How Do I Cover Water Marks in My Basement With Paint?

Water marks on basement walls and ceilings often continue to bleed through attempted coverings, including paint and wallpaper, even after the cause of the stain has been fixed and the area is dry. The solution is to seal the surface with an oil-based stain blocker, which you can buy or formulate yourself with primer and an oil paint. The treated surface must be completely dry for you to confirm the water marks are not showing through, then you can paint the final color over the area.

Drop cloth
Stain blocker
Paint tray
Oil paint
Primer
Roller brushes

Instructions

- 1
  Locate and seal the leak causing the water marks. You cannot proceed to treat the stains until you locate and correct the problem.
- 2
  Spread a drop cloth on the floor below the area you'll be painting in the basement.
- 3
  Mix a can of stain blocker with a stirrer or prepare a stain blocker of 2 parts oil paint to 1 part primer, and mix thoroughly.
- 4
  Pour the paint preparation into the paint tray.
- 5
  Apply the blocker to the stained surface in long, even strokes using a roller brush. Let the blocker dry at least 24 hours before evaluating whether a second coat is necessary. If the stain does not show through the blocker once it has dried, paint over the stain blocker in a color of your choice without worrying about the return of water marks. If the stains bleed through the blocker, apply a second coat.

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