If you’re enacting a comprehensive basement waterproof plan, you may want to think about using waterproof paint on your basement walls. It won’t prevent leaks that start on the outside of your foundation, but cut down on the overall dampness of the walls, which in turn prevents the mold and mildew that can eat away at porous surfaces.
Here’s a quick primer — no pun intended — on using waterproof paint as a basement waterproofing measure.
Make sure all other basement waterproofing and repairs have been done
As noted above, waterproof paint isn’t a solution on its own, and if you have major leaks in your basement, trying to paint around them simply won’t work. Painting should be the final step in a larger basement waterproofing scheme. Once you have all your leaks sealed and water diverted out of your basement, you can begin painting.
Get your gear together
Aside from the paint, brushes, rollers and pans, you’ll need a dehumidifier, some painter’s tape, a drop cloth, and a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment.
Start with a clean surface
This is where you’ll need to use the vacuum cleaner and hose attachment. Clean up all the cobwebs and any other dusty residue from the walls, and make sure to remove any stains as best you can.
Start with a dry surface
Before you begin painting, you’ll need to make sure your basement is as dry as possible. Begin running your humidifier on its highest setting about 48 hours before you begin painting. That way, all the moisture will be removed from the walls.
Start painting
Lay your dropcloth on the floor and use painter’s tape to tape it down. That way, you won’t get paint anywhere you don’t want it. If you’re painting rough concrete, it’ll require two coats. Once the first coat is dry, look for missed spots and begin the second coat.
