Drylok helps waterproof basement walls and floors, but this alone doesn't look very interesting. You might wonder if you can paint over Drylok to add some color for a lively basement. We've done the research to give you the answer.
Yes, you can paint over Drylok. This waterproofer is an ideal base coat before painting. Before applying the paint, you should wait at least 24 hours for Drylok to dry. The brand suggests that you use a high-quality latex topcoat. You can also use Drylok in ready-mixed colors and tints as an all-in-one paint with primer.
To maintain the waterproofing power of Drylok, you should consider the surface before painting. If you follow the right paint and process, you can enhance the appeal of your basement. Continue reading to learn more about painting over Drylok.
Is Painting Over Drylok Possible?
Painting over Drylok is possible as long as the existing surface is paintable. Before gathering the materials, you must first check the layer of Drylok if it is flaking. You might need to apply Drylok again to revive the protective barrier against moisture. If the surface is good, you can proceed with painting.
According to their website, you must allow at least 24 hours before applying a suitable paint. If you paint early, you might reduce the effectiveness of the Drylok waterproofer. The paint will mix with Drylok, and the result may not go as planned. You can apply the paint over dried Drylok using a roller or spray.
You also need to select the suitable paint and desired color before using one.
What Paint To Use Over Drylok?
The first choice is to use Drylok as paint. With this all-in-one product, you will get a consistent texture and color on the surface. This product is a good choice because you don't need to apply primer.
Drylok offers two variants that you can apply as a finishing coat. You can choose from the latex- or oil-based Drylok. If you choose latex, you can paint over Drylok after 24 hours. But for the oil-based option, you have to wait for 30 days before painting.
Drylok comes in different ready-mixed colors and finishes that save you time. You can choose from a sandy or smooth finish. The sandy finish comes in 4 colors and 6 tints. While for the smooth finish, you can choose from an expanded set of 9 tints.
The Drylok colors available are the following:
- Beige
- Blue
- Gray
- White
The tints you can choose from include:
- Beige
- Blue
- Buttercup
- Gray
- Mint green
- Platinum
- Sand
- Slate blue
- Soft pink
Is It Possible To Tint Drylok?
If the color you prefer is unavailable, you can tint Drylok to get the color you want.
If you are going to paint for decorative purposes, it is best to choose good quality latex paint. You should also observe the 24-hour drying time before applying paint.
Click here to see this latex paint on Amazon.
You can also use acrylic paint as long as you follow the 2-coat rule. This paint won't require too many layers to cover up stains.
Click here to get this acrylic paint from Amazon.
For the finish, you should pick a medium gloss paint. A glossier finish is easier to remove without any damage to Drylok.
Even if Drylok has pre-mixed colors and tints, you can still get your desired color. When tinting, you should use alkali-proof universal colorants. You must not use more than 2 fluid ounces per gallon of colorant.
You can select different paint brands to tint Drylok. Yet there are variations with the pigments for the ready-mixed paint and does not guarantee an exact match. It will help if you refer to the suggested tint formulas by Drylok for the proper color matching.
After considering your choices, it is all up to you to pick the perfect color for the look you want to achieve. Find that color that makes you feel the best while using your basement.
Can You Apply Drylok Over Old Drylok?
Yes, you can add another layer over old Drylok. Before you can do so, assess the surface. The existing Drylok that is still sticking on the wall or floor should be in good condition. If you observe that Drylok is loose or falling off, you should scrape it and reapply Drylok.
Skipping the scraping step will render Drylok useless. The product cannot creep into the concrete pores and waterproof the area after it dries. Before scraping or sanding, you should protect yourself against toxic lead dust. Afterward, clean the area with a HEPA vacuum or wet mop.
Remember that you need to apply at least 2 coats suggested by Drylok to avail of the product warranty. Let the surface completely dry before adding the next coat.
Can You Add Drylok Over Paint?
On the other way around, you can add Drylok over paint. You can do so if you apply over cement-type waterproofing paint. If regular paint comes before Drylok, it cannot create a waterproof barrier. The chemical compounds in the product may weaken and reduce its waterproofing capabilities.
In that case, you cannot use Drylok if you paint on oil- or latex-based indoor paint.
When Can I Paint Over Drylok Fast Plug?
You can use Drylok Fast Plug for smaller areas like holes and cracks. With its lifeless and cement-like color, painting can make the surface look better. After this hydraulic cement cures in 3 to 5 minutes, you can paint the surface.
The manufacturer suggests setting the product with any of the following:
- DRYLOK® Original Masonry Waterproofer
- DRYLOK® Extreme Masonry Waterproofer
- DRYLOK® Powdered Masonry Waterproofer
- DRYLOK® Concrete Floor Paint
Like the ordinary Drylok, the manufacturer recommends using high-quality latex-based paint. But you can still use other types of paint if you follow the correct process of applying the fast plug. If the area is prone to moisture, don't use regular paint. Instead, use waterproofing paint.
Can You Apply Drylok Over Mold?
Drylok reduces mold and mildew growth by preventing water seepage in the foundation walls and floors. According to their website, the product is the best moisture-resistant paint for indoor and outdoor surfaces.
Drylok has an inert coating that does not promote the breeding of microorganisms. It has a chemical called mildewcide that protects the paint. The protective layer of Drylok does not suffocate the surface. Hence, the paint can still "breathe."
To get the benefit of Drylok, you should prepare the surface before painting. It would help if you cleaned the mold- or mildew-infested area by scrubbing a bleach solution. After removing the stains and drying the surface, you are now ready to paint with Drylok.
You must also be aware that molds and similar microorganisms love the chemical additives in Drylok. If you plan to paint the walls and floors of your basement, it is best to use a mold-killing primer.
Click here to see this primer on Amazon.
Instead of the original variant, you can use Drylok Extreme, which has better water resistance and withstand tougher conditions.
Click here to get this product on Amazon.
Even if Drylok does well in protecting the basement from molds, you should not rely only on this product. You also have to find other sources of moisture in the basement to prevent mold and mildew.
Read from a related post Can You Drylok A Basement Floor?
In Closing
Painting over Drylok is possible to enhance the appearance of your basement. You will need to wait for at least 24 hours and as long as 30 days before applying the suitable paint. The brand suggests using Drylok, high-quality latex, or acrylic paint.
You can also add Drylok over paint, but it might not be effective for waterproofing. When you use Drylok Fast Plug, you can use any paint as long as you follow the right process. If you choose a color other than the ready-mixed tint, you can add some colorant to Drylok.
Add some color while keeping a waterproof barrier for the basement with Drylok.
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