Water damage can be frustrating, even if it’s just a little water stain or a small leak. While painting over water damage might seem like a solution, all it does is hide the stain. And even that isn’t a permanent fix. Unless you fix the water problem, the stain will repair in time. Plus, the water will continue to damage the surface. The repairs will only get more expensive the longer you wait.
Can You Paint Over Water Damage?
Unfortunately, painting over water damage is only a temporary solution. Unless you fix the problem first, the water damage will continue.
Plus, paint usually does not stick to a wet wall. Instead, it just bubbles. Once it dries, it will crack and peel.
If it does dry smoothly, the stain will show through the paint in weeks or even days. Even stain-blocking paint will only hide the problem for so long.
How to Permanently Fix Water Stains
The only way to effectively paint over water damage is to fix the problem first. Otherwise, the stain will come back and the damage will get worse.
1. Find the Water Problem
If you have a water stain that is slowly growing, the problem is likely a slow leak. Call a restoration specialist if you can’t find the issue.
2. Make Repairs
Once you find the source of water, make the necessary repairs. The repair process can range from replacing a washer to waterproofing your foundation.
3. Dry the Wall
After making repairs, you need to dry the area as quickly as possible to stop the damage and prevent mold. Depending on the damage, you may need to begin drying while making repairs.
4. Remove the Damage
In some cases, you will need to remove damaged materials like drywall and flooring. You should remove drywall that is crumbling and carpeting that is moldy.
5. Disinfect and Deodorize
Next, disinfect the area with a hospital-grade sanitizer. While bleach is effective, it can stain many surfaces. Chemical deodorizers are effective, but baking soda is less expensive and usually just as effective.
6. Rebuild and Paint
If you didn’t need to remove materials, you now paint over water damage. However, sometimes you need to replace drywall, cabinets, or flooring first.
Do water stains keep coming back? Call 1-888-443-3110 now for a free quote and fast water damage repairs.
