How to redecorate walls after a water leak

Water leaks and damp are a nuisance and can cause any amount of damage depending on how severe they are. Here we take a look at how to repair the cosmetic damage a water leak can cause.

Level of difficulty

Level 2:Intermediate

What you need

• Paint brush
• Oil-based undercoat
• Stain stopper colour paint
• Putty
• Scraper
• Silicone-based plaster mix
• Cement
• Fungicidal additive
• Trowel
• Bleach
• Rag

The steps to follow

Note:
To completely get rid of rising damp; damp-proof your walls and make sure the damp room is well ventilated.

1. If the water stain is caused by damp, prevent it from reoccurring by applying a new coat of paint and using an oil-based undercoat.
2. Let the coat of undercoat dry.
3. Use a stain stopper paint to decorate.

Applying damp resistant plasterwork

Note:
Before you start decorating your wall, you can also re-plaster your wall with damp resistant plaster.

1. If you see gaps or cracks, fill them up with putty and re-plaster the area with damp resistant plasterwork. The plaster mix should be silicone-based.
2. Mix three parts of plaster mix to one part cement. In addition to the cement, add fungicidal additive (follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply the correct amount.)
3. With a trowel, spread this mixture onto the surface. Let it dry.
4. Apply a second coat and a third coat.
5. Let the area dry for about 4 weeks before you decorate the area.

Note:
For patches of mould, wash and disinfect the area with bleach.

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• How to hang wallpaper
• How to wallpaper behind problem areas

Don't want to DIY? Get recommended decorators for your home improvement job.