Chalking Paint: The Causes & Fixes

Paint Chalking on Interior Walls

Paint chalking on interior walls is when a powdery pigment residue resides on the surface of a coat of paint. This also comes with a loss of gloss or sheen and fading of the paint. Interior paint chalking is normal for the most part over time and preferable to paint peeling off, but white and other light paints are sometimes victims of excessive chalking. To put it simply, chalking paint on interior walls occurs when the paint begins to separate which can happen for a number of different reasons.

What Causes Paint to Chalk?

As we mentioned, after long enough even high-quality paint will chalk, but there are certain factors that speed things up. One of the most common culprits is exposure to the sun. UV rays break down the binders in paint causing some separation and when oxygen is added to the mix the process of chalking gets started. Next up, low-quality paint can cause premature chalking of interior paint if it’s not engineered for your particular climate. Improper priming and preparation can also lead to your paint failing before it should. For the above reasons and more, it pays off to work with a trusted local painter. 

What To Do About Interior Chalk Painting

First, you want to assess the degree of the chalking. Grab a rag and wipe it along the surface to find out just how much chalking is occurring. Next, you can try power or pressure washing, but make sure that it’s not turned up too high. If you don’t have a pressure washer available, you can use a wire brush to remove the powder and then rinse with a hose. You can also use mild environmentally friendly soaps. Let the surface dry thoroughly and do your original check again and see how much chalk remains. If there is still a considerable amount, you’ll likely want to repaint. 

When it’s time to repaint, you want to make sure you select UV-resistant paint that will stand up to the elements. To avoid any premature chalking, you should work with a professional painter that knows how to properly prime and prepare a space for paint, keeping the paint bound for years to come. When it comes to your home, don’t cheap out on painting, it makes a major impact on the look and feel of your home.

If you’re ready to paint your home’s interior or exterior, Tom Curren Companies can help. Reach out to us today for an estimate at 617-969-4900.