What Kind of Paint for Basements?

Priming First

• Before painting a basement wall or floor, the surface must be primed. Look for a primer that will also act as a sealant against water. There are several commercial brands of primer that are ideal for basements, and they will indicate they include sealants.

Painting Walls

• Oil-based paints typically work best on concrete, but you can find latex paint that is rated for use over concrete and masonry. Shop carefully and find a paint that can be applied in lower temperatures. Most paint needs a temperature of at least 55 degrees for optimal application, and the humidity level must be low. Basements can be much colder and more humid.

Painting the Floor

• If you have a concrete subfloor in the basement and you plan to paint it, do not use regular latex paint. Instead, use a concrete epoxy paint. In addition to concrete epoxy paint being the proper kind of paint for concrete floors (it wears better), it will also have a nice shine to it, which will make the flooring look better. Make sure to ventilate the basement properly when using epoxy paint because the fumes are quite strong.

Common Issues

• The most common issues with painting a basement are mold and water. You can combat some of these problems by installing a dehumidifier in the basement and by using the proper products. A good primer sealant will help reduce water seepage in walls. It pays to read labels when buying paint for a basement. Don't skimp on the right products, or you will likely have to do the job over again.