Damp in the walls of homes is a much more common problem than we would like. Do you want to know how to paint walls with damp? We tell you the steps to follow, what to do before painting and how to prevent dampness from coming back. Don’t miss this post and forget about that dampness that keeps you awake at night!

Damp becomes a real headache when it reappears time and time again every winter. In fact, if they are not treated properly, they can damage the structure of the wall and can even be harmful to your health. That’s why it’s not enough to just paint. We show you how to treat and paint damp walls. Read on!

Why does damp appear on the wall?

Before we start, it is very important to know the reasons why damp can appear on walls.

There are several reasons, some of the most common are:

  • Due to water leaks in pipes
  • Due to leaks from the roof, façade or cracks
  • Due to blocked drains causing water accumulation.
  • When there is excess moisture in the floor that rises through porous materials.
  • Steps to remove and paint damp

Now that we know the main reasons that cause damp to appear on the walls of our house, let’s find out what steps we must follow to prepare and paint the wall so that it is “as good as new” again. Here they go!

1. Eliminate the source of the damp

The first thing to do is to identify the source of the damp in order to repair it as soon as possible and prevent it from reappearing. Bearing in mind the most common reasons mentioned above…

On the one hand, if the damp wall faces the interior of the home, the reasons are probably related to the fact that this wall is shared with a damp room (bathroom or kitchen) or that some of the plumbing is deteriorated.

On the other hand, if the damp wall faces the outside of the home, it is possible that the structure has cracks and the passage of time has led to leaks.

If we are unable to identify the reason, it is very important to seek professional help because, as mentioned above, damp is not just an aesthetic problem, but can go much further.

2. Clean the area very well

Once the source of the damp has been eliminated, it is time to clean the area where the damp is so that it can then be painted.

There are various methods for cleaning damp, but these are some of the most commonly used products:

Bicarbonate: This economical option removes stains and the bad smell generated by damp, it is also not aggressive to health and has properties that prevent the creation of fungi and bacteria.
Apple cider vinegar: If you are looking for a natural method, apple cider vinegar. It is useful for cleaning multiple surfaces and its properties allow it to eliminate approximately 80% of bacteria, such as mould, from walls and ceilings.
Talc: For this option to work, it is important to let it penetrate the wall very well, once it is well distributed, and repeat as many times as necessary until the stains disappear.

It should be borne in mind that these are home methods and, if the problem is severe, it is advisable to call in experts.

3. Let’s paint!

If we already have the walls completely clean and dry… Now we can choose the right colour and paint!

We advise you to use damp-proof paint, specially indicated to solve these problems. It is very important to act according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In any case, it is always better to get professional advice.

4. Prevent damp from reappearing

If you don’t want dampness to reappear, it is very important to take these mini tips into account:

Damp rooms, such as the bathroom or kitchen, should be kept well ventilated so that the steam generated when showering or cooking does not generate damp.
Once a year, it is advisable to clean gutters, downpipes and drains, so that they do not become blocked, leading to stagnant water.
Whenever we see signs of cracks or leaks, we must be very attentive because, surely, they are a sign that water is filtering in some way.
If our house or any part of it is very, very humid, it is advisable to use a dehumidifier, also for health reasons.
In the most closed places, such as cupboards, pantries… it is very important to use products that absorb humidity and do not give rise to the appearance of damp.

Now, with these tips you can paint damp walls!

We hope these tips have helped you. If you want to know more, keep in touch with us, visit us and don’t miss anything on our social networks.