What is flaking or peeling paint?

The paint on a water-damaged surface will flake or peel. They continue to disagree, though.

Flaking is the separation of paint in microscopic chunks and follows cracking. However, peeling refers to the separation of larger sections of paint.

Peeling and flaking can have many different causes. However, both can occur if there is excessive moisture on your walls or furniture or if the application is sloppy.

Paint flaking and peeling is a sign of a more serious issue in your house. The paint on your walls and furniture isn’t the only thing water damage can ruin.

The very framework of your house may be compromised in extreme cases. Read on for guidance in recognizing the signs of water damage, including water-damaged paint.

Signs Of Water Damaged Paint

Water stains

Paint that has been damaged by water will leave visible stains or rings on the walls, ceiling, or furniture. The worst part is that the paint on the walls and ceiling has been damaged by the water.

Water rings on the walls and ceiling indicate that the material the paint is adhering to has been damaged by water. New damage will leave dark stains, so keep an eye out for those. On the other hand, if the stains are yellow or brown, it means they have been there for quite some time.

Bubbling and cracking paint

One of the telltale signs of water damage to paint is cracking, since flaking comes before it. If the water damage is from the outside, you can tell by looking at the paint to see if it is cracked and flaking. The damage is internal if there is bubbling followed by peeling.

Damp odor

A common indicator of water damage. Nonetheless, it remains crucial. In addition, mold is probably present when there is a musty odor.

Mold

Mold grows rapidly in damp places. You may be aware of the risks associated with black mold, but white and grey molds pose just as much of a risk to your home.

A sudden increase in water bills

Monthly water costs may decrease. However, if your water bill suddenly skyrockets, you should have your plumbing checked for leaks. If the leak has already had such an impact on your bills, it has likely been going on for some time.

Can you paint on water-damaged paint?

It’s not possible right after scraping away the damaged paint, but it is doable. Before you start painting, check to see that the drywall or other surface you’ll be painting on is in good condition. If so, that needs fixing first.

In addition, the source of the water must be investigated. If you don’t fix the leak, the water damage to the paint will return.

In addition to the aforementioned, you’ll need a clean space to repaint your walls or refurbish your furniture. This is because flaking and peeling paint can also be caused by an inadequate painting job.

How To Fix Flaking Or Peeling Paint

Take pictures of the water damage in your home before you start cleaning and painting to bolster your insurance claim. We suggest discussing the details of your insurance claim with your attorney so they can add the finishing touches.

Finally, you should check with your home insurance provider to see if the water damage to your property is covered.

Step #1. Clean the area

First, you should clean the affected area. Sugar soap can be used to clean the surface and improve paint’s ability to stick to it.

Once the sugar soap has dried, you can scrape off the flaking paint. Take a scraper to it and make it nice and even.

Step #2. Sand and seal

You’ll need to sand down the surface so it’s nice and smooth. After the area has been smoothed out, a sealant should be applied to prevent water damage. Let the glue dry.

Step #3. Fill with filler

Coat the surface with filler after applying the sealant to further refine the finish. It will take a full day for this to dry. It is necessary to sand the area after the filler has dried.

Step #4. Prime and seal

Sanding down the filler is the first step in priming the surface for painting. Interior surfaces can be primed with a water-based primer. Do not apply paint until the primer and sealant have dried.

Step #5. Paint

After hours of work, your surface is finally ready for painting.

The 7 Best Waterproofing Paint Options

1. KILZ Interior/Exterior Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint

Need a top-tier formula to protect the porous concreate? Then you can stop your search right here because this KILLZ product meets your requirements.

You may be wondering what exactly it is about this formula that makes it so special. In fact, it employs nanotechnology to construct a barrier that effectively eliminates water seepage problems. It also produces an alkali-resistant coating, increasing its longevity and toughness.

The procedure for applying is also straightforward. The waterproof seal can be achieved with just two coatings, so there’s no need to overdo it. Each container holds one full gallon of the medication.

And it doesn’t take long at all to dry out. In fact, an hour is all it takes for it to dry completely. It only takes about four hours to recoat, too.

Pros

• made use of nanotechnology
• Produces a film that is impervious to alkalis
• Long-lasting
• Dries in a very short amount of time
• It takes only 4 hours to recoat.

Cons

• Prone to gaining weight rapidly
• Primers can be difficult to combine.

