If you’ve ever walked into a building and noticed paint flaking off the wall, you’re not alone. Peeling paint is a common problem in homes and construction projects across Nigeria and usually points to deeper issues.
Whether you’re a homeowner tired of repainting or a developer looking to avoid post-handover complaints, this guide offers real home painting solutions you can count on.
What Causes Paint to Peel in Nigerian Buildings?
1. Structural Moisture Problems
One of the biggest culprits is moisture trapped within the walls. This often happens when painting is rushed before plastering or screeding fully dries. In many Nigerian buildings, this issue is worsened by poor drainage or water seeping in through roofing or plumbing faults.
2. Poor Screeding or Plastering
Subpar screeding – especially using low-grade POP or powder cement – leaves walls dusty and unstable. These surfaces don’t hold paint well, which leads to cracking, chalking, and eventually, peeling.
3. Skipping Priming or Using the Wrong One
Primers are not optional. Applying paint directly on bare screed or blockwork compromises adhesion. Unfortunately, some painters cut corners or dilute primers too much, reducing its effectiveness.
4. Painting Before the Wall Is Fully Dry
Many builders are in a hurry to deliver. But applying paint on damp walls locks in moisture, eventually forcing it out, damaging the paint from the inside.
5. Using Cheap or Low-Quality Paint
Not all paints are created equal. Many generic brands on the market lack proper binders and fade or peel in Nigeria’s intense heat and humidity. If longevity matters, you must use tested, high-performance products.
How to Fix Peeling Paint – Step by Step
1. Scrape and Sand Thoroughly
Remove all loose paint. Sand the surface until it’s smooth, clean, and dust-free.
2. Check for Dampness or Structural Issues
Use a moisture meter or visual check to detect damp patches. Fix leaks, poor plasterwork, or blocked drain channels.
3. Prime the Wall Properly
Apply a reliable primer. It penetrates the surface, locks in moisture, and creates strong paint adhesion.
4. Use the Right Paint for Each Surface
Choose high-performance paints designed for Nigeria’s climate:
- For exterior walls, go with Glotex Weather Shield Matt OR Jet Emulsion – a durable, weather-resistant finish ideal for tropical conditions.
- For interiors, Glotex Satin or Glotex Silk offers a smooth, washable finish that stands the test of time.
5. Work With Professionals – Not Corner-Cutters
Don’t hand over your project to just anyone with a brush. Use trusted professionals like Perfect Finish Painters, who follow best practices, understand product systems, and won’t cut corners to “save time”.
Preventing Peeling Paint in Future Projects
- Allow at least 3–4 weeks for the new plaster to cure before painting.
- Avoid untested screed mixtures – stick with premium base coats like Glotex SmoothSeal.
- Never skip primer application.
- Insist on Glotex-approved paint systems.
- Hire painters with verifiable track records – like Perfect Finish Painters – to ensure it’s done right the first time.
Paint peeling off is more than an eyesore – it’s an indication that something isn’t right beneath the surface. For developers, it could mean warranty claims. For homeowners, it means extra costs. But with the right products and a professional approach, peeling paint becomes a thing of the past.
At Glotex Paints, we design our products to perform under African weather conditions. Paired with skilled applicators, your walls are sure to stay flawless for years to come.
📞 Need Help With Your Next Project?
Talk to a Glotex Paints representative or book a consultation with Perfect Finish Painters today. From product selection to application, we’ve got you covered.