Articles » Problem Solvers Latest Edition » Paint Peeling On Window Sills, Wall Cappings, Plinths etc.

Window sills and wall cappings are notorious for peeling paint problems.

There is a perfect answer to this problem and it works every time. 

Remove all loose paint using a scraper / wire brush (best option – does not wet the sill) or even a power washer if you have one. If you use a power washer, keep the lance at a sharp angle to ‘scrape the paint off’ and make sure you allow several days to dry out before painting. 

You can paint the sills with either a water based masonry paint mixed with E-B (1 part E-B to 2 parts paint) or use any oil based paint mixed with Owatrol Oil (1 part Owatrol Oil to 2 parts paint or even 1 to 1 for a stronger mix) and that paint will stick like glue with no more peeling problems. The same applies to any paint peeling off masonry, stone, etc..

A sticky situation

Poster or notices applied to walls with adhesive tape usually pull the paint right off when the time comes to remove the poster etc. Common in kids bedrooms, offices, schools etc, this very annoying problem can be completely prevented by applying your first coat of emulsion with 25% Owatrol E-B mixed in. 

The E-B will make the paint grip tightly to the wall and will prevent paint ‘pull-off’ at a later stage. Very advisable in any first coat applied to dry lining, plastered walls etc. Can be used on previously painted walls also.

Emulsion Paint Roller Marks

Here you see one of the problems that arise using colours like this. Streaks and roller marks come with the territory and are almost impossible to avoid. Floetrol added to the emulsion will fix this problem leaving a perfectly even paint finish. 

Dark colours tend to be very prone to streaking and shadowing and by adding some Floetrol to the paint you will get rid of the roller marks completely.

Deep colours? Make the job easier with Floetrol

Deep colours like this can show up roller marks etc. That problem can be completely avoided by adding about 10% Floetrol into your emulsion. The Floetrol keeps the ‘wet edge’ open long enough for the paint to flow out evenly with no brush marks, streaks etc.

“I’d say its fantastic in all low hide colours like reds, yellows etc, saves a stack of time.” - G. Brennan

Here are 9 ways Floetrol can help you:

No, you won't need to use Floetrol every day of the week, but you'd be very surprised at the big number of applications where it will save you stacks of time and some serious grief. Here are its main uses and benefits.

● Helps hiding power on low hide colours such as yellow, reds, and in many instances, can save you a coat or two as well. ● Makes your paint go up to 25% further which pays for itself. 
● Great for all special effects, like marbling, rag rolling, sponging and so on. 
● Eliminates roller marks and brush streaks, especially on all the deep colours like terracotta etc that tend to be messy. 
● Great for water based gloss. 
● Keeps “wet edge” open longer to give perfect finish every time, great on “warm” ceilings, drywall. 
● Makes roller or brush glide with no tedious drag or effort leaving an enviable finish every time! 
● Saves a lot of rolling time because you don't have to keep going over your work trying to get rid of roller marks etc. 
● Great for cutting in. Recommended with all hand electric sprayguns like Wagner etc..