Can I Just Paint Over a Water Stain on a Ceiling?

Repair the Leak

• Painting is the last step in dealing with a water stain. Repairing the source of the water that caused the stain is the first and most important step. Limiting the size of the stain by making repairs as soon as possible also helps prevent long-term problems. Once the leak is stopped, the painting can begin. Remove damaged ceiling material if the leak caused more than cosmetic stains.

Sealing Primer

• Special primer/sealers prevent the stain from bleeding through the finish coat of paint. These sealers and primers can be oil- or latex-based, although the oil-based seals stains better. Sealers are available as sprays or liquids. Apply the sealer and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding with the paint. Applying the sealing primer to the entire ceiling may help prevent a spotty appearance. The stain may still be visible through the sealer but should be blocked from bleeding through the regular paint.

Paint

• Paint the ceiling with the standard paint as desired. Start with the area of the stain and determine whether the sealer is adequately blocking the stain. Apply another coat of the sealer if the stain is still visible through the first coat of the ceiling paint.

Second Coat

• Apply a second coat of regular ceiling paint if the ceiling looks blotchy because of the primed area. Allow the paint to dry fully before deciding whether to add a second coat.