Best Practices for Painting Over Water Damage

April 22, 2025

Say Goodbye to Stains: How to Paint Over Water Damage Without a Trace

Nothing makes your heart sink quite like noticing a brown water stain creeping across your ceiling or wall. Whether it’s from a sneaky roof leak or a forgotten-overflow bath, water damage is an all-too-common woe. But guess what? With a little know-how, some elbow grease, and the right paint, you can cover it up like it never happened. Grab your roller, we’re going to make stains the least of your worries.

Before You Even Think About Painting… Stop the Source

Here's the deal – paint won't stick (literally and metaphorically) if the leak that caused the damage isn’t fixed. Before you crack open your favourite paint tin, make sure the culprit behind the stain has had its final say. Repair the leak, whether it’s coming from the roof, a dodgy pipe, or even that upstairs neighbour with a leaky washing machine.

Stages of Painting Over Water Damage (No Shortcuts Allowed!)

I get it – you just want it gone. But if you skip preppin' proper, you're setting yourself up for a patchy, discoloured nightmare. Follow these steps and you're golden:

Let It Dry: Totally. Don’t rush it. Painting over wet or damp damaged areas causes bubbling and peeling.
Clean and Scrape: Use sugar soap and warm water. If the paint is flaky or peeling, gently scrape it off – no one wants a textured mural made of old paint.
Apply a Stain-Blocking Primer: This is essential. Water stains love to bleed through fresh paint. Skip the drama and go straight to using a quality primer designed to block stains and create a smooth, paint-ready surface.

One I always recommend for this step is the Haymes UltraLock Primer. It’s like sealing off those stubborn stains with a big ol’ lock and throwing away the key. It's ideal for hard-to-coat surfaces and water damage. Easy to apply and dries with a silky feel – like your wall just got a fresh haircut.

Smart Product Spotlight

The Haymes UltraLock Primer doesn’t just prepare your surface; it locks in previous stains so they don't resurface later. It’s perfect for DIYers who want professional-looking results without fuss or fanfare. Makes you feel kind of fancy, hey?

Time to Paint: Choosing the Right Paint Matters

Now that you’ve given your wall the spa treatment – it’s time for makeup. Not all paints are equal, and water-damaged walls need a bit more love. Choosing a quality topcoat makes a big difference in durability and finish.

The Haymes Interior Expressions Low Sheen is a solid choice. It’s washable, moisture resistant, and gives that velvety smooth finish that’s as forgiving as a good friend. Perfect for family areas or high-traffic zones that need to stay looking fresh even with kids or pets doing their part to redecorate.

Painting Tips to Ace The Final Look

Here’s where we separate the legends from the rookies. If you want people to say, “Wow, did you get this done professionally?” Here’s what I tell all my customers:

Use the ‘W’ Technique: Make a giant W or M on your wall with your roller then fill it in. This avoids rogue roller lines and keeps coating smooth.
Two Coats Minimum: Trust me, one coat feels convenient at the time, but doesn’t stand the test of daylight. Go back for a second run once the first fully dries.
Maintain a Wet Edge: Work quickly and overlap your roller while the paint is still wet. It gives the appearance of a single, seamless coat.

What If the Water Damage Returns?

Treat it like a red flag. If the stain starts creeping back through or feels damp again, don’t just slap more paint on it. You might have a missed or recurring leak and that needs fixing pronto. Better to be safe now than repaint the wall every six months.

Final Word from Your Paint Fairy Godmother (That’s Me 😜)

Painting over water damage doesn’t have to be a stress fest. With the right prep and quality products like Haymes UltraLock Primer and top performing paints suited to your space, you'll have those walls looking as good as your favourite Pinterest pin. And remember, you’re never alone in this DIY journey – I’m always here to cheer you on (and recommend fab colours) from the paint counter to your home.

Need Help Picking Paint or Just Wanna Chat Colour?

Swing by the Paint Shop at Strathalbyn H Hardware or ring us at 08 85 364 333. Ask for me, Candeece – I’m usually near the colour charts (probably fawning over the perfect shade of mushroom).

Happy painting!

— Candeece