Chalking?

I’ve recently moved into a new flat where it has been freshly painted. Some of the walls when rubbed white paint/dust is coming off. I have checked for mould and damp and there is none. Does this need repainting and is it dangerous to health?!

40 Answers

No
9th Nov 2022
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If you're rubbing the walls with sandpaper you'll have the dust coming off. It could also be that the painters have sanded nearby and the dust has stuck to the walls. I wouldn't say there is a risk to health but if you're concerned I would clean as much as possible and give it a lick of paint if wanted.
12th Nov 2022
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Nottdecor
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
????
24th Nov 2022
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10th Nov 2022
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Gary waters
0 Reviews
Cheap paint I bet if it was mine I would pva it or get a stabiliser and repaint savesit rubbing off on clothes
1st Dec 2022
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Darren Collins
0 Reviews
No it is not dangerous to Health

Yes with a dry cloth rub off excess powder which is due to ventilation poor as paint applied then re paint making sure windows are open at all times for quick and natural drying ,
12th Dec 2022
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21st Nov 2022
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Bozgoru
0 Reviews
yes, it must be repainted, but until you repaint, give a coat of PVA and after paint
2nd Dec 2022
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Build us ltd
0 Reviews
No
5th Dec 2022
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Yes you should repaint using a durable or vynil matt paint. Also yes it is bad if its disturbed.
14th Nov 2022
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Kj
0 Reviews
12th Dec 2022
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That is a bizarre case, as that is something that usually tends to happen from damp.
However, the case can also be, if the walls have been freshly plastered, painting over when it hasn't fully cured would release moisture and residual chemicals in tiny amounts into the paint and it would have the same effect.
Or, again if plastered, the result of the plaster being so smooth, the paint can't actually bond to it, it has no, what builders refer to as a key, the same thing would happen if you painted glass.
I would suggest putting on a mask, rubbing down the walls to remove the paint, as you can't paint over something that isn't sticking.
You can either make a key on the wall using the sand paper, the same as when you paint gloss, get rid of the smooth surface, or use a primer.
Paint isn't particularly harmful in toxicity, however, breathing any dust of any type isn't good for your breathing system.
7th Nov 2022
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Ferguson decor
0 Reviews
Yes needs a repainting
23rd Nov 2022
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Clarkes
0 Reviews
No it not dangerous
3rd Jan 2023
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Me Render ltd
0 Reviews
pva and repair.after repainting
16th Nov 2022
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Over time UV degradation of the binder or resin within the paint film will allow the exposed pigment particles to become more loosely bound to the surface. A powdery surface is the result.
It is not dangerous for health, but would probably recommend a fresh coat of paint
28th Nov 2022
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Decor27
0 Reviews
If it's dusty and it's got a black mold on it it could be dangerous to your health.
There is a product on the market called peel stop
Which would stop the flaking of the paint apply a coat of this and then two of your top coat Hope this helps .
Chris decor 27
30th Nov 2022
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Manni
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
It depends what kind of white dust it is. If it's chalk then that's okay as it isn't harmful. However if it is white mold then it is harmful and dangerous to health. This can be fixed with mould resistant paint.
15th Jan 2023
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when u see a yellow stain around the area a its a dampstain u have when you see a white power dust on your wall when you rub it this is the salts coming out ot the plaster cause by damp also to know when there us a black mould this is because of condensation and not enought air circulation in the room. How to help prevent thus leave a window open on first catch if possible or open windows more often as you will find it on windo walls or door areas
22nd Jan 2023
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No not bad for health and its because there's been no heating in the property or the type of paint used
22nd Dec 2022
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Yes IT is dangeros for health end safety . But i can paint them again
7th Jan 2023
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This happens when someone paints over dirty walls, not preparing the walls after plastering and painting straight onto it can cause excess moisture this can also happen due to temperature drops. If there’s no sign of damp and mould then it is not hazourdous unless the paint uses is lead based. You can get rid of this by waiting two weeks after the paint has dries and wipe it with a damp sponge.
11th Dec 2022
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Kamal
0 Reviews
Rub off all the white dust.
Then repaint with suitable paint.
Not dangerous for the actual health, however unpleasant, frustrating and annoying.






