Covering moisture spots on the walls?

[fudge stripe cookays]

Hi all--

reprehensor and I finally got our new roof YAY!

And now we're finally going to have our foundation done. Once that's out of the way, we'll be able to look at the other stuff we've been waiting on like a bathroom remodel and new flooring.

Before we got our new roof, we had a small leak that caused a damp spot on the wall above my closet. My question is-- what do I need to put on the wall before we finally get around to painting in the Master Bedroom?

Do we need something more heavy duty than Kilz? Is there a moisture block primer that will prevent it from bleeding through?

[eleny]

1. Use the oil based version for the best results

Kilz of whatever product you decide on. Oil based is smellier but does the trick inside or outdoors. Ventilate the room extremely well.

[fudge stripe cookays]

2. Yuck.

I was afraid you were going to say that.

The cleanup is messier too. I detest using turpentine. But if it will help cover, I suppose I can give it a try.

[eleny]

3. We've covered a lot of spots around here

Not just water spots. And the oil based works the best. The water based eventually lets the stains to work through. But you could use the water for the time being and see how it goes. If you're very sensitive to the smell and also the turps it's important to consider your health.

[Stinky The Clown]

6. I think you can get the oil based Kilz in a spray can

The smell is the same or even slightly worse, but the clean-up is non-existant. It is execllent in cases where you have a relatively small amount of damage and little prospect of needing to do more later (i.e.: using up the rest of that gallon you had to buy).

An alternative is to see if you can buy a pint of Kilz and a disposable brush. Put it on throw everything away ... no clean-up.

A hint on using Kilz ..... you may want to spot over the bad areas with Kilz oil and then do the whole wall with water based Kilz. The Kilz leaves a texture that takes paint very differently than other primers. It could well show through if you just spot it.

[fudge stripe cookays]

8. Now THAT is helpful!

All the hints have been great here, but since it is a pretty small spot, this advice on the spray can, and then doing the rest of the wall with water-based Kilz is excellent.

I usually try to have a couple cans of regular Kilz floating around for whatever comes up. I LOVE the stuff.

[NMDemDist2]

4. we used the water based Kilz, but ended up having to do a couple coats

of Kilz first.

we let them dry about 48 hours between the coats to see how the coverage was. two coats did the trick except in one spot that took three

two months later it still looks fine :shrug:

[eleny]

7. Yeah, two months in, it should be okay

I meant for the long haul. But several months should be okay.

[Warpy]

5. That's what I'd suggest

That stain is water soluble minerals and other junk. A water based paint will bleed it right through. You need an oil based paint to seal that stain off and prevent it from bleeding through the new paint.

Buy a cheap, disposable brush, hold your nose, and go. It might take a couple of coats, but it should work with 2.