For those of us unlucky enough to experience the effects of damp, there’s always one problem that remains constant in our repair work and that is the paint. Damp causes serious discolouration on walls and other surfaces that can be quite an eyesore.
Does damp proof paint work?
After experiencing a problem like this most people will try damp proof paint as a preventative measure against a resurgence of the damp. A smart move, but does it always work? Asking around it seems damp proof paint receives quite a mixed reception – some think it works brilliantly while others argue that it doesn’t help at all.
How does it work?
So who is right and should you use it? To answer these questions let’s take more of a look at how damp proof paint works:
Damp proof paint works by incorporating a water-reactive agent in its mixture which takes care of residual surface moisture. This in turn decreases the likelihood of damp occurring. It also leaves a semi-gloss finish so you don’t have to worry about it making your walls look flat and lifeless; and it contains powerful polymers meaning it will last longer than regular paint.
Damp proof paint on the whole is a stronger, more resistant type of paint and is perfect for homes and other structures that have a lot of moisture in them. However, while damp proof paint is effective at resisting surface moisture you should know that it won’t stop all versions of damp from occurring and certain rules have to be followed in order to apply it properly.
When does damp proof paint not work?
First of all damp proof paint only protects against surface moisture so if the damp in your walls or other surface area is being caused by structural faults that allow water to penetrate the surface, then damp proof paint won’t help and will simply mask the main problem.
It is, though, highly likely that people have used damp proof paint after suffering damp caused by there being too much moisture in their home; then later suffered another form of damp caused by structural damage and mistakenly believed that the damp proof paint hasn’t worked – leading to some of the bad reputation attached to this type of paint.
The other likely cause of damp proof paint’s mixed performance is that it isn’t being applied to the surface properly. For damp proof paint to work at its best, the surface it is being applied to should be free of any previous coating including any existing coat of paint.
Dirt and debris should also be removed from the surface as well, as this will aid the damp proof paint’s protective coating. So does damp proof paint work? The answer is yes but for the best possible protection follow the proper instructions and if you do see a resurgence of damp remember to check other possible causes before claiming the damp proof paint hasn’t worked, because damp proof paint doesn’t protect against all versions of damp.
Read more about our unique formula damp proof anti condensation paint or our other damp treatments, and feel free to contact Peter Cox to book a survey appointment or call us on 0808 273 2138.
