When painting over a damp patch, you should always use a specialist paint. Paints designed for damp often have properties that treat the problem as well and stop it from coming back. They also let moisture escape meaning there won't be a build-up of damp.
Unfortunately, you can't just paint over damp or mould in the hope it will disappear. Even if you use waterproof paint, it can still seep through over time. Depending on how bad the problem is, you may be able to remove the mould by cleaning the area without repainting.
Painting over mold is not recommended as it doesn't address the underlying issue and the mold will likely continue to grow, potentially causing health issues and structural damage over time. Here's a guide to help you address the mold issue in your bathroom:
Eggshell Paint
These emulsion paints can be used in high-condensation rooms, which is why they are an often popular choice for use in bathrooms.
Applying paint onto wet drywall mud will likely cause the mud to dislodge. While gently dabbing paint might not harm the mud significantly, it's highly likely that the paint layer itself may come off eventually, creating an unsightly effect.
If You Do Decide To Paint Over Damp
However, as we've just said, moisture can still build up behind the paint and continue to cause damage. So, while waterproof paint may be a good short term fix, it's always best to stop the damp itself so as not to deal with problems later on.
Due to the high levels of humidity and condensation that both kitchens and bathrooms are subjected to, they become prone to paint cracking, peeling and mildew. In order to avoid these problems, painting with a satin or semi-gloss paint is recommended.
Wash the affected surface with a mixture of household bleach and water—three parts water to one part bleach—or with a household cleanser designed to kill mildew.
Although it is designed to be applied directly to mold and mildew prone surfaces, any existing mold and/or mildew on the surface should be removed before priming and painting. This will ensure best results. Wash the area with a mildew remover, rinse with water and allow to dry before priming.
While mold killing primers can be effective at preventing the growth of mold in a moist area, your best bet is to get rid of the mold by cutting out affected areas in a completely contained location.
If you find you are noticing wet walls on a regular basis, you may need tanking of the walls to prevent this problem and to stop related damp issues. If the walls are particularly wet, it could take weeks or even months for them to be completely dry.
Breathable Paints
This type of paint is ideal for places with condensation problems, as it allows the wall to “breathe”. This means that it allows water vapour to pass through, preventing it from accumulating and turning into droplets that wet the surface.
To stop mould from coming back after cleaning it you need to deal with the cause of the growth. This will be because of excess moisture due to a leak, condensation, rising damp or poor ventilation. Remove the moisture supply and you'll stop mould coming back.
In our experience, Benjamin Moore's Aura Bath and Spa is the ultimate mold-resistant paint. It's specifically formulated to handle the moisture and steam in bathrooms and spas. It's a premium-quality, water-based paint with a matte finish that is durable and mildew-resistant.
By controlling humidity and preventing mould and mildew growth, a dehumidifier becomes an essential tool in maintaining a clean and healthy bathroom, ultimately making it a more comfortable and hygienic space for all members of the home.
Acrylic paints are a popular choice for bathroom walls due to their water-resistant properties. These paints are made from a combination of acrylic polymer emulsions, making them highly durable in high-moisture environments. They dry quickly and are easy to clean, with most brands offering a mildew-resistant finish.
Apply a waterproof seal
It's good practice to apply a coat of damp seal paint before adding your chosen colour. Not only does it give you peace of mind, but it also helps prevent any dampness from seeping into your walls.
Paints with a glossy sheen—like satin or semi-gloss—are best for humid rooms. Instead of absorbing moisture like matte or eggshell paint, they deflect it. Glossy paints can resist moisture because they have a more complex finish. Another benefit of using glossy paint is that it is easy to clean.
Dehumidifiers can indeed aid in drying wet walls. After a flood, leak, or a spell of extreme humidity, damp walls can develop. A dehumidifier removes extra moisture from the air, lowers the humidity, and stimulates evaporation.
Apply a Damp-proofing Treatment
Apply a water-proof coating to your external walls and internal walls. After taking care of cracks and seepages, apply waterproof tiles to avoid moisture rising from the ground. Another way to stop water from entering your floors from the soil is to install a damp-proof course.
Penetrating damp treatment will cost you between £400 to £4000, depending on your particular problem, plus any redecoration work necessary for your property. The damp proofing prices are also very dependent on the type of material used for damp proofing, and it might cost more if a specialist product is required.
Does home insurance cover rising damp? In most cases, home insurance does not cover damp for internal or external walls. Buildings insurance policies do not pay out for problems that are seen as the result of gradual deterioration (in other words, wear and tear on the building). Most insurers class rising damp as this.