Waterproof Paints – Dispelling the Myths

When looking for a ‘waterproof paint‘, you can find yourself in a bit of a minefield. Most paints claim to have some level of waterproofing properties and yes, most paints are waterproof in some way.

However, there is one critical question that could cause your local vendor to shift sheepishly from foot to foot:

“I appreciate these paints are all waterproof, but just how waterproof?” Directly below we list the best waterproofing paints for different surfaces.

When it comes to clothes, there are definitive terms and guides; ‘Shower-resistant’, ‘Waterproof’, ‘Wetsuit’. But in the paint industry, we seem to be in somewhat murkier waters (pardon the pun). There isn’t a go-to chart we can refer you to, but what we can do is help you understand what level of waterproofing is needed for which type of project.

For simplicity’s sake, we will start with smaller, domestic projects and work our way up to thicker waterproofing.

Waterproofing Masonry and Exterior Walls

If the exterior walls of your home need waterproofing, there are some ESSENTIALS you should be looking for from your product:

• Elasticity – this prevents tearing, blistering and flaking
• Breathability – It is vital the substrate isn’t strangulated
• Crack Bridging – This hold off signs of ageing in all conditions
• Anti-Corrosion/Carbonisation. It needs to not let in harmful chlorides

There are other excellent qualities you may look for, such as fungal protection, solvent-free, fast-curing and so on, to meet your tailored needs.

To make things easier, here are FOUR popular waterproofing paints for exterior walls in the Rawlins Paints product range:

 

Rust-Oleum’s esteemed Mathys Murfill range offers a waterproofing coating that is 100% waterproof, 400% elastic, colour protection from sunlight in even the darker shades, low odour and minimal VOCs, making it environmentally friendly.

The overriding selling point of Zinsser Watertite is it’s exceptional ability to stop up to 34psi of water pressure and provide mould and mildew protection. It can be applied to wet or dry surfaces, an unusual and exceptional trait, and boasts a recoating time of four hours.

Other products

Sikagard 675 W ElastoColor
Wethertex HBS Flex-Coat Hi-Build Coating

 

I would recommend Murfil without hesitation, it is a brilliant paint which totally waterproofed our west facing walls and stopped all water ingress.

We have just done our chimneys too as this paint will outperform anything you can buy in a DIY store x10.

Available to tint in just about any colour you want too.

Rawlins customer feedback from Trustpilot

 

Waterproofing Interior Walls

Zinsser Watertite is a waterproofing paint designed to be used on interior or exterior walls. However, there is a very important disclaimer to be addressed when treating interior walls.

Waterproofing a damp wall will not fix the problem.

Sealing up a damaged, damp wall with a waterproofing paint will not magically make the water disappear, it will lock it inside your wall to wreak further havoc. It’s a little like spilling wine at a party and putting newspaper over it – the issue hasn’t gone, you’ve obscured it.

We have a comprehensive blog on rising damp which explains the healing process.

As more stock is brought in for the Christmas rush – though applicable all year round – it is imperative to have your basements and storage areas correctly waterproofed and protected from mould and mildew. We have a blog specifically for waterproofing basements, cellars and stockrooms to assist you.

Waterproofing Roof Paints and Coatings

In this wonderful country we call ‘home’, waterproofing a roof properly goes without saying. Do not at your peril!

Due to higher pollution levels, you should look to benefit from acid resistance in the rain and application in wet weather is useful. Again, climate change considered, elasticity is going to allow your roof’s compounds to “move” and adjust in high and low temperatures without cracking or blistering.

Rust-Oleum Mathys Fillcoat is an instantly waterproof, seamless, smooth liquid finish for roofs, non-walkable terraces, gutters, ridge-pieces, chimney stacks, pipes, etc. It seals small leaks quickly and simply, even in bad weather and is thick in texture. It is for immediate renovation and waterproofing that can be applied by brush, roller or spray.

APOC are roof paint specialists supplied from Rawlins Paints, so must get a mention in this segment. This professional grade roof coating has a 20 year protection guarantee and can be applied to a vast array of materials. If you have an issue with pooling water on a roof, APOC 576 Premium Silicone Roof Coating is ideal. If you have pooling on your roof, you do not need the same paint as the local swimming baths would.

For more detailed advice on repairing cladding panels and metal sheets, see the Rawlins guide.

Other Products
Blackfriar Professional Solar Reflective Paint White

Waterproofing Floor Paints and Coatings

In line with the theme of this blog, the waterproofing of floors will vary greatly depending on your environment. If you are looking to waterproof a domestic kitchen or varnish a wooden floor, you are looking at very different specifications to an industrial garage.

