You’ve just finished painting your interior walls and everything looks great until a few weeks go by and you start to see cracks forming in the paint. It’s frustrating, especially after spending time and money to get that fresh look. Whether it’s a hairline crack or a larger piece flaking off, cracked paint can make a space feel unfinished or even neglected. And if paint is cracking in one area, there’s always the chance it could start spreading.
Ignoring this problem won’t make it go away. If anything, it’ll just get worse with time. Cracks can open the door for moisture and other issues that may cause more damage to your walls. Figuring out why the paint is cracking is the first step to getting things back on track and making sure your walls stay in great shape. That’s where a knowledgeable painting contractor in Ottawa comes in handy.
Common Causes Of Paint Cracking
Cracked paint can show up in different ways. Sometimes it looks like thin lines. Other times, it might peel away in sheets. No matter what it looks like, the cause of the cracking usually relates to what happened or didn’t happen before or during the painting process. Here are some of the most common reasons for cracked paint on interior walls:
1. Poor Surface Prep
If the wall wasn’t cleaned properly or had dust, grease, or leftover residue on it, the paint won’t stick the way it should. When that happens, the paint may soon start flaking or cracking. Skipping steps like sanding or using primer is often the culprit.
2. Low-Quality Paint or Materials
Cheap paints don’t hold up well, especially with shifts in indoor conditions. Ottawa’s hot summers and freezing winters can be rough on paint that isn’t made to handle those changes. Low-cost paints tend to dry out quickly and become brittle, which leads to early cracking.
3. Bad Application Techniques
Rushing the job can cause big problems. Adding a second coat before the first one fully cures traps moisture between layers. That moisture breaks the bond between the paint and the wall. Too much paint or uneven strokes with worn-out rollers can also weaken the finish, making it more likely to crack.
4. Environmental Stress
Some rooms are trickier to paint because of things like high humidity, strong sunlight, or frequent temperature changes. Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas are usual suspects. Paint naturally expands and contracts with heat and cold, and over time this movement can make it crack.
Painting without the right prep or using poor technique is like putting up wallpaper on a wet wall. It just won’t hold. The base layers are just as important as the paint itself when it comes to performance and durability. Getting everything right from the start lays the foundation for lasting results.
How To Prevent Paint From Cracking
No one wants to fix cracks a few months after painting. Taking preventive steps early on is the easiest way to save time and energy in the long run. Most cracking issues are linked to rushing or cutting corners. Paying attention to the small stuff helps paint look better and last longer.
Here’s how to set your walls up for long-term success:
- Clean the surface properly. Wipe away dust or dirt with a damp cloth. In greasy areas like kitchens, you might need a degreasing cleaner to prep the surface.
- Use a primer on any bare patches or new drywall. Primer helps paint grip better and offers a smoother surface to work on.
- Invest in quality paint. It lasts longer and is more flexible, which helps it stand up to seasonal changes in Ottawa.
- Give each coat time to dry. Don’t rush the process and avoid heavy layers. Thin, even coats work best.
- Pick the right time to paint. Try to work in cool, dry weather. Avoid painting rooms that feel humid or too warm from direct sunlight.
Skipping these steps might not cause issues straight away, but a few months later, problems often show up. It’s like baking: if you forget to add yeast, dough won’t rise no matter how great the oven is. Spending a little more time on prep and waiting for the right conditions helps guarantee a smoother finish.
When Painting Help Is Worth It
Painting a room might look simple, but bigger issues should raise red flags. Not all cracks can be dealt with using a bit of filler and a quick repaint. Some problems are signs of more serious damage, and trying to patch them without knowing the cause might make things worse.
Here’s when it makes sense to bring in a painting contractor in Ottawa:
- Cracks appear in multiple rooms or keep returning
- Flaking paint exposes drywall or plaster below
- Paint is bubbling or there are signs of hidden moisture
- No prep was done before the last paint job, and the finish is failing
- DIY repair didn’t work and the damage returned
These signs often mean there’s a deeper issue under the surface. Moisture especially is a big one, since it can turn into mould or cause structural damage. A professional can check for these hidden problems and offer long-term fixes rather than short-term cover-ups.
Repair And Touch Up: What To Expect
Once it’s time to fix the cracks, things need to be stripped back before repainting. This means removing any flaking paint and smoothing the surface out. In more severe cases, sections of drywall might need patching. A proper repair job finishes with sealing, priming, and repainting the wall the right way.
Here’s a usual step-by-step process for dealing with cracked paint:
1. Scrape off any loose or cracked paint using the right tools
2. Sand the area to smooth edges and rough spots
3. Apply a patching compound or filler to seal deeper cracks
4. Let that dry, then sand it again for a smooth finish
5. Clean the area thoroughly, then apply primer
6. Finish with one or two coats of high-quality paint
These steps help lock in repairs and stop the same issues from coming back. It’s about more than just how your walls look. Fixing cracked paint also helps stop moisture from getting in and doing more harm. After the last coat goes on and cures, it’s worth keeping an eye on conditions to maintain the paint job. If any more cracks appear, catch them early before they get worse.
Keep Your Interior Walls Flawless
Paint has the power to make a space feel fresh and inviting, but it only works when the application is done right. Cracks and peeling are often the result of problems hiding just beneath the surface. It may be tempting to just apply another layer and hope for the best, but that usually only masks the issue. Taking time to fix it the right way protects both the look and integrity of your walls.
With Ottawa having such drastic changes in temperature and humidity throughout the year, it’s no wonder walls take a beating. That’s why the prep work, paint quality, and timing matter so much. And when deeper cracks appear or the problem keeps coming back, working with a trusted local painting contractor is the best choice.
PrimeTime Painters has the experience to deal with both new paint jobs and repair work. Whether your goal is to restore your walls or keep them looking their best season after season, getting professional help makes all the difference.
Trust your walls to stand the test of time by working with a reliable painting contractor in Ottawa. PrimeTime Painters brings expertise to every project, ensuring your walls not only look stunning but are also built to last. Get in touch today to see how we can help you keep your interior spaces in peak condition.