How to Repair Chipped Paint Quickly

Tools and Materials

Tools

Ladder
Safety glasses
Respirator
Sander
Wire brush
Fine-grit sandpaper
Flat-headed putty knife
Paint scraper
Putty knife
Soft bristle brush
Paintbrush
Scissors

Materials

What Causes Chipped Paint on Walls

If the paint of your interior or exterior walls is chipping or peeling, it might indicate an underlying issue. Chipped paint means that the bond between the wall surface and the paint has weakened. This could be due to any of the following reasons:

It is possible that the wall surface was not cleaned or primed thoroughly before painting. In this case, the paint adhered to the dirt and grime instead of the wall surface.
Chipped paint is often a result of improper painting techniques. The paint may chip if the primer has not been applied to the wall.
High moisture levels or water leakage from pipes can cause the paint to bubble, wrinkle and chip.
Scratches or accidental impacts can also lead to chipped paint. This often happens on the walls in the home’s frequently used areas.

How to Paint Over Chipped Paint

If you’re wondering how to repair chipped paint, just follow the steps below:

If you need to remove chipped paint on interior walls, first remove any furniture or other items kept near this wall. If it is not possible to remove the household items, cover them with an old bed sheet. Use painter’s tape around baseboards, chair rails or trim. Whether you are working on the interior or exterior walls, spread old newspapers or a tarp on the floor. This will make it easier to clean the area afterward.

Caution

You might need to place a ladder to access the chipped paint. Make sure the ladder is kept on a level surface. Do not wear loose clothing and ask someone to hold the ladder while you’re working on it.

Take a paint scraper and start removing the chipped paint. Remove the largest chips first and then work your way towards smaller ones. If you don't have a paint scraper, you can also use a putty knife for this.

Put the scraper or putty knife at an angle on the wall surface and slide it along the wall to lift off the peeling paint. Remove any loose paint in the surrounding area as well. Use a wire brush to sweep away smaller pieces of chipped paint.

Caution

Be cautious not to damage or gouge out the wood when using a scraper.

Caution

Use safety glasses and a respirator when removing the chipped paint.

When learning how to repair chipped paint, you must know which surface filler would be suitable for your wall. Wood putty, spackling paste and acrylic latex fillers are popular options among homeowners.

Wood putty: Wood putty is used to repair chipped paint on wooden surfaces like doors, furniture or wooden trims. You can use it to fill small holes or cracks in both exterior and interior surfaces.
Acrylic latex filler: An acrylic latex filler is a highly versatile material. You can use it on surfaces like drywall, plaster or masonry. It is an ideal choice when repairing chipped paint on both interior and exterior walls.
Spackling paste: Spackling paste is a commonly used material for filling small holes and imperfections on walls. It hardens after drying and can be easily painted over. However, it should only be used for repairing interior walls.

Caution

Refer to the manufacturer's instructions before using any product on your walls.

Scoop out a little amount of spackling paste with a putty knife. You can also use a flat-bladed drywall knife. Spread a layer of spackling paste and cover the desired area. Level the surface as much as possible.

Caution

Use safety glasses and a respirator when applying spackle or wood putty.

Good to Know

Spackle cannot repair very deep holes or imperfections in walls. It is usually used to patch holes that are 3 to 4 inches deep.

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