Painting is a crucial step when it comes to remodeling a basement. Unlike other rooms in a home, basements come with specific needs you should consider before making changes. Waterproof paint is an option that caters to basement conditions, but what are the best choices available? We've looked into these concerns and summed up the answers in this post.
Basements have higher exposure to higher humidity levels compared to other areas of the house. And so, water can easily affect the room. Waterproofing paint contributes to preventing water from seeping into the walls and floor. Listed below are 8 of the best basement waterproof paint options:
- KILZ Masonry Waterproofing Paint
- Rubberseal Liquid Rubber Waterproofing Coating
- Liquid Rubber Foundation And Basement Sealant
- Drylok Extreme Latex Masonry Waterproofer
- Ames Water Base Elastomeric Liquid Rubber
- Armor High Gloss Acrylic Concrete And Paver Sealer
- RadonSeal Deep-Penetrating Basement Concrete Sealer
- Rust Bullet High-Performance Concrete Coating
You might be wondering if it's necessary to use waterproof paint in basements, does it work effectively, and how to apply it. Keep reading to get further detail on these topics and each paint recommendation, and what makes these paints a popular choice.
Should I Use Waterproof Paint In My Basement?
If you're looking for a temporary or additional measure to inhibit water from coming into the basement, you can consider using waterproofing paint. But keep in mind that it doesn't always guarantee that your basement will be completely water-free.
Common reasons a basement starts to leak are due to exterior issues. These often include the following:
- excessive hydrostatic pressure from groundwater,
- unrepaired foundation cracks,
- concrete aging, and
- the disintegration of plastic barriers on concrete slabs.
Waterproofing paint offers a few more benefits than regular paint can. It includes thicker coats, added coverage, and shielding surfaces from potential dampness. These features allow the paint to work as extra protection against possible damages.
Get further insight on waterproofing durability in this post: "How Long Does Basement Waterproofing Last?"
Top Waterproofing Paint Choices For Basements
When choosing waterproofing paint, it's best to pick out an option that's durable and high-resistance towards water vapor, as well as added features.
The following are a few of the recommended waterproofing paint to use with basements:
1. KILZ Basement And Masonry Waterproofing Paint
The KILZ waterproofing paint comes with an odorless, long-lasting finish, equipped with advanced technology offering higher water resistance and sealing ability.
The paint is an affordable and effective option and dries quickly, usually in about an hour. It resists the accumulation of mold and mildew, but it cannot handle damage from UV exposure.
Check here to get the KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint on Amazon.
2. RubberSeal Liquid Rubber Waterproofing Coating
A popular choice to use against UV exposure is RubberSeal's liquid rubber waterproofing coating. It can handle varied weather conditions, thus, providing durable protection for the long term.
Its insulating features and elasticity are additional advantages. However, it does not resist dust and dirt buildup.
Get the RubberSeal Liquid Rubber Waterproofing Coating in white on Amazon.
3. Liquid Rubber Foundation And Basement Sealant
One quality that makes Liquid Rubber's foundation and basement sealant stand out among others is its non-flammable and nature-friendly mixture. It is water-based for easy application and works on most surfaces.
It claims to have higher flexibility when compared to regular waterproofing sealants, making it a quick fix for any cracks and leaks. The downside to this option is that it doesn't work well exposed to UV for too long.
Check out the Liquid Rubber Foundation and Basement Sealant on Amazon.
4. Drylok Extreme Latex Masonry Waterproofer
Drylok's extreme latex masonry waterproofer can withstand higher pounds of hydrostatic pressure, which makes it effective in keeping out water from a basement.
Although it's thinner than other similar options, it provides sufficient thickness for waterproofing with two coats. The advanced technology it comes with includes protection against radon gas and low odor.
Click here to get the Drylok Extreme Latex Masonry Waterproofer on Amazon.
5. Ames Water Base Elastomeric Liquid Rubber
With the water-based elastomeric liquid rubber paint, Ames provides a sealer that resists damage to shield basement walls from water and elongates up to 700% for easy mixing and coating.
The paint is durable and can resist damage from mold. But under certain humidity levels, it ends up becoming too dry.
Check out the Ames Water Base Elastomeric Liquid Rubber in white on Amazon.
6. Armor High Gloss Acrylic Concrete And Paver Sealer
Consider using the Armor high gloss acrylic sealer on concrete surfaces for higher grade protection. It works well under different conditions, allowing it to last for up to two to five years after drying and requiring less maintenance.
Despite the glossy finish, it is non-slip and resists chemicals and salts.
It is made specifically for dry surfaces, so be sure to wipe off any leaks or water from the wall or floor before application. If you used water-based acrylic previously, avoid using this sealer.
Get the Armor High Gloss Acrylic Concrete and Paver Sealer on Amazon.
7. RadonSeal Deep-Penetrating Basement Concrete Sealer
This advanced paint choice is best to use for sealing water and vapor seepage cracks around the basement. In addition, it reduces exterior attacks from the soil, increasing the coating's durability and lifespan.
Once dry, the sealer hardens and keeps surfaces safe from dust and salts. Unlike most waterproofing paint, it may be harder to handle due to its consistency.
Click here to get the RadeonSeal Deep-Penetrating Basement Concrete Sealer on Amazon.
8. Rust Bullet High-Performance Concrete Coating
Rust Bullet offers an anti-slip, waterproof coating that protects surfaces from scratches, weather, and peeling. It only requires minimal preparation before application.
Although it comes with several advantages, it usually has a strong smell and costs more.
Get the Rust Bullet High-Performance Concrete Coating on Amazon.
Does Waterproofing Paint Work In A Basement?
Waterproofing paint works effectively in preventing the basement from further harm. However, it is not a permanent solution and may require additional work to provide the best results.
The quality of the paint or sealer you choose doesn't always determine its efficiency under basement conditions. Instead, you should pay closer attention to how much hydrostatic pressure will push against the foundation.
Severe water seepage may cause waterproofing paint to become ineffective when incorrectly applied. To make it work, consider waterproofing from both the inside and outside the basement.
Can I Waterproof A Basement Myself?
Yes, it's possible to waterproof a basement on your own if the conditions are not severe. If your basement experienced major damage due to a lack of waterproofing, get in touch with a professional for assistance.
Follow these basic steps to learn how to waterproof a basement with paint:
- Clean up the surfaces you will coat. Remove any previous paint or coating, and get rid of dirt, mold or mildew, and oils.
- Remove any loose concrete or dust around the surface. Ensure it is completely dry.
- Seal holes or cracks to prevent more water from going through. Use caulk to close up doors and windows.
- Once everything is dry, apply the waterproof coating all over the basement surface. Coat it as much as necessary according to the paint's instructions.
If you're dealing with a leaky basement, read this post for a step-by-step guide on how to repair it: "Can You Fix A Leaky Basement From The Inside?"
The Verdict
Waterproofing is essential in basements to prevent extreme water damage. A quick remedy is by applying waterproofing paint to the surfaces. A few recommended options include KILZ, RubberSeal, Liquid Rubber, Drylok, Ames, Armor, RadeonSeal, and Rust Bullet.
It's crucial to remember that waterproof coatings also have their limits. Proper preparation and correct application are necessary to maximize their efficiency.
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