How would I re-paint cracked paint on woodwork that's been repainted many times.?

Question

It's 100 years old, cracked, repainted many times. I really don't want to peel all of it off. Is that necessary?

Answer 1

If it is something simple like moulding and you're not emotionally attached to the original woodwork, you might find it easier/faster to replace it. If the paint is cracked but still tight to the surface, there is probably some kind of putty or filler that could be rubbed into the surface to fill the cracks level. You could ask at a hardware store or home center. If such a material doesn't exist, someone should invent it!

Answer 2

In order to keep new OUTDOOR paint from doing the same thing you need to scrape and sand off the old paint and yes prime so you have a nice base for the new paint to adhere to. Binz makes great primes just make sure you use wood paint for wood, concrete paint for concrete and metal paint for metal if not you are just going to have the same problem even if you do scrape sand and prime!! Go to a good paint center or a local hardware/paint store. Often you will receive much better assistance then the big orange box stores.

Answer 3

Unless you want a crackled paint look, then you're going to need to get rid of the old paint. You may not have to chip it off. You might be able to use a paint remover or thinner to easily remove the paint. Just be sure it will not damage the underlying wood/structure.

Answer 4

The only thing to do is to remove the old paint down to the wood with a scraper. It can be labor intensive.

Answer 5

sand it down a bit so that the crack is less noticable before you paint it.