Removing moisture stains from walls effectively requires first addressing the source of the moisture. Here’s how to prepare the surface for painting to ensure the stain doesn’t reappear and what products to use for painting.
Common Causes of Moisture Stains
Moisture stains on walls can arise for many reasons. It could be due to condensation around windows, a ceiling stain from a neighbor’s flood above, or capillary moisture spreading from a cracked pipe in the building or house.
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Eliminate the Cause of the Stain First
Whatever the cause of the moisture stain on walls or ceilings, it is crucial to resolve the source of the moisture first. No painting or even the highest quality coating will be a permanent solution if the source of the moisture is not eliminated. Only then can you proceed with painting work.
Addressing Residual Moisture
Often, simply painting over the stained area won’t be enough. Even after resolving the moisture issue, residual moisture in the wall can later cause the stain to reappear on the white wall or ceiling. It may not be as pronounced, but enough to indicate that your effort was in vain.
Repairing Moisture Damage
For smaller stains, if they haven’t been present for a long time, it might be sufficient to paint over them once the moisture source is removed. However, more commonly, moisture damages the surface structure of the wall and the filler itself. In such cases, it’s necessary to scrape off the damaged filler with a spatula.
Before applying new filler, you need to use a synthetic primer. Ask at the paint store and buy a small quantity that will suffice. Depending on the manufacturer, these are “synthetic primers” or “deep-penetrating primers.” They penetrate the wall plaster, creating a solid and moisture-resistant base for further work. After applying the primer, apply a new layer of filler, sand it, and then apply the final wall paint.
Tip – Use Quality Products
For smaller repairs, such as fixing one wall or part of a ceiling after resolving a moisture issue, it’s advisable to purchase higher quality products. Usually, a smaller amount of primer and final coatings, as well as filler, is sufficient for these repairs. Cost-saving is not recommended, especially since the area affected by moisture is already sensitive. Higher quality coatings will help better mitigate the problem.