Best Paint for Concrete Walls in a Basement

Searching online for “Best paint for concrete walls in a basement” can lead to an endless spiral of confusion. Your basement is a sanctuary for the average troubles of everyday life. It is essential for you, the home-owner, to have the best paint for your concrete walls to support your man cave, designer studio, or the home gym looking like the best version of itself. 

Now, there is a handful of select paints that should be used, but before we get into that, you should the steps necessary before the job to paint concrete walls in a basement takes place.

Process to Paint Concrete Walls in A Basement

Before you get to the job to paint concrete walls in a basement, there are several things you must examine with the concrete walls. Just painting with no prep will lead to peeling, chipping and ultimately a lacklustre paint job.

  • Check for any water damage before you start. This is paramount because if you paint with water damage, the paint job will be lacklustre and can cause further damage.
  • Clean the walls with a cloth to get rid of any dust formed.
  • Strip the outdated paint with a paint scraper.
  • Prime the concrete walls in your basement. This is necessary for the paint to stick better on the surface. Ultra Spec Masonry Int/Ext 100% Acrylic Sealer by Benjamin Moore is an ideal option.

The prep required for the concrete walls in a basement is the same as any other paint job. But can have much more severe consequences if not done correctly.

Interior Painting Basement White Unfinished Basement Drywall and Hardwood Floor

Walls in a basement are the foundation of your interior home. They need proper care to ensure a healthy and sustainable place for living in the future.

Best Paint For Basement Walls

Before and After Basement Repair and Painting

When it comes to choosing paint for your basement, there are a few things you should keep in mind: colour, texture, and durability.

You’ll want to pick something that’s going to last so that your basement walls are not only functional but also attractive.

So what are some of the best paints for concrete basement walls? Believe it or not, there really aren’t many options out there that will work well on these surfaces.

Here’s A list of the Best Paints For Concrete Walls in A Basement:

  • Painting concrete is best done with masonry paint, also known as elastomeric paint or elastomeric wall coating, due to its binders that expand and contract with the concrete. This makes it ideal for concrete basement walls as it will not crack or peel.
  • Epoxy paint is another good choice for concrete basement walls, as it is waterproof and can be applied over regular latex paint. However, epoxy paint tends to be more expensive than masonry paint and takes longer to dry. Also, they do not breathe, so if you live in an area that gets humid summers and cold winters, then this may not be the best option for you.
  • Latex paint is the least expensive option, although it is not waterproof and will likely need to be repainted every three years or so.

PRO TIP: If you are painting a concrete basement wall for the first time, then you should choose an elastomeric masonry paint or epoxy paint that has a high alkali-resistant rating (AR).

This will help prevent efflorescence from forming on your walls.

Concrete Basement Wall Paints You Should Use

Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore offer top-of-the-line paint and primers for homeowners. Whichever you choose is ultimately up to you, but you want to stick with recognized brands, even if it does end up costing more. Remember, anything that is high quality will end up costing more due to its durability. Paint for concrete walls is a specialized item that will cost more than regular paint.

 
Exterior Painting Dark Color

These are all brands used here at Home Painters Toronto. If you are hiring a company, you want to ensure they are using the best quality paint. Paint concrete walls in a basement requires waterproof coating since leakage is more prominent in a basement than in other sections of a house.

Can You PAINT BASEMENT WALLS Yourself?

Of course, if you are confident enough, you can attempt to paint concrete walls in a basement. These walls are different from your upstairs interior, so it is crucial that you take all the necessary steps to do a professional and lasting job.

  • Fill cracks with hydraulic cement.
  • If water is evident throughout the walls, find the source immediately.
  • Remove debris from concrete.
  • Be sure to apply waterproof masonry products on concrete walls in the basement.

Tools Required FOR PAINTING YOUR BASEMENT WALLS

The tools you need to paint concrete walls in a basement can add to the cost, but it is worth it for your safety. Sherwin-Williams has all the equipment necessary for tackling this project. It is paramount that you use all these tools to not only be safe but to have your concrete walls secured for years to come.

  • Concrete Broom
  • Spiked Shoes
  • Rake frame with threaded handle adapter
  • Adjustable Trowel

The best paint for concrete walls in a basement has to be waterproof. I have said this several times throughout this piece because of how important it is. If you choose paint that is not explicitly meant for concrete, you are looking at a steeper price to redo the walls.

Home Painters Toronto is a proven company with over 35 years of experience in Toronto and the GTA. We tackle all sorts of painting jobs, including concrete walls in a basement. If you do not want to do the job yourself, you must hire a positive track record company.

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If you’re thinking of doing some home interior painting but don’t want to do the work yourself, let our interior painters help! Even if you are undecided, professional house painters can help you with any problems or questions you may have. If the work involved sounds like it involves too much time and energy to do yourself, call 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com for a FREE quote. And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below as well!