Why Paint Fails During the Rainy Season in the Philippines And How to Prevent It

The rainy season in the Philippines is a yearly challenge for homeowners. You repaint your house, and before you know it, the walls start peeling, bubbling, or growing ugly mold patches. Why does this happen so often? It’s because our tropical weather is rough on paint.

Why Rainy Weather Damages Paint

Our country has high humidity, lots of rain, and sudden heat. These conditions cause paint to fail faster compared to cooler climates. Walls get soaked, and when they cannot dry properly, paint starts to break down. Here are the most common paint problems:

  • Peeling Paint – Water sneaks into cracks or leaks, then gets trapped under the paint. Over time, this makes the paint lift off and peel.

  • Bubbling or Blistering – Rainy weather followed by hot sun causes moisture inside the walls to expand into vapor, which creates bubbles under the paint.

  • Fading and Stains – Continuous rain washes away the top layer of paint, while UV rays from the sun fade the color.

  • Mold and Mildew Growth – Damp walls create the perfect environment for mold. You’ll often see black or green patches during the rainy months.

How to Prevent Paint Damage

The good news is you can stop this cycle with a few smart steps:

1. Use Breathable Paint

Regular paint traps moisture inside walls. For the Philippine climate, breathable paint works better. One great option is Asvesti Limewash Paint. Limewash lets walls breathe, allowing moisture to escape instead of getting trapped. Plus, it naturally resists molds due to its mineral content.

2. Waterproof Before Painting

Apply a waterproofing primer or wall sealer before painting. This prevents rainwater from seeping into the walls.

3. Fix Leaks and Cracks

Even small cracks can allow water to get in. Regularly check your roof, gutters, and windows for leaks. Repair these issues before they cause bigger problems.

4. Let Walls Dry Properly

Never paint on a wet wall. After cleaning or fixing cracks, wait for a few sunny days to let everything dry before painting.

5. Keep the House Well-Ventilated

Good airflow reduces moisture indoors. Open windows when you can, and use fans or dehumidifiers during wet months.

Best Time to Paint

If possible, paint between December and May when the weather is drier. But if you must paint during the rainy season, make sure to use the right products and follow these tips to protect your walls.