How to paint water stained surfaces

Paint over water-stained interior walls and ceilings with B-I-N®, a primer and sealer in one that effectively blocks stains for a flawless finish. For an optimal result, combine B-I-N® with PermaWhite. This dynamic duo ensures that water stains are effectively eliminated, providing a pristine and durable look that meets the high standards of your professional projects.

Looking to paint water-stained exterior walls? Check out our article here.

How to paint over water stains

For a durable, mould-resistant finish, decorate with two full coats of PermaWhite. Available in Matt or Satin, this paint provides a high-quality finish that not only looks great but also stands up to moisture and mildew. Ensure a minimum drying time of two hours between coats.

Step by step guide

1
Surface Preparation

All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from anything that will interfere with paint adhesion. Remove loose and failing material by scraping or brushing with a stiff bristle brush to a sound edge. Feather sound edges with a fine grade abrasive paper. Prior to painting, the moisture content should not exceed 12%. You can measure this using a moisture detector.

Remove any dust and in areas with remaining sound paint, clean with Zinsser Universal Cleaner & Degreaser to remove any contaminants. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all residues. Allow to dry.

Remove visible signs of organic growth and treat the areas with Zinsser Mould Killer in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow to dry. Fill any cracks and small surface defects with a suitable filler as appropriate. Allow to dry. Rub down with a fine grade abrasive paper. Remove all dust.

2
Priming

Begin by patch priming all bare and filled sections using B-I-N® or B-I-N AQUA in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. This crucial step improves paint adhesion, ensuring a smooth and durable finish. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions and drying times. This ensures that the primer sets properly, creating a perfect foundation for the next coat.

Once the patch-primed areas are dry, prime all surfaces to be decorated with a full coat of B-I-N®. This comprehensive coverage guarantees an even and professional finish across the entire project.

3
Decoration

Decorate with two full coats of Zinsser PermaWhite Matt or Satin in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and drying times.

For more information on how to paint over water stains, check out our case study on Patsthull Hall. Zinsser expertly blocks water stains on the listed building’s walls and ceilings, caused by water ingress and outside water seeping in.

FAQs

Water ingress is a common problem in residential housing and happens when external water enters a building, leading to water stains on ceilings and walls. Blocked guttering, cracked render, damaged roof tiles, rising damp, faulty plumbing and flooding can all contribute to water ingress in homes.

If you prefer a water-based, low-odour method, B-I-N® AQUA is a great alternative to B-I-N®. B-I-N® AQUA offers a Trace VOC option while maintaining the same performance advantages as B-I-N®. Ensure the moisture content is below 12% before starting your project to achieve the best results.

  • Unique formulation resistant to mould and mildew, making it perfect for high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens
  • Provides a durable finish that can withstand frequent cleaning and everyday wear, ensuring long-lasting results
  • Excellent coverage minimizes the need for multiple coats and helps hide imperfections effectively
  • Water based and low odour, ensuring a more pleasant working environment
  • Designed to resist cracking, peeling and blistering for up to 7 years and bonds to existing solvent-based or glossy paints
  • Tintable to any BS, RAL or NCS colour through the appropriate tint base

For intricate areas, use a brush to ensure precise application. For larger surfaces, a roller is ideal for covering more ground quickly and evenly. This combination of tools helps you achieve a professional, smooth finish across different surface types.

Painting water stains on ceilings follows the same steps as painting walls however, due to the overhead nature of the work, it’s often more convenient and less strenuous to use a long-handled roller. This tool allows you to reach the ceiling comfortably from the floor, reducing the need for ladders and minimizing neck and back strain.

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