Basement Waterproofing Tools – Waterproof Paint

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.

Business Accreditation

Hear What Our Customers Are Saying!

John and Barbara Vicich

“We wanted to thank you for your personal and specialized attention to the water problem we had in our basement. You took the time to inspect the whole situation and gave us recommendations, all of which worked. You had a way of explaining the process and materials that would be used in a way that we understood. We are very pleased with the work that was done and would highly recommend your company to anyone.”

-John and Barbara Vicich

Debbie, Berwyn

“The day after Hurricane Irene, all of my neighbors basements were filled with water, while mine remained dry! It is wonderful, everything remains dry and the battery backup worked beautifully when my power was out for 2 days. Dry AND quiet, thank you, thank you! Thanks! Debbie, Berwyn”

-Debbie, Berwyn

Doug Smith, Glenside

“All I have to say is that Hurricane Irene was no match for the job that Rightway did for my basement and my father-in-law’s. I had my basement done 5 years ago and we are still bone dry and my father-inlaw’s was done last year and another dry basement… Great job! I highly recommend them for waterproofing and mold remediation.”

-Doug Smith, Glenside

Luke

“I’d highly recommend these guys for your basement. My basement has been dry since they installed a sump pump and French drain in June. They offer a competitive price, they get the job done quickly and they stand by their work. Please mention my name if you proceed down the road with these guys.”

-Luke

Angelo and Sandra Patiri

“We had our basement waterproofed with Rightway Waterproofing in 2007, after all this time and just getting through Hurricane Irene, we did not get a drop of water in our basement. Rightway Waterproofing did a very good job and we are very satisfied!”

-Angelo and Sandra Patiri