Waterproofing Concrete Flooring

These three waterproofing coatings can be applied to concrete or cementitious flooring. They can be used on walkways, terraces, balconies, and stairways. For heavier use of mechanical equipment, the Resin Surfaces Limited (RSL) product would be better suited to the Sikafloor.

Our own Damp Proof Coating is a solvent-free, low odour primer/coating that offers excellent resistance to water, grease and oils (ideal for a garage). Its suppression of residual moisture created in construction makes it perfect for use in fast-track building programmes. It also comes in a decorative red!

Sikafloor 420 is a one part, moisture triggered polyurethane resin coating. Its UV protection and abrasion resistance makes it excellent for areas exposed to public footfall. It can also be exposed to low to medium mechanical exposure and is non-yellowing.

MVT is the faster-curing of the two Resuprime products brought to us by Resin Surfaces Limited. With an overcoat time of just 6 hours, it can be applied to substrates with hygrometer readings of up to 97%. It can be used where there either is not a Damp Proof Membrane (DPM), or it is ineffectual.

If it is a hygiene coating you are needing, that requires vigorous scrubbing on a regular basis, or a food-safe paint that offers waterproofing but to specific hygiene standards, please visit our recent blog on the differences, benefits and products we have to offer.

Other Products

709 MMA Damp Proof Primer
Coo-Var Damp Shield

Waterproofing Wood and Timber

Whether it be fencing, panelling, decking, flooring or garden furniture, wood needs protection from the weather just like your concrete does. Waterproofing such as this however, is not to be confused with varnishing.

For a versatile waterproof paint for wood that can cover all the above bases, step forth one of our newer manufacturers!

This Hydron Protective System wood sealer can be applied to bare or rejuvenated wood to revive and protect. Clear in colour, it will not disrupt any current shade, is resistant to oil, wood, dirt and pollution, and has up to 10 years performance. It is even weather and UV resistant. What more could you want?

Varnishing Wood

Varnishing wood is an excellent way to ensure a longer life for your furniture, panelling or flooring. It decreases the risk of abrasion and protects from dirt. If you are looking to do this, varnishes from Blackfriar and Coo-Var come as polyurethane, glaze, wax and more.

Furthermore, we have a blog to help you with varnishing too! There is a guide to varnishing floors, doors, windows and more.

Marine Paints and Coatings

Marine paints will give excellent protection to the underside of your boat and hull, as well as masts, superstructures, and deck work on both steel and wood. Teamac are a marine paints specialist and one of our manufacturers.

This glossy finish has excellent opacity and is suitable for general marine areas above the waterline; bridge fronts, deck work, masts and so on. It has superb adhesion and is available in a huge selection of colours making it decorative as well as waterproof.

This multipurpose primer offers resistance and protection both above and below the waterline, on prepared steel and wood. Like many of the other paints featured, it is flexible and hard-wearing, leaving a matt finish in unobtrusive metallic grey.

Teamac Antifouling D actively discourages the growth of barnacles, weeds and other water life that become attached on the submerged hull of the boat. It contains a high level of cuprious oxide and a blend of biocides to give good performance even on boats with speeds ranging from 25-30 knots. It is available in black, red, blue and green.

Waterproofing Metal Paints and Coatings

When it comes to substantial equipment that is subject to rigorous industry, a metal paint will provide greater protection from corrosion and the elements. They are around 5 times thicker and will protect metal from rust.

For those structures that are either immersed in water offshore or are prone to tidal splashing, a paint is needed which will be salt resistant, acid resistant and chemical resistant. The same applies to a swimming pool.

The Noxyde range from Rust-Oleum is a real crowd-pleaser. The Peganox allows your structure to be virtually unaffected by time. It forms an anti-corrosive membrane that has a high resistance to water, salt spray, acid and aggressive environments.

The multi-talented Teamac rubber paint can be applied to metal, wood and asbestos. Its gloss finish and easy-to-clean nature makes it perfect for laundries, saunas, parlours and swimming pools. It also conveniently comes in a shade of light blue if it is a decorative protection you are looking for.

 

Interzone 954 is a modified epoxy barrier designed specifically for offshore splash zones. It is approved to NORSOK M501 for submerged areas, deck and splash zones, has good compatibility with sacrificial and impressed cathodic protection systems and has become popular in the offshore wind power market too.

Other products

Jotun Penguard Universal
Sherwin-Williams Macropoxy M922
International Interzone 954 (Rapid Cure)

Still unsure? We are here to help!

If you are not sure which of the above options is ideal for your project or wish to enquire about application, please do not hesitate to give Rawlins Paints’ technical team a call on 0113 2455450 (option 2), or you can email on [email protected]. Further still, feel free to leave a query on the comments section below for our experts to review.

Posted: 13th September 2018 | Updated: 5th September 2024