How To Paint Over Efflorescence

Follow our 3-step guide below on how to paint over efflorescence on masonry, an issue easily overcome with the use of Zinsser Watertite.

 

What Is Efflorescence?

Efflorescence appears as a result of salt being pushed to the surface of masonry (concrete, brick, stucco or natural stone) and left behind by water, often a sparkling white powder and sometimes with a grey tint; it is an unhelpful painting issue that is easy to treat and overcome by the use of Zinsser Watertite to restore homes and businesses back to their original condition.

Zinsser listens to contactors and develops new products – or adds features to existing products – to meet their changing needs, delivering world class products that meet “real world” challenges, providing tried and tested solutions to painting problems, such as painting over efflorescence.

Step 1. Surface Preparation

Make sure the affected surfaces are clean, free of anything that could interfere or affect the application and adhesion of materials and Zinsser products to be applied.

Loose materials should be removed by scraping or brushing with a stiff-bristled brush to a sound edge. Remove any efflorescence with a suitable efflorescence remover or brick cleaner, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions., and then rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water.

Any signs of organic growth should also be removed, and the areas treated with Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and the surface allowed to dry.

A quality hydraulic cement should be used, as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, to fill any cracks and surface defects in the surface, allowing it to dry before rubbing down with a fine grade abrasive paper and removing all dust.

Step 2. Priming

Now the surface has been suitably prepared, liberally apply a first coat of Zinsser Watertite; paint a square metre at a time using the brush to work the Watertite into the pores of the masonry, applying as much paint as necessary to produce a continuous, pinhole free film.

Allow to dry for a minimum of 4 hours before overcoating.

Step 3. Decoration

Decorate with one full coat of Zinsser Watertite in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Note:

• Walls can be damp but must be free of any active leaks.
• Stir product thoroughly before and during application.
• Do not thin.
• Substrates should have a textured profile prior to application of Watertite.
• Smooth surfaces may need to be abraded or blasted to create a surface profile.

More Information

If you require more advice on painting over fibreglass, give our technical team a call on 0113 2455450 (option 2) or send a message to [email protected].