How to Fix Peeling Paint Above a Shower Insert
- 1). Cover the floor and the shower base with drop cloths to catch any debris from the repair. Cover the top of the shower insert with masking tape.
- 2). Remove the peeling paint with a paint scraper. Use only a moderate amount of force, when scraping the paint away, to avoid gouging the drywall beneath.
- 3). Mix a small batch of joint compound in a bucket with a stirring stick. Apply the compound over the area with the peeling paint. Use a 6-inch drywall knife to spread the compound evenly across the surface then switch to a 12-inch knife to smooth out the material, blending the edges in with the surrounding undamaged wall. Allow the compound two hours to dry.
- 4). Go over the compound with 100-grit sandpaper attached to a sanding block. Sand the compound with the paper until there are no longer any signs of application lines from the drywall knife. Switch to 150-grit sandpaper and sand further, smoothing out the compound completely and feathering the edges to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding wall. Wipe the sanded area with a tack cloth to remove sanding residue.
- 5). Apply a layer of moisture-resistant drywall primer over the sanded surface with a paintbrush. Keep the application smooth and even throughout, extending beyond the patch about 2 inches on the wall in all directions. Let the primer dry overnight.
- 6). Apply an interior paint the same color as the rest of the wall above the enclosure over the primer. Use the brush to paint near the top of the insert, then use a paint roller to cover the rest. For best blending results, paint the entire wall section along with the patch so that the wall is precisely the same color. Allow the paint to dry for 2-hours then apply a second coating. Allow this second coat 48 hours drying time.
- 7). Remove the masking tape from the top of the insert. Place a bead of silicone caulking onto the joint above the insert where the insert meets the wall. Extend the bead upwards 1/8-inch to help create a definitive waterproof barrier. Smooth the caulk out with a wet fingertip and allow it to dry for 24 hours before using the shower again.
Source...