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Can I Paint Over Teflon Waterproofing?

Teflon, technically polytetrafluoroethylene, was accidentally discovered by a young scientist at the DuPont company in the 1930s. Over the next few decades, scientists found many uses for the slippery substance. Today, most consumers associate Teflon with nonstick cookware, but it is also widely appreciated in the industrial sector for coatings that resist heat and wear. Most notably, many parts on the Mars Rover are coated with Teflon.
  1. Masonry Application

    • Teflon waterproofing applied to masonry construction such as basement walls will repel dampness, mold and mildew. The versatile coating results in a neutral, off-white color by itself, but it may be painted over if you follow a few guidelines.

    Time Frame

    • Wait 24 hours after applying water-based Teflon waterproofing; 30 days if you used an oil-based product. Paint over Teflon only with a 100 percent acrylic latex paint product.

    Mold and Mildew

    • Some manufacturers who produce Teflon-containing waterproofing products state that painting over their product will nullify their mold and mildew protection warranty. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for overpainting on the waterproofing product you buy.

    On Your Deck

    • You may protect your deck from grease and water by using a Teflon-containing deck stain. These products combine color and waterproofing in one, so overpainting is not necessary. The product may be tinted for more precise color effects. If you wish to paint over the deck stain anyway, you must strip it first; its waterproofing qualities will not allow the paint to adhere.