Is There Any Reason You Should Buy This Item?

This formulation makes use of cutting-edge science to provide a continuous shield. Additionally, the drying process is quick.

2. Liquid Rubber Concrete Foundation & Basement Sealant – Waterproof Coating

There are many brands of waterproof paint on the market, but not all of them are effective against cracks and tarings. But if you want one with those qualities, this is the one to choose.

It’s adaptable, for starters. The sealing material can stretch by more than 900% without breaking. That will stop tarring and cracks from forming due to adhesion failures.

The formula also has environmental benefits. There are no solvents or potentially harmful chemicals in it. As a result, the odor level is negligible.

It’s also not hard to put into practice. There won’t be any blending required. It can also spread more quickly than average.

Pros

• Helps avoid adhesion breakdowns
• helps avoid tarring and cracking
• Environmental-friendly
• There is hardly any odor at all.
• does not need to be blended

Cons

• Rapidly become sticky if the bath is left uncovered.

So, Why Exactly Should You Buy This Item?

The risks of cracking and tarring can be avoided if adhesion fails to occur. It’s also a green option.

3. Rubberseal Liquid Rubber Waterproofing and Protective Coating

Seeking a product that can be had in a number of different hues? If that’s the case, this option should remain open to you.

There are four color choices available for the paint. It’ll be available for purchase in several shades of gray, including white, black, dark gray, and light gray. That way, the basement’s aesthetics won’t be compromised in any way.

The formula’s rate of propagation, moreover, is quite impressive. It has a 60-square-foot-per-gallon coverage rate. The formula has a low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, so it won’t stink either.

It can repair itself, too. As a result, people will live longer as a whole. In addition, it can withstand a lot of sun without degrading.

Pros

• Available in a rainbow of hues
• Has a coverage area of 60 square feet per gallon
• Very little off-gassing occurs
• Lacks a strange odor
• possesses inherent healing mechanisms

Cons

• Curing time is slightly longer.
• A slight yellowing of the white color option is possible.

So, Why Exactly Should You Buy This Item?

There are four distinct hues to choose from when purchasing the sealant. And this one’s ability to heal itself is extremely unusual.

4. RadonSeal Standard – Deep Penetrating Concrete Sealer 5 Gallon | Permanent Results

The vast majority of sealants can be applied with little effort. Most of them, however, lack the ability to penetrate targets. This product from RadonSeal really stands out because of that.

The exceptional penetrating power is its defining feature. It has the ability to break through thick cement. And it will be an internal seal that it makes. In addition, there is barely any smell.

In addition, it is eco-friendly, just like the other options. Because it is made with non-toxic materials, it contains no volatile organic compounds. Additionally, it is fireproof.

It’s simple to put into practice. The basement walls can be painted with a spray can or a roller and brush. The formula is also permanent, so there is no need to reapply.

Pros

• possesses a potent ability to penetrate
• forms an impenetrable barrier inwardly
• Negligible Volatile Organic Compound Content
• Simple to use
• does not need to be reapplied for

Cons

• requires a lot of time to cure
• The formula has a slightly mustard hue.

So, Why Exactly Should You Buy This Item?

Its penetrating force is high, allowing it to build an impenetrable shield. Furthermore, it does not have any potentially harmful ingredients or volatile organic compounds.

5. Zinsser & Co 270267 Watertite, Latex Mold & Mildew Proof Waterproofing Paint

This product from Zinsser and Co. is a good option if you’re looking for a way to prevent mildew growth and create a waterproof seal.

To begin with, the residue it leaves behind is smooth and silky. That ensures that it won’t make a mess of your basement’s aesthetics. It can also be used to make a reliable barrier against water.

Also, it can withstand water pressure of up to 20 pounds per square inch. This is certainly unique in comparison to the other options out there. The application procedure is also straightforward.

In addition, it can prevent surface mold and mildew growth. That improves people’s longevity in general. An impressive 15 years is the estimated lifespan.

Pros

• Produces a smooth, pristine ending
• Makes a reliable seal against water.
• can withstand water pressure of 20 pounds per square inch
• Simple to use
• Exceptionally long-lived

Cons

• Can become quite challenging if not closed off.
• Possible shipment in a damaged container

Is There Any Reason You Should Buy This Item?

This product not only prevents water from getting in, but it also fights off mildew and mold. It leaves a smooth, non-gritty finish, which is another plus.

