How to treat damp walls before painting?

Dampness in buildings mostly happens because of excessive moisture and climatic conditions. This is the reason treating them is important before you paint the walls. During our exterior painting, I did some research on how to treat damp walls before painting, but since we didn’t want to take any chances, my wife insisted we hire a professional for the entire job. But I can tell you a few methods that might help you.

How Do You Treat Damp Walls Before Painting?

The most common method I found online was spraying a coat of damp proofing solution on the walls. I learned it acts as a barrier that helps prevent rising dampness on the exteriors. I also found a few more methods that I am sharing below.

Joint Filler and Liquid Wrap

In this method, you need to close any cracks or holes in the walls using a joint filler. Then, you must use a liquid wrap made from a polymer and apply it over the moist areas. 

Damp Proofing Creams or Rods

I learned that damp proofing rods are another effective way to prevent moisture from walls. They are made of silane/siloxane polymer with water-repellent qualities. So, to prevent the dampness from rolling up the walls, you can install these rods.

Flashing Materials

You can apply a damp proof membrane after you prime your walls. These membranes are impermeable to water, which makes it easy to prevent moisture or dampness into your walls. 

These are some methods I found in my research. I also learned that you can prevent dampness by installing a chimney with a high suction power, which will avoid smoke and steam into the outdoors. 

Hi Tarun. One thing I am dreading learning is how to treat damp walls before painting them. After research, I discovered that the best way to deal with it is to locate the moisture's source and treat the walls with an appropriate damp-proofing solution. I have shared the detailed steps

to fix damp walls below.

How to Fix a Damp Walls Before Painting?

Be it rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation, you must address the underlying problem before painting your walls. I discovered that it's crucial to fix wet walls using the procedure below:

• You must first determine where the moisture is coming from.

• To ensure that the paint adheres and the walls don't get stained again, clean those areas.

• Now, patch holes and cracks in the wall with a sealer. After letting the wall dry, sand it down, being careful around the sealant.

• After that, apply a good damp-proofing solution to the walls. You can use waterproofing paints or damp sealants for it.

• After resolving the damp issue, you can apply an anti-mold paint and allow it to dry.

• Finally, prime the walls before painting them to guarantee that the paint will adhere well.

I found these steps helpful but time-consuming. So, I suggest hiring a professional and getting a durable finish. I hope you understand how to prepare damp walls for painting.

Treating damp walls is so important before you undertake the painting job. Damp walls if not treated properly will ruin the overall look and feel of your house completely. If you are wondering how to treat damp walls before painting in India, I may have some suggestions for you. I can let you know the tools you will need and skills required as well.

• Mold remover

• A paint scraper

• Damp seal paint

• Sealant

• Plaster patches

• A sander

Okay now that you have all the required material with you, here is how you should proceed:

• Scrape off all the mold patches and stains using mold remover and paint scraper

• Use the sealant to repair cracks and holes

• Let the wall dry and then sand down the wall, especially around the area where you applied sealant

• Wipe off or dust off the residue.

• I would advise you to do the damp proofing of your wall using damp seal paint

• Let everything dry once again

• After ensuring that the wall is ready to be painted, use the paint of your choice to colour your world.

This is

how to treat damp walls before painting.