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How To Paint Basement

Is it OK to paint basement walls?

Painting your basement walls can do more than just improve the look of your home; it can protect your foundation from water damage and moisture. Basement walls that are made out of finished drywall can be painted the same way that you would paint a standard wall in your home.

What kind of paint do you use in a basement?

Satin Finish? Tick. There’s a reason that Epoxy paints tend to be many people’s number one choice for concrete basement walls. Highly resistant to cracking, peeling, and blistering, easy to clean, and available in a good variety of colors, Epoxy paints are a great option for basements.

How do you prep a basement for painting?

Instructions Prepare a Smooth Painting Surface. If there are any cracks in the concrete, fill them using a concrete repair compound or patch product. Clean the Floor. Prime the Floor. Apply Painter’s Tape. Mix the Paint Thoroughly. Paint the Floor. Apply a Second Coat of Paint.

What paint finish is best for basements?

Expert painters will use a top-quality latex primer and acrylic latex paint in a glossy finish. A latex primer will provide a uniform finish and glossy paint will ensure that walls and ceilings resist basement moisture.

Should you paint cinder block basement walls?

Your basement will either have a concrete foundation or cinder block foundation. By painting the walls or foundation, you increase the appeal of the space, but also it improves the moisture control from the wall. By using a waterproofing paint, you prevent some of this transfer from happening.

Can you paint cinder block basement walls?

Paint the cinder block wall with a thick coat of masonry waterproofing paint, pushing paint into cracks and crevices of block. A paint roller or brush made specifically for masonry is best. Allow to dry overnight or for a minimum of 12 hours between coats.

What kind of paint do you use on concrete walls?

Masonry paint (also called elastomeric paint or elastomeric wall coating) is a good choice for concrete painting because it contains binders that contract and expand with the concrete. Exterior house paint can crack and peel on concrete.

How do you paint concrete basement walls?

Concrete Painting – How To Do It Right Clean the Concrete. Now this involves more than just spraying it down with some water. Strip any old paint. If you are painting basement walls, and there is an old layer paint, remove with a wire brush or a paint scraper. Seal Interior Concrete. Prime the concrete. Paint the concrete.

Is Eggshell paint good for basement walls?

Eggshell paint is a great option for walls in medium- to low-traffic areas, and can be easily cleaned. WHEN TO USE EGGSHELL PAINT: Eggshell is commonly used in living rooms and dining rooms, as it is durable and does not pick up dirt easily.

Do you have to etch concrete before painting?

Etching is a crucial step in preparing concrete for painting. It gives the surface tooth to adhere to, so your paint is more likely to stick for a long time. Most concrete paints require etching and if they don’t, do it anyway. Don’t skip this step if you want a long-lasting painted concrete floor.

How do you prepare painted concrete for painting?

Existing paint needs to be scraped and sanded. Scrape any areas with loose or flaking paint, and lightly sand using fine (120 grit) sandpaper. Lightly sand intact areas of paint as well to give them the grit needed to receive new paint. Clean the surface with a dry mop.

How do you paint over peeling paint on concrete?

Remove all peeling paint and sand rough edges smooth. Sand to remove loose wood fibers if present. Make sure surface is clean, dull and dry. Prime with appropriate primer and recoat with a high quality paint.

What Sheen is best for basement walls?

Eggshell paints are one of the most popular sheens for walls. It’s great for medium traffic areas like hallways, entrances, living rooms, and family rooms. It’s not quite shiny but not quite flat either, making it easier to clean and more durable.

What is better eggshell or satin?

Often confused with other finishes, the difference between eggshell and satin paint is that satin delivers a higher gloss, while offering better stain resistance and durability than lower sheens, including eggshell.

Which is better flat or eggshell paint?

Using flat paint means less work for builders and painters. BUT, flat paint is recommended for ceilings and very low traffic areas for a reason. It’s not as durable or easy to clean as eggshell or other higher sheen paints. Eggshell paint cleans easier, covers better, wears better, and lasts longer than flat paint.

Should I paint my cinder block foundation?

Yes, you should paint your foundation walls. The primary benefit of the paint will be to provide aesthetic value for your home. Exterior masonry paint also provides a measure of protection against moisture and UV damage. Quality masonry paint can last from 10 – 15 years.

How can I make my concrete basement walls look better?

If your concrete-block basement walls are dry and free of efflorescence or mold, you can seal them with a masonry sealer or all-purpose water-base primer-sealer and paint with a high-quality latex paint. Paint is an easy way to make the basement feel warmer, brighter, and more welcoming.

Does cinder block need to be sealed?

Years of continuous water seepage will enlarge the pores of the blocks, pinholes will begin to develop and leak water, and efflorescence will loosen and leach out from inside the concrete. Sealing cinder blocks will extend their life by protecting them against water, the main enemy of concrete.