how to paint over water stains: the ultimate guide

A common problem for older homes and new builds alike, water stains are certainly an unwelcome addition to any space. Those pesky tea-coloured marks are notoriously stubborn, and so any attempt at covering them requires time, patience and a few essential steps. It’s not as simple as just a quick lick of paint! Luckily, this ultimate guide on how to paint over water stains will tell you all you need to know to say goodbye to those yellow splotches for good.

Skip to:

• The what and why of water stains
• Before you paint over water stains
• How to paint over water stains in 3 steps
  • How to paint over water stains on a ceiling
• FAQs
• How to paint over water stains: final thought

the what and why of water stains

To put it simply, water stains are discoloured patches that appear due to over-exposure to water or moisture. There are a few debates about just exactly where their lovely yellowish hue comes from, but most agree that it is due to mineral deposits being left behind when water evaporates from the surface, be that your nicely painted wall or ceiling.

Usually, the cause of a water stain can be identified fairly easily. Common causes include leaks from a roof, pipe or appliance, accelerated by conditions such as poor airflow, or inconsistent temperatures. Which leads us on to…

key considerations before you paint over water stains

Here’s some food for thought before you go painting over water stains. Prior to tackling the area with your trusty (splat-sourced?!) paintbrush, it is important to follow these guidelines to ensure that your efforts won’t be wasted.

address the cause

Water stains are often a sign of a bigger issue. If said bigger issue isn’t addressed properly, you can be sure that the stains will continue to creep through any paint job. Not only will identifying and addressing the cause help to stop the marks coming back, but it can also ensure that further and more serious structural damage is avoided.

With that said, consider where the source of water damage could be and investigate. Once solved, a local painter and decorator can provide professional advice on how best to combat the impacts!

fix any damage

Extensive water damage likely goes beyond just stains. Any structural damage to the wall or ceiling should be rectified before moving any further with the process. This will ultimately save you money in the long run. There is no point painting over something that needs to be replaced!

Smaller areas of damage, such as cracks or flaking plaster, can be remedied by using sandpaper to gently smooth out the surface, ensuring a consistent finish and helping the paint to adhere properly. For trickier cracks and flakes, Zinsser’s Peel Stop will do the trick.

how to paint over water stains in 3 steps

Now that you have the large-scale stuff out of the way, it’s time to focus your attention on the area of the stain.

step 1: clean and dry the surface

When it comes to stain-related issues, good preparation is key to success. Make sure to clean the area well with a damp cloth to remove any extra dirt or dust.

Depending on the severity of the issue, you may need to use a mould cleaning product to remove any mould build-up. We recommend the Zinsser Mould Killer and Remover. Suitable for all interior surfaces, it is ideal for aiding a better paint finish. Plus, its trigger spray can help reach any fiddly areas – perfect if you’re tackling a hard-to-reach stain!

Once you have got a clean base, make sure to let the area dry fully. Investing in a dehumidifier can help speed this process up. As any avid DIY-er will know, painting on a wet surface is never a good idea. Plus, if the area continues to be wet, it could be a sign that water damage is still at work.

step 2: apply a primer

Perhaps the most important step in this whole process, using a high-quality stain primer is the best way to avoid stains showing through the fresh paint. In general, primers are recommended to get a professional finish, enhancing the final appearance of the job, though they serve an extra purpose in our scenario.

When it comes to working with a water stain, the primer will also seal the area. By acting as a barrier between the stain and the new layer of paint, a specialised stain primer like the industry-favourite Zinsser Bullseye 123 prevents the mark from bleeding through the new paint. To put it another way, without a good, fit-for-purpose primer, the stain is extremely likely to resurface.

Combined 2-in-1 self-priming paint can be a good option for smaller-scale stains, but for those tougher adversaries, it is generally recommended to apply a separate coat of primer.

Make sure to give whatever primer you choose enough time to dry completely before moving to the next step!

step 3: go forth and paint!

Great news – the hard part of how to paint over water stains is over! The next steps are fairly consistent with general painting practice. Whilst it may be tempting to only paint over the stained area, it is advisable to paint the whole wall to ensure an even finish: there is nothing worse than going through all that effort just to realise that the odd patch of paint is just as noticeable as the stain!

Whilst standard paint is fine for this step, you may want to consider investing in a mould resistant paint if the area is particularly prone to humidity. Whatever your choice, after preparing the right quantity of  high-quality paint, begin with a small paintbrush to cut in the paint from the edges. Then, using a roller and long, overlapping strokes, apply two coats evenly to the whole area, allowing for ample drying time between each coat. Depending on the extent of the stain, a third coat may be required.

Be patient. Often, stain-blocked areas can take longer to dry. Whilst this can be frustrating, it is a great sign that the stain primer has successfully sealed the surface. The result is worth it!

how to paint over water stains on a ceiling

Painting over water spots on a ceiling can be a bit of a contortion act. However, it is largely the same steps as painting on a wall, requiring just a bit more care since you are painting overhead. You may want to use an ultra-matt paint, such as Farrow & Ball’s dead flat range, since they can be better at hiding imperfections than glossier finishes.

faqs

can i just use emulsion paint?

Whilst you may have an odd tin of emulsion paint lying around, we don’t recommend using only emulsion to tackle water stains. Most emulsion paints are water-based, and so without the necessary steps, they won’t form an effective barrier to stop the stains from reappearing.

Without using a suitable primer first, the stain will continue to show through the new paint, no matter how many coats you apply.

what about condensation stains?

Condensation stains are similar to water stains in their appearance, but they are primarily caused by interaction between humidity and surface temperatures rather than leaks or spills. Whilst they require different treatment of the root issue, namely increasing ventilation, you can still use the methods detailed above to paint over them!

why is it so difficult to cover water stains?

Most standard indoor paints are water-based and water-soluble, and so they allow water marks to seep through the layers of paint easily. This is why, unless you prepare properly, water stains will continue to reappear.

If your water stains keep coming back, there are a few things to check:

• Have you definitely combatted the cause in its entirety?
• Was the surface dry and clean?
• Was there significant damage that could need replastering?
• Did you use a specialised stain-blocking primer?

how to paint over water stains: final thoughts

Phew! Good work getting to the end of our guide on how to paint over water stains. By now, you’re well-equipped to get that unsightly mark sorted for good. Remember your preparation and priming steps, and you’re onto a sure winner! Whilst you’re here, consider getting all the best products for the job by exploring our specialist paint pages.

Looking to expand your painting and decorating knowledge further? Why not stop by our other blogs to learn more?