When painted surfaces start to deteriorate, it’s best to take action.

Patching peeling paint doesn’t usually lead to pretty much as good a finish as a total repaint job, especially if you’d like an expert look. Paint that was at the wall for many years is hard to accurately colour-match. The reason is, paint on a wall invariably changes tone somewhat over the years as a result of the effects of sunlight bleaching the pigment and microscope airborne dust particles adhering to the outside, in line with Paints Division Technologists J. Bentley et al. However, when you are proud of a shabby chic look, patching peeling paint is suitable.

Skill level: Moderate

1. 1

   Push aside loose flakes with a stiff brush. Remove dust from the wall first with a vacuum cleaner. Wash the affected area with washing-up liquid, if slightly grubby. Use washing soda crystals or sugar soap, if the wall is more soiled. Dry with paper towels.

• 2

  Apply a primer before repainting. Choose a stabilising primer this is specially made to bind loose, porous and powdery wall surfaces sooner than over-painting. Prime the peeled areas and a fringe of about 1 cm around each, so the hot paint you wish to use next will adhere to the old.