How can we fix peeling trim paint without sanding to protect our toddler from harmful dust?
Asked by Maurice Montgomery 
4 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
Hey everyone! So we recently painted our house and used painters tape to protect the trims. However, when we took the tape off, the trim paint started to come off too. We never planned on painting the trims because they looked fine, but now it seems like we have to. Is there a way to fix this without a lot of sanding? Maybe some kind of peel that can strip off the top layer so we can wipe it clean and then repaint the trims. We have a toddler and want to avoid sanding if possible. I even added a video to show how the paint was coming off with the tape. Any help would be appreciated!
Make sure to sand the surface first, apply a primer for better paint adhesion, and then start painting
Seems like there is latex paint over oil without any primer in between – Yikes!
Sand down the surface, apply primer, and then paint over it
Before painting any trim materials, we always use this liquid sander deglosser.
Klean-Strip QWN285 Quart Easy Liquid Sander Deglosser https://a.co/d/eQlLI1j
Thanks! So, did you end up needing to sand in between at all? Did this solution work for you?
Has found a solution for us regarding any gloss trim. You could even do it twice if you wanted to. Based on my experience, no additional sanding is required.
The issue with the peeling paint was likely caused by poor painting techniques on the trim. It seems like they just applied a quick coat of paint without proper cleaning or prep work. I recommend using a coarse sandpaper (around 120-80 grit) to remove the top layer of paint easily. After that, gradually use finer grits to smooth out the surface before applying a good oil-based primer and two coats of quality trim paint, like Ben Moore Regal Select. This should ensure long-lasting results. Best of luck!
I agree with the previous comments. If the paint is peeling like that, it’s probably due to a latex over oil situation. It may be a hassle, but sanding is necessary. After sanding, make sure to use a high-quality primer (don’t cut corners here – think of it as creating a strong foundation). A weak foundation will lead to future problems.
Applying a fresh coat of paint will usually help with that issue, but remember to remove the painters tape before the paint dries completely. Paint typically needs around 30 days to fully cure and harden. Instead of peeling right away, allow it to cure, then sand it smooth before doing any touch-up painting.
Just to make it clear in my post, we painted the walls and used painters tape to protect the trims. When we took off the tape, the paint from the trims started peeling off with it. So now, there are unsightly patches of beige paint showing through the white paint on all the trims.
Many DIYers mistakenly apply latex paint over oil-based paint; I experienced this in a previous home. If you’re aiming for top-notch quality, you’ll need to strip down and redo the trim, which is a huge task. However, if you just want to make the peeled edges less noticeable, you can try using a thin layer of filler like DAP. I must mention, this method is quite simple and may peel off in the future, but it achieves about 50% of the quality with minimal effort. It all depends on your goals and the amount of time you’re willing to invest in this.
Remember to always remove the tape immediately after painting, before it dries.
I skipped painting the trims altogether. I focused on painting the walls and removed the painter’s tape immediately. I was surprised to see the trim paint come off with the tape.
When it comes to trim, I had oil-based paint on the floor and door molding. Lightly sanded it, then used 2 coats of Kilz (I can’t remember which one, but I believe it was Kilz 2). It turned out a nice, bright white. After that, I painted it with 2 coats of Sherwin Williams acrylic, and it looks fantastic.
Someone applied latex paint over oil-based paint in my mom’s house…still need to address it as it’s quite a project
My Dad once told me to always go for the green “Frog” brand painters tape – it’s the top choice. Just sand the edges of the peeling paint and repaint to smooth things out for now. It may not be flawless, but it should hold up until you’re ready to tackle it more seriously.
Just had this happen in the house we purchased. Total nightmare. They decided to paint latex over oil, which was a disaster. It started peeling and became a slippery slope. We had to scrape, sand, and use a ton of colorful language. After finally getting it all off, primed, and repainted, I was relieved but man, what a job.
By Oh yeah, I’ve been there. Fixing up a home properly after the previous owner took shortcuts can be a real challenge.
Awesome!!
Wasn’t ready
No
It wasn’t properly prepared before the last paint job. You’ll need to sand it down. Grab a power sander along with some 80 grit sandpaper and 150 grit sandpaper. Start with the 80 grit and then move onto the 150 to smooth out the scratches from the 80. Apply primer and then paint over it.
The comments cover what happened and how to properly prep before painting. Sending good vibes your way because I’ve made some silly mistakes over the years that turned into major headaches. Remember to take a deep breath, walk away for a few minutes, and come back with a fresh perspective. I know it’s tough to avoid excessive sanding with a toddler around, but it’s necessary. Take the time to prep well and tackle the project head-on. I highly suggest visiting at least two paint stores for expert advice on the project, supplies, and tips. The information here is helpful, but getting in-person guidance will make the actual work smoother and keep you mentally calm. Haha.
You might want to consider applying a layer of Kilz primer before repainting. Kilz comes in both oil and latex varieties and generally adheres well to any surface
That’s not the best approach, my friend, don’t take it the wrong way. There are bonding primers that work better than that, like XIM latex bonding primer, which can be used on various surfaces such as oil-based paint, plastic, sealed stained wood, metal, and more.
If it were me, I’d take off all the trim tape and sand it down. Start with a rougher sandpaper but be gentle to avoid creating dents, then switch to a smoother one for a nice finish. Once that’s done, prime and paint with your preferred color.
Chances are there’s an oil-based paint underneath the latex that’s causing the peeling. I recommend sanding it down thoroughly and applying a bonding primer before repainting with latex. It’s important to take the time to do it right from the start to avoid future issues. My suggestion is to apply two coats of enamel finish, extend it slightly up the wall, use blue tape to cover the trim, seal it well, then paint over the top of the tape with enamel. This will prevent any leaks once it’s dry. You may need to touch up a bit after removing the tape, but if done correctly, it should be nearly perfect. It’s crucial to take your time and follow the right steps, especially if you have other projects in your home to avoid similar issues. If you need further guidance, feel free to reach out to me for a chat. I’m always happy to help someone who is committed to doing things correctly
Remove the molding and replace it, it’s not too pricey and simple to do
I was leaning towards that too…sanding the entire house seems like a daunting task.
Sanding can be such a hassle, right? You could consider using pre-primed trim and painting it after installation 🙂
This is the way to go. I highly recommend simply replacing the trim.