Living in Malaysia, where the climate is humid with frequent rainfall, it’s common to encounter issues like peeling, flaking, or blistering paint on exterior walls. In this article, we’ll explore the causes behind these paint problems, how to prevent them, and how Nippon Paint’s recommended coating system can help you achieve a durable, long-lasting finish for your walls.
One of the primary reasons for peeling paint is inadequate surface preparation. If a surface is not properly cleaned and prepared before painting, the paint may not adhere well, leading to issues like flaking and peeling.
Proper surface preparation is essential for any successful paint job. Ensure the surface is clean, free from dust and dirt, and appropriately primed before applying paint. While it’s possible to do this yourself, hiring a professional painting service can be a wise investment, as professionals have the experience and tools to prepare and paint surfaces effectively.
High humidity and moisture are common in Malaysia and can cause significant paint problems. When moisture seeps through paint layers, it can weaken the bond between the paint and the wall, leading to peeling. Humidity also encourages mould and mildew growth, which can ruin the paint’s appearance and adhesion. This is particularly problematic in areas like exterior walls, bathrooms, kitchens, and car porches – anywhere exposed to moisture and temperature changes.
Additionally, the Malaysian climate often fluctuates between high and low temperatures, causing walls to expand and contract. This expansion and contraction stress the paint layer, weakening its adhesion and eventually causing it to peel.
If you’re moving into a new home or planning to repaint walls with peeling issues, start by cleaning the surface.
For interior walls, remove dust and dirt with a mild soap solution and a damp cloth to ensure a clean, smooth base for paint application. A clean surface enhances the paint’s adhesion and creates a solid foundation for a long-lasting finish.
For exterior walls, it’s essential to remove built-up grime, mould, and mildew that can accumulate over time due to exposure to the elements. Use Nippon Paint Fungicidal Wash to effectively treat and clean the surface, eliminating mould and mildew that can compromise paint adhesion. For stubborn stains or dirt, you can use a pressure washer to thoroughly cleanse the walls. Cleaning exterior surfaces thoroughly helps ensure that the paint will bond properly and maintain durability, even in Malaysia’s challenging weather conditions.
While it’s difficult to keep exterior walls dry, indoor spaces like bathrooms and kitchens can benefit from good ventilation. Installing exhaust fans or keeping windows open can reduce humidity levels, helping to maintain the paint’s adhesion over time.
Selecting the right paint type for each surface is crucial. For example, paint formulated for wood differs from paint made for concrete or walls. Using the correct type of paint for each material improves adhesion and durability, preventing future peeling issues.
Tip: Always check the paint’s expiration date before using it. Expired paint may lose its adhesive properties, leading to poor performance and peeling.
At Nippon Paint, we recommend using our trusted 1+2 coating system, which combines one layer of sealer with two layers of topcoat. This system ensures optimal durability and helps extend the lifespan of your paint, providing a flawless and long-lasting finish.
For Exterior Walls – Use Nippon Paint 8100 Weatherbond Sealer to create a strong foundation for exterior walls. This sealer protects against efflorescence and alkalinity, ensuring better adhesion for the topcoat. It helps your walls resist Malaysia’s harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain and humidity, while promoting a durable and long-lasting paint finish.
For Interior Walls – Apply Nippon Paint 8200 Premium Interior Sealer to prepare interior surfaces. This sealer provides excellent adhesion and moisture resistance, creating an even base for the topcoat. It helps prevent paint peeling and ensures a smooth, polished finish for your walls.
Both sealers are crucial for repairing peeling paint, ensuring proper adhesion and long-term durability for your walls.
For Exterior Walls – Apply two coats of Nippon Paint Weatherbond Ultimate. This advanced exterior paint is specially designed for Malaysia’s climate, offering superior protection against UV rays, rain, and environmental stresses. Weatherbond Ultimate features Quartz and Fibra Technologies, which enhance its durability by forming a hard and tough paint film. This ensures long-lasting protection against cracking, flaking, and peeling. With up to 15 years of protection and vibrant, fade-resistant colours, Weatherbond Ultimate is the ideal choice for maintaining a fresh and resilient appearance for your exterior walls.
For Interior Walls – Apply two coats of Nippon Paint Spot-less Plus. This paint not only addresses peeling paint problems but also enhances indoor air quality with its odourless, low-VOC formula. It provides excellent adhesion, a smooth finish, and easy touch-up properties, making it ideal for a polished and long-lasting look. The luxurious smoothness adds elegance to your walls, making them both durable and beautiful.
No paint lasts forever, especially in humid environments. Factors like ageing walls, poor ventilation, and exposure to the elements can cause paint to peel over time. By addressing the root causes and preparing surfaces properly, you can extend the life of your paint and keep your home looking fresh.
Investing in quality products and following Nippon Paint’s recommended coating system will protect your walls and enhance your home’s aesthetics and durability.
Note: The colour shades displayed are indicative and not precise representations of our actual paint colours.
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