When Fresno paint peels, stop covering it

Peeling in this county is usually one of four things: moisture from irrigation or a leak, latex laid over old oil without a bonding primer, dust painted as if it were a wall, or a film that spent 271 sunny days unprotected.

Take the failure off the wall

Loose film comes off. On homes built before 1978 we use lead-safe methods. Then medium grit (80–120) and fine grit (150–220) so the new system has a profile, not a scab.

Wash the valley off

Dust and pollen are not primer. We wash, let the wall dry in this low humidity, and only then prime. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 or a bonding primer on oil-to-latex transitions.

Put back a film that belongs here

Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint or Benjamin Moore Aura for UV. Elastomeric where the stucco moves. Two coats, timed for spring or fall when we can. July at 2 p.m. is not a finish window.

Aftercare is dull and it works: wash dust off the south wall once a year, fix irrigation that sprays the skirt, and do not wait until the film is alligatoring. Call (559) 573-0110 if you are already past that point.