also dries very quickly
usually within an hour; depending on temperature and
humidity.
