Peeling ceiling
 

Greetings, I have painted a bathroom ceiling that has a swirl-pattern finish using Ben Moore ceiling white. The paint is now cracking and peeling off over the shower and is spreading to the rest of the room. The paint is good. The peeling must be a result of someting I did or didn't do. I also get the feeling I have to scrape the entire ceiling and start over. I have a 3 part question:
1. The ceiling in the other bathroom and the kitchen ceiling are the same swirl pattern and they need to be painted. What should I use to paint over the swirl pattern.
2. The rest of the ceilings in the house are different. They are a stucco-type finish. The house was built in 1982 in central MA. Is there a reason the builder did not use the stucco finish on the ceilings in the kitchen and baths?
3. If there is no reason other than cost, how do I get the paint and applicator to create this stucco-type ceiling?

Thanks

What's coming down in the bathroom? Just the paint? Or all the ceiling material?

Generally, If you scrape the paint off a pattern like that, you may end up damaging the swirl pattern and having to repair that too.
The reason why the ceiling is peeling like that is due to the high amount of moisture from the shower steam. Do you have an exhaust fan/vent in the bathroom?

You might consider using a mildew resistant primer and paint or a mildecide additive. Do not use oil paint, if the previous layers of paint were latex, or it too will crack.
If you find that you choose to, or need to, repair the swirl pattern, this can be done using a stiff plaster's brush or wide firm bristled paint brush, dependant on the exact pattern style.
If it is a sand swirl texture, you can purchase sanded texture at just about any BIG HOME improvement type stores...

Basic latex paint will do it.

Couldn't tell you. Could be something as simple as: two different sub contractors did the work. One did swirls because he wasn't good at doing the other pattern, or vice versa....There really isn't any cost difference betweeen the two styles, just builder or client preference.

I believe what you are referring to is what we call a 'skip-trowel' pattern, rather than 'stucco'.
It is not applied with paint, nor is it applied with an applicator.

Essentially, we take a 5 gallon bucket of compound and add 1/2 cup of flat white latex paint to it. Mix it with a mixing-paddle (plaster type) till blended in evenly.
We then use a paint roller and basic roller cover with a pole attached. Apply the compound over a 4x4 area (for beginners) and then use a plastic trowel (purchased at wallboard supply stores - KAMCO is in MA)
holding the plastic trowel at the 'proper' angle, you lightly smooth out the peaks of the compound in a random pattern. Applying mild pressure only to bring the peaks down slightly.
This is not exactly a DIYer project. It really is something that takes doing about 30 + ceilings to 'start' to get the hang of it, and have it look decent. You may also want to consider getting an estimate to have it done. If not done right, you will be kicking yourself for attempting it, because it will not look anything like the ceilings that were already done by a pro. Remember, whatever you do to a ceiling -stands out very noticably...

Is the paint peeling and leaving a primer or other earlier coat?
Is the paint peeling and leaving bare drywall?
If bare drywall, is it paper like drywall, or more like a wax paper?


That depends on the answer to my previous questions
Yeah, they could have been added later, it also wasn't the style for Reagan Era K&Bs, and not a good idea for humidity reasons and/or Reagan Era Builders (they'd have to seal and properly paint them rather than a squirt of builder's paint or they'd fall right off)

Mmmm....I'd have to see a pic
Generally paints themselves don't add a texture , it's usually a separate process
Texture, then paint

Thanks to all who replied. The new coat of paint is what peeling. I do believe that if I scrape, the original pattern wil come off.

There is no exhaust fan. I believe since there in a window in the bathroom, the builder did not need to install an exhaust fan. I know of this "wonderful building code" from previous homes i've owned. The problem is when it is cold, certain family members take hot showers and there is no way the window will be opened before, during , or after the shower. A closer look at the ceilings I have yet to paint shows that "coarse bristle, wide brush" random pattern that I may be able to re-create. Fortunately, the peeling ceiling is happening in a 5' x 7' master bath.

Also, I am going to get an estimate on the "skip trowel" finish as it seems to be a more durable finish to re-paint. All your responses are helpful and I thank you all again!

Then it's most likely an improper prep issue

Sounds like latex was painted over old oil base...

a whole other angle
 

Yes it could be you've got latex over oil (if that is the issue, I've gotten the paint off with water and one of those scotch brite type pads, a plastic brillo type thing which is way faster than trying to peel it off) or improper prep or, it could be something similar to an experience I had (and the last time I used BM paint).

About 7 years ago I repainted my mom's bathroom using BM primer and kitchen/bath paint. I had existing painted walls, a newly plastered wall, and new wood trim to paint. It was primed with their primer that is supposed to cover oil or latex then painted and looked just beautiful for a whole day before it started to peel. BM store tried to help but couldn't explain why all surfaces were peeling, the rep was a jerk who never did show up to see the paint. They finally gave me the money back but I had to peel that whole room which took forever. I repainted with another company's paint no problem.

Oddly enough I found 3 other people who had exactly the same experience with that paint and that was without even looking very hard. So it could be your paint. I haven't used BM since and won't be again.

In the old house I have there is damage on the ceiling from moisture (I have to fix that). It appears more like cracking or splitting of the paint, nothing is really peeling.