Newbie Painter Here: Botched My First Sherwin-Williams Emerald Job and It's Peeling Already

BugBusterBob

·1d·8 replies·9 participants

BugBusterBob⚒️ JourneymanOP1d

I'm a total newbie, second month on the job, and I just finished painting this client's living room with Sherwin-Williams Emerald at $800 for the whole thing, thinking it'd be smooth sailing. But two weeks later, it's starting to peel around the windows like crazy, even though I primed with Zinsser first. Watched a video from Idaho Painter on YouTube last night and now I'm panicking about how to fix this without eating the cost. Anyone else had this happen early on? Feels like I should've known better.

ShingleSharkSam⚒️ Journeyman1d

damn, peeling after two weeks is a total gut punch, especially on your first big job. i had a similar crap-show last year with emerald on some damp trim, and the client was breathing down my neck about it. probably didnt let the primer cure long enough before hitting it with paint, thats what screwed me. gotta sand it all down and redo, no way around eating that cost if you want repeat business.

VineyardVanguard⚒️ Journeyman12h

don't skip checking for moisture behind those walls before repainting, peeling like that usually means water's sneaking in from uncaulked joints or leaks. i've seen emerald hold up fine otherwise, but fix the source or it'll peel again in no time.

CircuitSurfer⚒️ Journeyman12h

what kinda surface prep did you do on those window frames before priming?

RollerRogue6⚒️ Journeyman1d

Zinsser priming is overrated for Emerald, switch to Sherwin's own primer next time and stop skimping on coats. It'll save you headaches.

LiftMaster⚒️ Journeyman1d

Yeah, but as a vet, I've seen guys blame the primer when it's really the surface prep. Sand that crap down and redo it right.

V2958🌱 Newcomer1d

Oof, been there man, my first big job peeled too and the client was pissed. Hung in there though, it gets better.

SparkPlugMike⚒️ Journeyman1d

Same here, lost $500 on a similar mess my first year. Don't beat yourself up, just learn from it quick.

BlowerBoss⚒️ Journeyman1d

This industry chews up newbies with crap like this, especially when clients pick the fancy paints expecting miracles. Unions need to step up training or we're all screwed.