# How to Paint a Red Clay Basement
A red clay basement is a basement made from red clay brick which is mostly hollow except for one or two interior partition walls to add strength to the brick. Red clay bricks were used to build basements in homes built before the 1950s. It's important to paint red clay brick walls to help them withstand moisture and the growth of mold. If red clay brick isn't painted, it can begin to shale and crumble, which will lead to the weakening of the foundation walls of the basement.
Things You'll Need
- Muriatic acid
- Water
- Bucket
- Bristle brush
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Paint brush or roller
- Bonding primer
- Latex interior paint or water proofing paint
Instructions
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1
Check for any efflorescence caused by water migrating to the surface of the brick and evaporating, leaving behind mineral salt residue on the surface which usually looks white. If efflorescence is present, mix a 5 percent muriatic acid and water solution, and scrub the surface with a bristle brush. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves. Rinse well with water, and allow the brick to thoroughly dry for 72 hours.
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2
Brush or roll on a primer coat of bonding primer, which will grip tight to the surface of the red clay brick to provide a stable surface to apply the cover coat of paint.
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3
Brush or roll a final cover coat of latex, interior paint or water proofing paint.
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1
Indoor House Painting
- How to Renovate a Painted Brick Wall
- Removing Paint From a Red Brick Wall
- How to Lighten the Color of Outdoor Red Brick
- How to Paint a Brick Effect
- How to Improve the Look of a Red Brick Fireplace
- How to Paint a Room With Red Brick
- How to Paint Brick Paving
- How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Cranberry Red
- How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Red
- How to Paint a Damp Basement
- How to Paint Trim on Red Brick Houses
- How to Update the Paint on a Red Brick Fireplace
