Tips and Tricks to Painting Waterproofed Concrete

Concrete foundations and basement areas are often painted to create a nice aesthetic. If you are a new homeowner, you may be wondering how you can paint waterproof concrete successfully. Whether you are painting your exterior or the interior within a basement area, it is important to know what you are doing and complete the steps correctly. Below are a few tips and tricks to get you started on the right track to painting.

Organize Your Tools

Before you can get started, you need to organize your tools. You will need paint rollers and brushes, drop cloths for interior painting, pans for your paint, paint, etc. By gathering everything you need ahead of time, you will be prepared to begin without delay.

Ventilation

When painting waterproofed concrete, be sure the area has plenty of ventilation. The type of paint you will be using does cause fumes which can lead to headaches and other issues. With proper ventilation, be it windows or doors, you can paint as needed without worrying about breathing in toxic fumes.

Prep the Space

Before you start the painting process, be sure to prep the space. In a basement, this would include taping off areas like flooring and the ceiling. Lay down drop cloths as needed and have outlets removed so you do not have to stop midway through to make adjustments.

Sealing is Essential

If you have bought a new home, you must try to find out if the concrete has already been sealed and painted. If you have painted walls, the paint will most likely have to be removed before you can apply sealer and then paint it again.

In an older home, there may be several coats of paint that need to be removed. This can be a lengthy process. Experts in sandblaster services can help with the removal process. If you want to do it yourself, a wire brush will work, but it is a tedious venture.

Once the old paint has been removed, the process of sealing and then painting can begin. It is important to have sealed walls before painting to ensure that the paint will adhere to the concrete correctly.

Necessity of Waterproofing

For basement and foundations of the home, waterproofing is a necessity. It is not uncommon for water to gather around the home’s exterior, through grading should be done to ensure standing water does not sit in this manner.

If you have waterproofing sealant applied to your concrete, then you don’t have to worry about water damage. Your property will be protected year-round. Sealing lasts for a few years, but over time will not be as durable. By resealing and painting your concrete foundation or basement again, you are adding a new layer of protection.

If you are unsure of the process or need help, contact a concrete professional. With the help of the experts, you can easily see your concrete foundation and basement area sealed and painted. Take note of when the work was completed so you can have it done again when the time arises.