Painting the basement walls not only improves their appearance, but can protect the home from moisture damage. Basement walls are usually made of porous concrete. Moisture builds up behind the concrete and leads to mold and structural damage. Use these tips to redecorate your walls.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Prepare the Walls
Step 1. Remove the current tint from the walls
Concrete binds to porous surfaces, so you need to remove it before repainting. If you apply it on top of the existing one, the newly painted surface could crack, bubble or flake. Remove the existing dye by scrubbing the walls with sandpaper or a grinder.
Step 2. Fill any cracks with a concrete product
For example, you can use quick-setting hydraulic cement, which is available in most DIY stores. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to spread it out.
Step 3. Remove the mold
- Mix two tablespoons of bleach with a quarter of hot water. Using a sponge or cloth, blot the area with the solution until the mold spot disappears.
- Use a commercial chemical to remove mold, you can find it in DIY and paint stores.
Step 4. Clean the walls
Basement walls should be free of dust, dirt or grease before painting.
- Remove dirt and debris with a broom. Clean the walls by dusting them with a damp cloth.
- Clean the walls with a special chemical to roughen them. In this way, the dye will have a better grip. Wall acids are available in DIY and paint shops. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.
- You can also use trisodium phosphate (TSP) to clean the walls. TSP is an alkaline solution for concrete surfaces. It is available at DIY and paint stores. Follow the instructions for use carefully. As it is highly toxic, it is not considered legal everywhere due to environmental problems.
- Pay someone to do the work for you. Those who specialize in carpentry and concrete work will be able to clean your walls using highly toxic products such as muriatic acid. Do not try to clean yourself with this product. Even slight contact can cause blindness and deep burns.
Step 5. Let the walls dry completely
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Priming
Step 1. Choose a specific primer for concrete and concrete
Cement primer adheres better than general purpose primer and will provide more protection and durability.
Step 2. Mix the primer
With the lid closed, shake the jar vigorously.
Step 3. Pour it into a paint bucket or tray
Step 4. Apply primer
Give a generous hand on all walls.
- Use a large polyester or nylon brush or roller to apply the primer. The brush should be 5 to 7.6 cm wide. Instead, choose a 1.3 to 1.9 cm roller.
- Leave a border at the top and sides of about 5-7.5 cm. Apply the primer in the corner first and continue along the edge of the wall.
- Make sections of 1.5 meters by 0.6 meters. As you pass, cover the immediately adjacent area, including the corners.
Step 5. Let it dry completely, at least eight hours
Method 3 of 3: Part 3: Painting the Walls
Step 1. Choose a tint
Better to opt for a specific color for porous surfaces, resistant to water. A water resistant paint serves as a moisture barrier and the anti-alkaline coating will impart durability.
Get a color that fits in with the rest of the environment. Concrete dye comes in various colors and is found in DIY and paint shops
Step 2. Mix it up
With the lid closed, take the can and shake it vigorously to mix the contents.
Step 3. Pour the tint into the tray
Step 4. Apply it to the walls
For best results and added protection, use two or three coats.
- Use a polyester or nylon brush or a roller. The brush should be about 10.2cm and the roller should be 1.3 to 1.9cm.
- Leave a border at the top and sides of about 5-7.5 cm. Apply the paint first in the corner and continue along the edge of the wall.
- Make sections of 1.5 meters by 0.6 meters. As you pass, cover the immediately adjacent area again, including the corners. To avoid drips, lightly shake the brush inside the bucket or tray to remove excess paint before applying it to the walls.
- Let it dry for at least four hours between coats.
- Evaluate the result after the second pass. It may take a third or you may need to reapply the anti-mold product.
Step 5. Let it dry completely
Advice
- Before painting the walls, move the animals and remove any items you keep in the basement that could be marred or damaged by fumes or paint. Move the furniture to the center of the room so that there are no obstacles.
- If your basement is new, the concrete needs to stay rough for at least a month before it can be painted.
- Paint the walls by ventilating the room and maintaining a temperature between 10 and 32 °. If there are windows, open them to ventilate the room further and also think about using a fan.
- Contact your local waste collection center for leftover paint.
Warnings
- When cleaning the walls with chemicals, always wear the proper cover, especially gloves and goggles. You could get burned or go blind.
- The old dye may contain lead, which is toxic and dangerous. Always wear a face mask when removing it. Clean up immediately with a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth.
- Paint fumes can be toxic, especially to pregnant women and children. Keep them out of the basement while you paint.
- Dye products are harmful if ingested. Keep paints away from children and animals.
