We have high gloss interior latex paint peeling on the trim. What is causing this and how to fix?

Question

I did the alcohol swab test to see if the original paint was oil or latex and since paint came off easily, it looks like the old owners painted high gloss latex (the current peeling paint) over another high gloss latex. How can we fix this?

I did the acetone (nail polish remover) swab test to see if the original paint was oil or latex and since paint came off on a swab, it looks like the old owners painted high gloss latex (the current peeling paint) over another high gloss latex. How can we fix this?

Answer 1

Either the trim was dirty or oily or they painted during high humidity, like heavy rain with windows or doors open.

If you have a lot of trim doing this good luck. You would need to strip it all off with either paint remover or a heat gun or a propane torch. These techniques are all very hazardous.

Answer 2

I think that the other paint was oil. Latex over oil does not work. You can scrape it all and paint again with oil, it won't come off. Is it a humid area? This could cause it to lift as well.

Answer 3

There is something on the trim that the paint won't adhere to..
Scrape it off and clean thoroughly before starting again.
Try using an undercoat next time.
If it's the one coat gloss then it's rubbish, professionals won't use that.

Answer 4

Your dealing with lead base paint. Use and oil based enamel.

Answer 5

either use a chemical stripper and take off both coats, or sand it

either way is messy.

even removing the trim is a chore

Answer 6

sand or burn it off back to wood then apply primer, undercoat and 2 top coats of paint.

Answer 7

You'll have to sand it off and paint it again.