Q–I have a metal ceiling in my kitchen that I have painted several times. After each painting, the paint begins to crack and flake off even though I sand in many places to prepare for the new paint.
I want to keep this ceiling and was wondering if there is a way to keep the paint from cracking without having to sand all the paint off the ceiling.
A–It sounds as though the original primer or base coat may be letting go, taking all subsequent coats with it.
The only way to cure this is to remove all of the paint down to the bare metal, then apply a proper metal primer before repainting. However, this doesn’t have to be done by sanding. In fact, it can best be done by using a non-flammable, heavy-bodied (semi-paste) chemical paint remover. Follow the directions and rinse off the softened residue that remains before the new paint is applied.
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Write to Bernard Gladstone in care of Your Place, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611. Sorry, letters cannot be answered personally.
