How To Repaint Water Damaged Wall In 8 Easy DIY Steps

Cracked paint and other wall problems caused by moisture are not appealing, so it would be best to learn how to repaint water damaged wall. Fortunately, it is not that hard to do, so you can practically do it without the help of a professional as long as you follow the proper steps.

If you’re unsure where to start, we prepared a short guide that you can check to help get you rid of this particular mess.

how to repaint water damaged wall

 

What Causes Water Damage To Walls

Several factors can cause water damage to your walls without you knowing. If the problem is not treated immediately, it can lead to mold, cracks, paint discoloration, and more. Here are the things that you should lookout for a possibility of water-related damage:

 

Storms

Natural disasters such as hurricanes and thunderstorms might not always be as severe, but they can destroy your property in some cases. Heavy rains and strong winds can deteriorate parts of your roofs, gutters, and drains. Waters that somehow found a way to creep into the gaps can eventually reach your walls and cause damage.

 

Leaking pipes

The water from leaking pipes behind walls can deter the surface and cause discoloration and paint bubbling. It can also foster mold and fungi, which can be toxic and dangerous, especially for people with asthma and other lung problems.

 

AC condensation

AC systems produce condensation, and there are drains specifically made to accommodate the dripping out of the house. However, if these drains are damaged, the condensation can leak in between the walls and floors.

 

Blocked drains

Drains can sometimes develop grime build ups from grease, dirt, and foreign objects that fall from the kitchen sink, bathtub, and bathroom sink. Blocked drains can cause flooding in the inside of your home and eventually reach your walls.

Some water-related damages are included in insurance coverage as long as it is an accidental occurrence. Most insurance companies do not acknowledge other situations that don’t pose as sudden. You can always ask your lawyer for help to know more about these kinds of affairs.

 

Signs Of Water Damaged Walls

Fortunately, you can easily recognize water damage by paying attention to its signs. These are the top three that you can see if you are experiencing the said problem:

 

1. Softened drywall

Softened drywalls due to water damage is not always the easiest to spot. The exposed part can appear normal, while the other side can already be soaked with water.

To check, you can press your drywall, and if it caves in, there might be some unseen problems behind it. If ignored, it can cultivate mold and give out a rotting smell, irritating and generally unpleasant.

 

2. Paint blistering/bubbling

Paint bubbling is a result of either too much heat or moisture in the walls. The paint can accumulate water inside and stretch the paint, creating a bubble-like appearance. Popping them is fine, but they can produce mess and drippings all over your walls if there is too much water.

You can call a professional to help you with the situation. If you want to do it yourself, you can always follow the guide we provided later on in this article.

 

3. Discoloration

Paint discoloration is the most common result of water damage. They can appear in streaks, spots, and patterns depending on where the moisture and water accumulates.

It may seem like an unimportant problem at first, but in most cases, the backside of the wall has more significant damages. Ensure also to check the other side to see if there are more severe problems that you need to get fixed.

 

Repainting Water Damaged Walls

To repair the paint in your water damaged walls, you can follow these simple steps from start to finish.

Step #1. First, clean the walls you intend to paint. Using water and a cleaning solution, wipe the area using a large sponge.

Make sure to dust it before applying the mixture. Cover the entire wall if needed from top to bottom. Dry the surface after.

Step #2. You can use lights to emphasize the flaws on your walls. If you only plan to paint a small part of the surface, you can use tape to mark the area.

Step #3. Remove the peeling paints, bubbling, and flaking using a scraper. Make sure that the area is a clean canvas before working on it.

Step #4. Use a sealer binder to prep the surface. This oil-based coat acts as an adhesive and also prevents water from seeping into the wall. Wait for the binder to dry for at least an hour before continuing.

Step #5. To make the surface smooth, apply filler and wait a day until it is completely dry.

Step #6. Sand the area to remove bumps and uneven layers. Do this until it is smooth.

Step #7. To prepare the wall for painting, use a water-based primer on the area. It makes the paint stick well to the surface and prevents any water damage from developing in the future.

Step #8. Once the wall is ready, you can now apply the paint in any color you desire. It’s best to use water-based paints because they become water-resistant when completely dry. You can also use a topcoat to lock in the paint.

 

Conclusion

Now that you know how to repaint water damaged wall, it would be one thing less from your worries. Make sure to check them after every storm and if there are cases of leakage in your house.

Even if only a small section of your drywall is soaked, it can eventually lead to a more serious problem. It’s best to deal with it right now than wait until it’s alarming.