Painting Basement Tips
Painting basement walls can go a long way to sprucing up a subterranean space limited natural light. With a little paint and imagination, a neglected space can be transformed into an office, play room, or media center.
Painting basement walls is very practical because it protects against moisture, extending the life of your home. Painting basement walls is a quick and easy project; however, painting basements presents some challenges that other spaces do not. Following these tips here to avoid costly problems down the road.
Remove the Previous Paint
If your basement walls were painted previously and is not cracking, chipping or peeling, it is a safe idea to first remove that paint. Use a scraper or wire brush to do the job. Older basements sometimes contain wood as a part of the foundation and the paint on this wood should also be removed.
Do Away With Faulty Material
Building materials erode over time. When that happens, concrete crumbles. Crumbling may go unnoticed. Use a sand blaster or disc grinder to smooth out the rough surface of the wall to reveal loose materials.
Before painting, remove deteriorated materials and patch the area with mortar or cement. Doing so will not only achieve a smooth surface, but it will also strengthen your basement.
Mildew and Mold
Not only are these 2 substances potentially dangerous to your health, but they also weaken the structural integrity of the basement. There are plenty of chemicals on the market that can kill both of these organic troublemakers. Apply a base coat of paint to protect against them before adding the coat of paint that that you want.
Prime the Basement Walls
Primer ensures that paint stays on the wall. Cement absorbs paint through its porous surface. Primer floods the surface and prevents the subsequent layers of paint from being absorbed. It adds to the paint’s waterproofing capability.
To Brush or Not to Brush
Apply the paint with brushes, rollers, or spray guns. A paint sprayer is by far the fastest method, but some areas are sure to be missed. Rollers present the same dilemma; furthermore, as you roll the paint on a textured surface, you can create a lot splatter. Paint brushes do the job right on the first attempt. You will be able to control how much paint is applied to any area, as well as where the paint is applied.
Plus, they don’t require a fresh coat of paint every few years to keep them looking new. Since most manufacturers use a vinyl coating on the finish panel, all that’s required to keep them looking new is soap and water.
Given the benefits that basement wall systems offer in regards to better insulating properties, mold resistance, and durability, it’s no wonder they’re becoming an increasingly popular choice among homeowners. These walls are also easier to install than traditional framing and drywall systems.