How to Paint Cement Basement Walls
Cement walls, usually located in the basement of your house, can be difficult to paint because of the material, and because of the environment the wall is in--typically somewhat damper than the rest of the house. Proper preparation and basic painting techniques will ensure that the job gets done right.
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Things You'll Need
- Ammonia
- Water
- Sponge
- Dehumidifier
- Fan
- Brush
- Shop vacuum
- Primer
- Paintbrush
- Roller
- Paint
Instructions
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1
Clean the wall. Depending on the circumstances, this may be a simple or complicated task. If the wall is relatively clean and dry, wash it down with a mixture of one part ammonia to 10 parts water, wiping with a sponge, then go to Step 3. If the wall has mildew or mold on it, or is damp, go to Step 2.
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2
Dry the wall by running a dehumidifier in the vicinity or directing a fan at it. Brush off any mold and mildew with a stiff-bristled brush and vacuum it with a shop vac. Then wipe the wall with an ammonia and water mixture and a brush or sponge.
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3
Let the wall dry thoroughly before applying any paint.
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4
Prepare the wall with a coat of primer undercoat suitable for cement walls. Consult with your local paint shop or home improvement store. Apply the primer around the edges of the wall with a brush and then fill in the remaining areas with a roller. If the surface is rough, you may need to use a brush for the entire surface to ensure good coverage.
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5
Let the primer coat dry completely. A full day is usually more than sufficient.
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6
Apply your paint. Start by working around the edges with a brush, then fill in the remaining area with a roller, if appropriate. Apply a second coat if necessary.
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