How to Repair Peeling Exterior House Paint

Peeing paint is more than an eyesore; it is an alarm bell ringing on the side of your house. When paint loses its bond, moisture creeps behind the film, swelling the siding and accelerating the decay of the wood beneath. Ignoring these patches leads to rot, which is far more expensive to replace than it is to paint. Successfully fixing these spots requires patience rather than brute force. You are not just covering up the mess; you are resetting the surface so the new coating has a clean, stable foundation to hold onto. Done well, your repair will blend seamlessly with the surrounding siding and hold firm against the next decade of weather.

1. Strip Loose Paint First. Use a carbide-tipped paint scraper to remove all loose, bubbling, or flaking paint. Work in a consistent direction and apply enough pressure to reach sound, well-adhered paint.
2. Feather the Edges Smooth. Use 80-grit sandpaper on a sanding block to smooth the transition between the bare wood and the remaining paint. Feather the edges until you cannot feel a ridge when running your hand over the transition.
3. Wipe Clean, Let Dry. Remove all dust and residue using a stiff-bristled nylon brush or a damp cloth. Allow the wood to dry completely before applying any liquid products.
4. Prime the Bare Wood. Apply a high-quality, oil-based or exterior-rated water-based primer directly to the exposed wood. Work the primer into the grain of the wood with your brush for maximum penetration.
5. Fill Damage, Sand Flush. If the wood has significant indentations or rot-damaged areas, apply an exterior-grade wood filler. Once cured, sand the filler flush with the surrounding surface.
6. Match the Existing Finish. Apply two coats of 100% acrylic exterior paint, allowing proper dry time between applications. Use a brush to 'tip off' the paint to match the texture of the existing siding.