Waterproofing a basement

flash asked 10 years ago

I have a 1200 square foot basement, that needs some masonry/foundation/nip and tuck work…after it is done I wish to waterproof it. The basement was painted about 20 years ago, still looks good, it is yellow (no clue what type of paint). The foundation is receding, in 18 feet of area, instead of getting the foundation taken out and replaced, we are going to have it professionally nip/tucked. There is NO dampness. I live in Ohio and even with the thaw of all the snow..the walls are still dry. The house is 43 years old. What is the best product I can use for waterproofing that will work over that paint and the new nip and tuck work. I am going to place the home up for sale, so wish to do it the best way for resale.

I wish to save money and after the brick work is fixed, waterproof it myself. The two bids I have say I have to spend the money to get all the paint off first :(.

3 Answers
Crowder Painting answered.

First, if the existing paint is in good shape and not peeling then there isn't a reason to remove it. The biggest thing to do is prep and prime everything before painting.

The prep is simply a good washing with trisodium phosphate or other strong cleanser. At this point a good sanding with a pole sander and 120 grit sandpaper would be a good idea, but with a 43 year old house you could have some lead based paint. Test for lead and if you have some skip the sanding.

I would prime with a very good acrylic primer designed for hard to stick surfaces. Zinsser 123 is a good primer for this situation. Check with your local paint store for availability and other options. After the walls are primed you can paint with any good acrylic paint.

There are good moisture blocking primers on the market. I don't think you need these products. There is no dampness and your walls are dry. If you feel that additional waterproofing is needed use UGL Drylok.

Anonymous answered.

Thank you for the response. I did some research, and have been told, that painting is fine but in the areas that are getting nip/tuck brick work first, I will put some stain guard on first before painting, and in the areas that are black, not from dampness just where cracks where and getting fixed, before I apply the paint. I am debated painting the same color to make it easier (brighter yellow) or going over the entire basement with a beige just to tone the basement down a little. I am getting the house ready for sale.

Crowder Painting answered.

Technically the only areas needing primer is the repair work as long as you are going to apply the same type of paint, example- latex over latex. A beige color should cover well and with a pleasing uniform color this will help with a better sale.