Planning to paint your basement? Painting your basement can do more as compared to just improve the look of your basement. Once you paint your basement walls, only then you can protect them from moisture damage.
Remember that the basement walls are porous concrete and moisture can accumulate easily behind the concrete. If proper care is not taken, then this leads to mould and mildew growth or structural damage.
If you are not aware of how to paint basement walls, then the following is a guide to help you out:
Preparation of Basement Wall
The process will start by preparing walls before painting. This process is having a further step that you have to follow to get the best painting results:
Remove Existing Paint: It is important to remove the existing paint before you apply the new paint. If you are going to apply the paint on the existing paint, then the newly painted surface will crack and air bubbles will be developed. You should remove the existing paint by rubbing the walls using a wire brush and sandpaper.
To get your basement walls painted well without any cracks and air bubbles, you need to hire professional painters in Cape Cod. The experts will be using the right methods and high-quality paint to complete the job.
Fill All Cracks and Holes: You should repair your basement walls using fast-setting hydraulic cement. It is available at the majority of the home improvement centres. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s direction when applying it to the walls.
Removing Mildew Stains: In case your walls are having mildew stains, then you need to remove the mildew from the basement walls with the following two steps:
- Mix two tablespoons of bleach with 1 quarter of warm water. Use a sponge cloth and both the area using a solution until the stains disappear.
- You should use a commercial grade mould and mildew stain remover that you can easily get from the home improvement centre.
Cleaning the Walls: It is essential to clean the walls before painting. You should remove all the dirt, dust, and oil before you are going to paint them. Follow the below steps:
- Remove the dirt and debris using a broom. You should clean the walls by wiping them down with a damp cloth.
- You should clean the walls with an etcher. It is a product that consists of chemicals that clean and roughens the surface. Remember that the paint will adhere to the rough surface well. You can buy the commercial-grade etchers at the home improvement and paint suppliers. You should follow the manufacturer’s direction for the application.
- You can also use tri-sodium phosphate for cleaning the walls. It is an alkaline cleaning solution that is used for masonry surfaces. When using it follow the manufacturer’s directions. Remember that TSP is very toxic and it is not permitted in some areas due to environmental concerns.
- Get your walls cleaned by the masonry cleaning service. You should hire an expert like a masonry contractor in cleaning the basement walls with a high toxic product like muriatic acid. Remember that don’t use muriatic acid at your own risk for cleaning, leave this to the professionals. A mild contact with the acid can lead to severe burns and blindness.
- Allow your walls to dry completely.
Priming the Basement Walls
Select Primer for Concrete and Masonry: Note that the concrete primers will adhere well to the basement walls as compared to the general primer and this will provide protection and durability.
Mix Primer: Pick up the primer container and shake it properly to mix the content.
Next, you need to pour the primer into the bucket or the paint tray.
Applying Primer: You should properly coat the entire wall surface using a primer.
- Use a wide nylon and polyester brush and roller to apply the primer. The brush should be having a length of 2 and 3 inches. Furthermore, you should choose a ½ inch and ¾ inch roller cover.
- Apply the primer in 1 corner and continue painting along the edges of the basement walls.
- Paint the primer onto the walls in 4 foot by 2-foot sections. As you are applying the paint, overlap it with the previous areas for better coverage.
You should allow the primer to dry completely for at least 8 hours.
Painting the Basement Walls
Selection of basement wall paint: It is better to select a water-resistant masonry paint that is specially made of porous concrete surfaces. This water-resistant paint will act as a moisture barrier for your basement and alkali resistant coating will provide increased durability.
Furthermore, you should select the paint colour that looks good with your décor. You can find a wide range of colours at paint stores and home improvement stores.
Mixing The Paint: Pick the paint container and shake it well to mix the content.
Next, you have to pour the paint into the paint tray.
Applying Paint on Basement Walls: It is recommended to apply 2 to 3 coats of paint with better moisture protection.
- You should use a nylon/polyester brush or roller for applying the primer. The brush should be approximately 4 inches and the roller should be ½ inch to ¾ inch cover.
- Cut in a 2 to 3-inch border around the top, bottom, and sides of the walls. After this, apply paint in one corner and continue painting along the edge of the basement wall.
- Paint the walls 4 feet by 2 feet. As you are applying the paint, overlap the previously applied areas that will include cut in areas to have consistent coverage. For avoiding paint drips, lightly tap the paintbrush against the inside of the buck or tray the removal of excess paint.
- Let the paint dry for at least 4 hours before applying the next coat.
- You should evaluate the coverage after you apply the second coat of paint. Your wall may need a third coat of paint.
- Let your paint dry completely.
This was a brief guide regarding painting the basement walls ideas. To get more painting basement walls ideas, you should get in touch with professional painting companies within your area.