6. AMES BWRF5 Water Base High Strength Elastomeric Liquid Rubber

Only a select few of these options can withstand substantial water pressure, but they can all effectively seal the basement’s external surfaces. This is one of the rare offerings from AMES.

The 250 PSI of water pressure that it can withstand has already been mentioned. It also means that no water can seep in through the walls, even if a water source is situated near the basement floor.

The rest of the formula consists of water. That’s extremely low for volatile organic compound levels. The formula is safe for the skin because it does not have any harsh ingredients. The odor level is also quite low.

The formula’s water-based nature also makes it simple to apply.

Pros

• The water pressure it can withstand is up to 250 PSI.
• non-toxic and water-based
• Low in odor
• Skin-friendly
• Simple to use

Cons

• Has poor presentation.
• It takes a long time to dry.

Is There Any Reason You Should Buy This Item?

This one is non-toxic because it is water-based. The water pressure it can withstand is 250 PSI, and the VOC content is low.

7. Drylok-28613 Extreme Latex Masonry Waterproofer Smooth Finish

Most of the available options fall short when it comes to reducing VOC emissions. Unfortunately, that cannot be said of this particular offering.

To begin with, it has a hydrostatic pressure rating of 15 pounds. That’s the vertical equivalent of a 33-foot high water wall. Therefore, the resulting seal poses no risk whatsoever.

It can even prevent radon gas from entering the basement. It will also drastically cut down on the amount of vapor transfer. The formula also satisfies all mandatory VOC limits and has a minimal odor.

It has a long shelf life, and the low odor is just a bonus. With this, you can avoid the bother of scraping and re-coating the basement.

Pros

• Allows for 15 psi of water pressure
• Defends against the dangers of radon
• decreases the rate of evaporation
• Combustion-related VOC limits met.
• Long-lasting

Cons

• Opened, it risks becoming too sticky to handle.
• This container has a leaky seam.

So, Why Exactly Should You Buy This Item?

There are no violations of the current VOC regulations. It provides adequate protection against water and radon gas and lasts for a very long time to boot.

Things to Consider When Buying Waterproofing Paints

There are a few things to think about before you commit your hard-earned cash to one of these alternatives. They are, in fact:

Formula

Two primary categories of formula exist. Both are solvents, but one is water-based. For the sake of the planet, we suggest going with the water-based options. Furthermore, they are more convenient to collaborate with.

Curing Time

Some formulations take longer to dry than others. Some can take several days. As a result of having to wait a reasonable amount of time between coats, the ones that take days to cure can be a pain to work with.

Water Pressure Resistance

The rating for resistance to water pressure is crucial. A higher score indicates greater quality. The basement wall could end up soaked in dripping water in as little as two months if you end up buying something with a relatively low water pressure rating.

Spread Rating

The spread rating is another metric that carries considerable weight here. If you purchase a product with a low spread rate, you will need to use more than one tub to treat the entire basement.

Lifespan

The paints’ durability should also be a top concern. Choosing an option with a short life expectancy would be unwise. With those, you’ll have to repaint your whole cellar frequently.

Odor

You wouldn’t want your basement to have a chemical stench, would you? That’s why it’s best to go with an option that doesn’t leave much of a scent behind. Those that emit little to no odor typically contain no harmful chemicals, too.

Application Process

Finally, think about how to apply. The fewer obstacles there are to completing an application, the better. The ones that are the least complicated to use typically don’t need to be mixed either.

Frequently Asked Question

How much waterproof seal do I need for my basement?

That will be determined by the basement’s size and the formula’s spread rating. Less sealer will be required if the size and spread rating are both high.

Are all waterproof sealers odor-free?

In a word, no. There will still be a slight smell, even from the eco-friendly ones.

Do water-based sealers have VOC?

Water-based sealants typically do not have volatile organic compounds. There may even be variants free of potentially harmful ingredients.

How much time does waterproofing paint take to cure?

It all comes down to the formula. Some will dry in four hours, while others may need four or five days.

Can I re-coat the waterproofing paint before it cures?

No! Do not apply a second coat before the first has fully cured or dried. Waiting a little longer than recommended before applying the second coat will yield the best results.

Conclusion

If you’ve read this far, you probably already know more than just what to call paint that has been damaged by water. You are also qualified to fix the signs because you know how they work.