11th Dec 2022
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D T Decorating
0 Reviews
Needs sanding back and painting again. Dust isn't good on our lungs so it's dangerous.
19th Jan 2023
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I fixed
0 Reviews
If there's no mould or damp it's not dangerous to your health but maybe it's needed to be repainting, i need to see in person
26th Dec 2022
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M & A Builder
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
It's just because of weather change ,not hazardous to your health .If walls are sealed first this wouldn't happen .
22nd Dec 2022
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KMD & SONS
0 Reviews
No it its not dangerous
Yes it needs repainting this is probably only a sealer coat
3rd Jan 2023
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No just needa a good wipe down
2nd Jan 2023
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Mike
0 Reviews
Probably some ordinary cheap paint was used that has poor mechanical properties and wears off easily. You can send a photo for a better assessment of the situation. It is not dangerous to health, but it would be good to apply a primer and fresh good paint so as not to enlarge the problem area
11th Jan 2023
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HI.
It is possible that after painting the walls, other work was carried out which made the dust. you need to try to wipe the walls with a slightly damp cloth

Ernest Rolnik Painting Services
6th Mar 2023
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It sounds like they have used cheap contract matt emulsion. If so, it isn't dangerous to health and doesn't 'need' repainting. If there is any concern of damp, use a moisture meter.
9th Feb 2023
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Ezekel
0 Reviews
Hello you need first to apply some primer then after painting or the walls need treated
23rd Feb 2023
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The paint has not cured wait for a week or so make sure there is no moisture in the air make the place as dry as possible then check on it
6th Mar 2023
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Ps plastering
0 Reviews
Pva it and after it's dried apply a coat of emulsion
7th Mar 2023
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Yes is dangerous for health , may be wasnt good sanded, but specially the paint is not good when its rubbing off.
6th Mar 2023
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Danny's
0 Reviews
Needs repainted, it was just refreshed for sale.
22nd Jun 2023
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Yes it is dangerous for your health and it would need a repainting.
26th Sep 2023
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Dab Hand
0 Reviews
used matt emulsion, if so it is chalky, needs a coat of vinyl matt or a hard wearing matt
19th Feb 2024
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AAFaria
0 Reviews
When there is no mold or damp, the paint is dusty and the quality of the paint is not good, if it is a quality paint job this does not happen.

What we have to do is paint again with quality paint so it doesn't happen again.
6th Mar 2024
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ATIF painter
0 Reviews
It sounds like the paint on the walls is exhibiting a condition known as "chalking." Chalking occurs when the paint deteriorates over time, resulting in a powdery residue on the surface. While chalking itself is not typically dangerous to health, it can be unsightly and may indicate that the paint is reaching the end of its lifespan.

Here's what you can do:

1. **Assess the Severity:** Determine the extent of the chalking by rubbing your hand or a cloth against the wall in different areas. If the chalking is minimal and not affecting the overall appearance of the walls, it may not require immediate repainting.

2. **Clean the Walls:** Use a damp cloth or sponge to gently clean the chalking residue from the walls. This will help to remove the loose paint and improve the appearance of the walls temporarily.

3. **Consider Repainting:** If the chalking is widespread or if cleaning the walls does not sufficiently improve the appearance, you may need to consider repainting the walls. Choose a high-quality paint suitable for interior walls and follow proper painting techniques to ensure a long-lasting finish.

4. **Address Underlying Issues:** While chalking is often a result of natural deterioration over time, it can also be accelerated by factors such as exposure to sunlight, moisture, or environmental pollutants. Consider addressing any underlying issues such as excessive moisture or inadequate ventilation to prevent future paint deterioration.

5. **Ventilate the Space:** Proper ventilation can help to minimize the buildup of indoor pollutants and moisture, which can contribute to paint deterioration. Ensure that the flat is well-ventilated by opening windows or using fans as needed.

Overall, while chalking itself is not typically harmful to health, it can indicate that the paint is deteriorating and may require repainting for aesthetic reasons. If you're unsure about the best course of action, consider consulting with a professional painter or decorator for advice tailored to your specific situation.
4th Mar 2024
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