Shower ceiling peeling

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Seagull

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We have a problem with the paint cracking and peeling off the ceiling above the shower, even after it's been repainted. Does anyone have any suggestions what we can do to fix it? Is there any particular paint we should be using, or treatment we should apply to the ceiling before painting?
 
As you do with your skin, exfoliate the ceiling first (sandpaper), then wipe with damp cloth, allow to dry, stabilise (if porous) and apply the appropriate paint. It sounds as if the wrong type of paint was applied or it was applied to an unprepared background.
 
Is there a extract fan in the shower room, excessive condensation will cause pealing/flaking. Use a paint designed for bathrooms, all diy stores have this speciality paint...but check the reason why its happening first.
 
I suspect it's the prep work on the ceiling that was lacking. He didn't really bother sanding it down at all, and certainly didn't apply any kind of undercoat. It's going onto plaster board. Do I need to use some kind of sealer, and if so, what should I use?

There is an extractor fan and it's on whenever the shower is on. I don't know if it's doing a good enough job. There isn't a window in the bathroom. The developer very cleverly designed the layout with the shower on the only external wall in the bathroom.
 
Check if the extractor is real - that's it's actually got a vent going out rather than a cosmetic job.
 
I'm doing a job on a bathroom at the moment where the ceiling paint is flaking off in sheets, very frustrating. The only solution is to carefully scrape back the loose, unsound paint in its entirety; this is dirty, painstaking work. Then use a fine filler to mask the edge of the sound paint; sanding to a feather edge the existing paint edge and filled areas. A pole sander makes a quick job of sanding walls and ceilings. Spot prime the filled areas with an emulsion suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms before applying 2 or 3 full coats with a good roller. Takes time I know but it's the only way to ensure a good result. Even with good ventilation regular matt emulsions won't stand up to the high humidity and condensation present in a shower or bath room.
 
You could still put in a window at a higher level, say head level. My mums house has a window in her shower room where the shower is located at a similar position, the only external wall. She does not have any issues with paint peeling now.

Perhaps it may be a problem if it is an apartment block!

Just a thought.
 
Your problem is probably caused by the type of paint that you were using. Sometimes, you may get away with using ordinary emulsion in some 'well-ventilated' bathrooms. Although, it is recommended to use a special type of paint that is specially made for humid environments such as bathrooms. Use a type of paint called Steracryl. Remember to prepare the suface well, scraping off all of the old flaking paint an applying filler and sanding where needed as already mentioned previously in the post. Here is a link to the Steracryl paint http://www.crowntrade.co.uk/en/Products/Problem+solving/Steracryl+Anti-Mould/
 
The painter told me he was using an oil based paint as the regular emulsion was just peeling. That's what is now coming down.
 
Use steracryl, it is made for it. Ensure the old surface is properly removed, filled and sanded. This is the most important part. Then apply the steracryl. The paint is top notch for that kind of environment. If it doesn't work, then you will need to put in a better ventilation system. How long after the oil based paint was applied did it come loose?? If you are getting a painter to do it rather than doing it yourself. Demand that he uses the Steracryl, it is more expensive than other paints, maybe thats why it wasnt used on the last job.
 
Any idea where to pick up steracryl in Dublin? Had a look in B&Q, Homebase and Atlantic over the weekend and couldnt see it.

philboy said:
Use steracryl, it is made for it. Ensure the old surface is properly removed, filled and sanded. This is the most important part. Then apply the steracryl. The paint is top notch for that kind of environment. If it doesn't work, then you will need to put in a better ventilation system. How long after the oil based paint was applied did it come loose?? If you are getting a painter to do it rather than doing it yourself. Demand that he uses the Steracryl, it is more expensive than other paints, maybe thats why it wasnt used on the last job.
Click to expand...
 
Any of the crown trade shops will definitely have it. I just did a search for 'crown trade' in 'Dublin' on goldenpages.ie and here is the results page:

http://www.goldenpages.ie/search/dublin/crown_trade.html


There are contact numbers there, you can try them tomorrow, i doubt they are open but may well be. They also may be able to point you in the direction of a supplier in a location closer to you.
 
Stillorgan Decor tends to have all kinds of specialist paints if thats anywhere near you
 
If you are unlucky with Stillorgan decor, check out MRCB near Christchurch as I know they have a paint for that exact problem. Their number is 6798755
 
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