Whst process did he use? What products? You can’t say that that isnt a bad batch of paint, or improper work, without knowing what processes and products were used. You did ask, right? And you did review his work when he was working, right?

@User Due to the current pandemic, we have been trying to keep our distance. Prior to beginning the job, we discussed how the previous paint was oil-based, which required bonding primer. He told us he would be using the bonding primer, followed by a Benjamin Moore Regal Select color. I did not see the actual bonding primer go on, but did notice other areas in the house primed when I would stop to check in after the painter left. We've seen similar results in regards to that peeling in multiple trim locations. Is this something that could be caused by a bad batch of paint? Could it be that the paint hasn't cured yet? The paint job in the picture above is almost 2 weeks old, but just peeled that tonight.

What if, the existing paint was not oil based..?

edit...did anyone do the cotton ball test

@Rockin' Fine Finish The discussion I had with the painter, and the expectation we left with was that it would be sanded and primed. I did not watch the whole process due to the pandemic, but did go afterwards to see the completed work each day.

@User good question! Unfortunately, I can only go by what I was told. I met with 2 recommended painters prior to choosing one, and both told me it was oil based paint.

What kind of dust control equipment did you see for the sanding phase? How many days of sanding happened? What SPECIFIC products were used? What has the painter said about these pics when you sent them to him?

@User Had to look up what the cotton ball test was - just tried it on a section that wasn't painted yet. No paint on the cotton!

If he used water-based or acrylic paint over oil-based paint this is the result...it will always be peeling or chipping because the paint properties don’t bond well.

Prep work is everything, also if oil-based paint is being used the full cure of it is 7-20 days depending on room climate.

That said if he would have used oil-based primer like Kilz, etc this wouldn't have happened.

Good luck

@live_wire_oak They have been sanding as they progress through the house. They have their sanding equipment connected to a shop vac. He used Zissner cover stain for the knots in wood paneling and the Zissner Bin Primer I suspect for the oil based areas. There seems to be better adhesion in locations that I believe he primed.

“I suspect”? Why don’t you KNOW? You are the GC who hired this subcontractor. What did your spot checks for quality control SHOW being done? Again , what type of communication is taking place with your painter here? What has he said about the peeling? Do not tell me you have not had this conversation with him. That’s unacceptable. The only way to resolve anything is with communication with the person who performed the job.