Basements are the foundations of a house. If they are properly finished, and neatly maintained it would be best for the maintenance of the entire structure. But due to their demanding nature and sometimes unaccessed locations, they remain neglected. But sooner or later, when their issues start affecting the health of the structure and its inhabitants, it makes us realize that they cannot be neglected anymore. Therefore, it’s better if basement upkeep becomes a crucial part of regular home maintenance. In this post, we discuss how basements can be maintained through basement painting. Let us know everything about painting the basements.
Importance of painting the basements
Before we delve into the details of painting the basements, let us understand the importance of basement painting.
Basement transformation
With the help of painting, basements can be transformed from dull and lifeless spaces to vibrant spaces full of life. It completely changes the look and feel of the basements.
Increase in the property value
When the basements are well-maintained, its value can be added to the value of the property. A buyer would always prefer finished and neat basements over shabby spaces.
Alleviate moisture problems
Well painted basements alleviate the basement moisture problems. Therefore, it helps to prevent mold, mildew, or decay due to excess moisture in the walls. It can thus be well said that it protects the structure and its inhabitants.
Covers the imperfections
Imperfections like cracks, spills etc are properly covered because of painting. Before painting, the walls have to be scrapped properly and all the cracks and fissures have to be filled appropriately. Imperfections thus are automatically done right and then hidden with the help of paint coatings.
Easier to clean
Painted walls are easier to clean. A dry cloth or broom is handy to clean a layer of dust immediately from the painted walls.
Personalization of basements
There might be many similar basements in the houses of your area. The most prominent way to personalize your basements is to paint it as per your decor or other requirements.
Affordable revamp
Basement painting is one of the most affordable upgrades. There can be many other basement upgrades which might be heavy on your pockets.
These benefits of painting the basement walls can only be reaped when the basement walls are well prepared before the painting job.
Preparation of walls for painting the basements
Basements walls can be prepared for painting in the following ways:
Wall inspection
Check the condition of the walls. Remove dust or spills. Check for any cracks, fissures, mold growth, leaks, or other water damage issues.
Cleaning the walls
Ensure that the walls are clean and free from dust, loose debris, or cobwebs.
Get to the root cause of moisture problem
Any moisture problem, small or big, should never be ignored. It must be resolved, not superficially but after getting to the root cause. This is very essential before painting the walls. Because if these problems are ignored they might crop up after worsening. And the entire purpose of painting the basement walls gets nullified.
Fill in the cracks
Fill in the prominent cracks and fissures on the walls with good quality patching compound. This ensures a smooth surface.
Apply primer
Primers create a strong foundation which increases the durability and adhesion of the paints. Prefer the primers which are especially formulated for basement walls.
These steps are necessary to perform, if you want durability of the paint on your walls. Along with the above preparatory steps use of the following techniques might help for effective basement wall painting.
Basement painting techniques
These painting techniques are not specifically used only for basement walls. But are the general techniques which will enhance the color of any wall.
Brushing and rolling
A good quality brush can be used to paint around the corners and along the floor. This ensures precision while painting the tricky sides. A roller can be used to paint the large surface areas of the basement walls. This ensures seamless finish of the entire wall.
Application of multiple coats
A single coat of paint is usually never enough. It does not give that professional and completely finished look. Two coats are necessary. Multiple coats might be recommended depending on other factors. But ensure drying of each coat before application of the next one.
Choice of basement paints
Prefer waterproof paints
Prefer waterproof or mold resistant paints. Latex based paints or epoxy paints are a good choice for basement walls.
Prefer light color paints
Use of light colors makes the basement feel open. Even rich colors make the basements feel warm and cozy. Therefore, think twice before choosing an appropriate wall color for your basements.
Post-painting care
Just like preparing the walls for painting, post painting care is equally important. Try to adhere to the following tips for the post-painting care of your basement walls.
Ventilation
Adequate ventilation leads to a healthy environment during and after the painting process. If there is good air circulation, the paint fumes do not suffocate the lungs and also the wall paint dries soon.
Regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity of the walls. Any sign of even a small wear, should be addressed immediately to prevent its spread across the entire wall.
Basement painting challenges
The entire basement finishing process has some typical challenges. These do aggravate as per your location and the structure of the house.
Moisture and dampness
Basements are prone to moisture and mold growth problems.
Poor ventilation
Restricted air circulation in the basements lead to slower drying of paints and recurrence of mold growth.
Uneven surfaces
If the basement walls are of concrete or brick, they can be rough and uneven.
Temperature fluctuations
Sometimes basements (being closer to or in the ground) experience significant temperature changes which affects paint adhesion and drying time.
Low light
Limitation of natural light makes it hard to actually see the quality and progress of your work.
Efflorescence
Due to moisture, white powdery substance appears on the walls.
Accessibility
Basements may have awkward or hard to reach areas which are difficult to paint.
Odor
Due to poor air circulation, basements can have typical odors and even the smell of paints takes longer to leave.
Because of the intricacies of basement painting and the above challenges it is better to hire a professional for painting the basement walls. If you are looking for a good basement finishing contractor in Lancaster PA, try Basement Finishing. Our passion for creating extraordinary spaces has made us the best basement finishing contractors. We have been committed to delivering excellence and perfecting our craft for three decades.
Check our services page to know more about all the services we provide.
Get a free estimate or contact us today!
Conclusion
In this post we read everything about painting the basements. We saw in detail about the importance of painting the basements, preparation of walls for painting the basements, basement painting techniques, choice of basement paints, post-painting care, and basement painting challenges. So next time you want to paint your basements, do go through the post to understand how to go about the entire process.
Frequently asked questions
1. What kind of paint do you use in a basement?
Always prefer waterproof paints for your basements. It reduces the moisture seeping into the walls. It also checks: condensation between the drywall and the concrete, and keeps mold and mildew from growing in the basements.
2. What is the best color to paint a basement?
Usually lighter colors are preferred for the basements to make them appear bigger and brighter. Shades of white, soft grays, light browns, pale blues, and light greens are good choices for your basements.
3. How much paint is needed for the basements?
Usually paint is applied at 350-400 square feet per gallon, and primer at 200-300 square feet per gallon. You can calculate the exact amount of required paint after talking to professional contractors for basement painting.
4. How do I prepare my basement for painting?
Preparing basements for painting involves following steps:
- Wall inspection
- Cleaning the walls
- Get to the root cause of moisture problem
- Fill in the cracks
- Apply primer