When not to use Drylok?

Author: Ariane Waters  |  Last update: Thursday, December 18, 2025

If you have a wall that has chronic water leakage, you should not apply DRYLOK® Masonry Wateproofer because it will not properly cure.

What are the cons of DRYLOK?

Another major limitation of Drylok and similar products is the type of surfaces it can't be applied to. The fact is Drylok is not intended for use on floors. However, if you're planning on waterproofing your basement, you need to waterproof the walls AND the floor.

Can mold grow on DRYLOK?

From its unparalleled water resistance and mold prevention capabilities to its ability to reinforce the structural integrity of your property, DRYLOK® stands strong in the battle against storms.

Is there anything better than DRYLOK?

Superior Waterproofing Performance: Crystalline Waterproofing offers a higher level of waterproofing performance compared to Drylok Extreme. Its crystalline technology penetrates into the concrete, forming insoluble crystals that block capillary pores and microcracks, effectively preventing water penetration.

Why is DRYLOK turning yellow?

Looks like a dry lock sealer or coating poorly applied to a lead-based yellow paint. It happens when applied to a wet or too humid surface. Yikes, but manageable.

Should I Just Paint The Walls With Drylok to Waterproof my Basement? | HydroHelp911 FAQ

When not to use drylok masonry?

If you have a wall that has chronic water leakage, you should not apply DRYLOK® Masonry Wateproofer because it will not properly cure.

Can I put drylok over old paint?

Q. Can DRYLOK® be used over paint? A. No, you need to remove any existing coating.

How many coats of DRYLOK should I do?

A minimum of 2 coats is required for the fully transferable warranty to apply. Now, inspect the surface for any remaining pinholes and fill them in. If it still leaks, a random pore or pinhole is still open. Find it and fill it.

Which waterproofing is best for basement?

The Best Basement Waterproofing Paint: DRYLOK® Extreme Masonry Waterproofer. Above and below grade masonry — including cinder and concrete block, stucco, brick and bare concrete swimming pools — are all examples of applications where DRYLOK® is ideal.

What's the difference between DRYLOK and drylok extreme?

While both of our traditional Oil Base and Latex Base DRYLOK® Masonry Waterproofers are inert coatings, which mean they will not promote the growth of mold/​mildew, DRYLOK® Extreme has a mildewcide additive to further prevent the potential for mold/​mildew growth on the dry paint film under extreme situations.

How toxic is DRYLOK?

Harmful if swallowed. NOTICE: Reports have associated repeated and prolonged occupational overexposure to solvents with permanent brain and nervous system damage. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents may be harmful or fatal.

What is the best basement cinder block sealer?

RadonSeal is the strongest, penetrating concrete sealer for blocking water vapor and capillary water seepage through concrete and concrete blocks. RadonSeal is recommended for use on below-grade and slab-on-grade concrete applications because it is permanent and 100% resistant to hydrostatic water pressure.

Do I need to prime before using DRYLOK?

DRYLOK® Wet Wall Bonding Primer is the first step in achieving an optimal waterproof finish and must be top-coated with DRYLOK® Waterproofer (any formula) according to its label instructions to achieve a watertight project. Wait 2 hours after primer application before waterproofing.

Why is my DRYLOK peeling?

The damp is the problem that is causing the flaking, and therefore the sealant will simply get wet again and start to come off. The real issue is that your home is not properly waterproofed. If it was, moisture would not get trapped in your interior foundation walls at all, and could not cause the flaking.

Can you walk on DRYLOK paint?

You can use DRYLOK® Floor & Wall Masonry Waterproofer on floors and walls. It holds up to foot traffic as a finished coat and can be used before applying floor paint, or latex-based adhesives.

How much does it cost to waterproof a 1000 square foot basement?

The average cost to waterproof a 1,000-square-foot basement is $3,000-$10,000, depending on the location and method used. Interior sealing is often less expensive than exterior sealing but is less effective at keeping water completely out of the basement.

Is Drylok good for basement walls?

In case you don't know, it is a waterproofing paint for your basement that works together with the pores in the concrete or brick walls. Drylok creates a sealed surface to prevent water from entering your home, thus completely preventing a wet basement.

How do professionals waterproof a basement?

Waterproof basements are protected against water damage, mold growth and damage to the foundation of the home. Professional waterproofing methods typically involve excavation, drain installation and sealants.

Does DRYLOK stop water from coming in basement?

It seals porous masonry walls above and below ground to hold back the flow of water, even under pressure, and helps keep basements dry. DRYLOK® penetrates tiny pores in the masonry to form a watertight coating that stops leaks.

Should you paint over DRYLOK?

Absolutely. In fact, DRYLOK® makes an ideal base coat. After applying DRYLOK®, wait at least 24 hours and then paint it with a good quality latex top coat.

What is the best way to apply DRYLOK?

Apply First Coat: Using a brush, roller, or sprayer, apply the first coat of DRYLOK to the prepared surface. Work the product into the pores of the masonry for comprehensive coverage. Apply Additional Coats: For enhanced protection, apply additional coats of DRYLOK as needed.

Is one coat of DRYLOK enough?

An average size basement is 8' x 20' x 40' this is approx. 22.5 gallons of waterproofer you will need (2 coats with the second coat going twice as far as the first). As the label says you want to fill all pinholes and make sure you have one continuous coat.

What are the stains showing through DRYLOK?

A The yellowish stains leaching through the coats of Drylok and primer on your walls are an indication that water in either liquid or vapor form still is entering your basement. So you have two problems: One is the water infiltration; the other has to do with eliminating the staining on the walls.

Does DRYLOK paint fill cracks?

Product Overview. DRYLOK® Pourable Masonry Crack Filler is formulated to fill and seal small cracks in concrete surfaces, sidewalks, walkways, steps, patios, garage floors, and more. It provides excellent adhesion, dries to the color of concrete and cleans up easily with soap and water.

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