To get rid of water damaged paint, you need to scrub, seal and repaint it. It sounds complex, but don’t worry! Here’s how to remove water damaged paint.
The process of removing water damaged paint is quite simple. However, can you tell if it is water damaged in the first place?

What are the signs of water damage?
Water damage can quickly make your walls look old and stained. It can be very troublesome for homeowners. That’s why it’s essential to take care of the paint on your walls.
One way to do this is by regularly examining your paint. Usually, painted walls become water damaged. Looking out for the signs of water damage can be a big help.
Some indicators of water damage include bubbling, flaking, or cracking of the paint. If the surface feels moist or wet, then that’s probably water damage, too. Stains, white spots, and discoloration are also signs of water damage.
If you can smell something musty or moldy, that’s also an indicator of water damage. In severe cases, the surface can sink or form dents.
It’s always best to notice these signs early on. If the damage is minimal, you can remove the water damaged paint on your own. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to repair water damaged paint.
How To Get Rid Of Water Damaged Paint
Removing water damaged paint can be done in three steps. You’ll need to prepare the materials, make the appropriate repairs, then add the finishing touches. Read on for an in-depth tutorial on repairing water damaged paint.
Step #1. Preparation
Before anything else, you must address the source of the leak. If it’s a pipe, a hole, or any other source of water, you should fix it. This step might require professional help, especially if it involves plumbing.
Fixing the leak source will prevent the water from touching the paint. It will prevent further water damage to the paint. Remember, significant water damage is more difficult and more expensive to repair.
Clean the area with soap and a scrubbing pad. Be sure to remove all dirt and debris.
Sometimes, mold also grows on water damaged paint. Giving the affected area a good clean can help reduce and remove mold growth.
Leave the area to dry for a few days. You can use either a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
In the meantime, prepare a scraper, filler, sandpaper, sealant, and paint. You’ll need these items to remove the water damaged paint. These items are available in the hardware store.
Step #2. Making the repairs
Now that the affected area is clean and dry, you can now scrape off the water damaged paint. You can use a scraper to do the job. Make sure to get rid of all traces of the damaged pigment.
Removing the paint will take some time, but the results are worth it. Gently scrape off all the flaking, peeling, and chipped paint.
Put on a few coats of sealant to prevent water from seeping through the material. Experts recommend a water-based peel stop, like Zinsser’s. This product will help prevent water damage.
If there are any dents, you can use filler to fix them. Apply the filler with a putty knife or spatula. Let the filler dry before sanding over the surface.
Step #3. Final touches
With the surface cleaned, sealed, and filled, you can now paint over it again. Prepare the surface with a water-resistant primer for added protection. Choose water-resistant paint that is close to the original color of the wall.
Apply a few even coats of paint. Let each layer of paint dry completely. With this, your water damaged color is now as good as new!
Can you paint over water damage?
For some, the process of removing water damaged paint seems tedious. However, it is vital to remove the water damaged paint before applying a fresh coat of paint.
Painting over water damage will only worsen the problem. You won’t fix the source of the water damage. You can’t repair the signs of water damage either.
Painting over the affected area will only hide the problem temporarily. The best solution to water damaged paint is to remove it then repaint the affected area.
What are the costs of removing water damaged paint?
Depending on the size of the affected area, removing water damaged paint can be pretty costly. The whole process can range from $300 to 800.
If flooding or sudden plumbing accidents is the reason behind water damage, homeowner’s insurance can pay for the repair costs. If poor maintenance is the reason for water damage, it is typically not included in insurance coverage.
Water damage is troublesome for any homeowner. If you see any indicators of water damage on your paint, fix them as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Your walls can still look brand new, despite the situation. Just prepare your materials, make the proper repairs, and add the finishing touches. You now know how to remove water damaged paint!