Painting Over Damp Wall/Plaster

[RealPolitik]

I need to paint an internal wall which has had a broken gutter leaking onto it externally for a long time. It has been partially re-skimmed and the new plaster is still damp; the existing plaster is also showing damp coming through where I've given it a fresh coat of emulsion.

I know the wall will take a long time to dry out completely now the gutter has been fixed, but could anyone recommend a damp-proof paint which will allow me to make it look presentable now?

 

[TheDec]

The reality of your question is no, contract emulsions are in a way formulated to allow damp plaster to continue to both breathe and continue to dry after applied. Yet I dont think that they would be applicable in your situation.

Sorry but you should allow the plaster to become dry before you attempt a repaint.

Dec.

 

[sergeantash]

Run a rehumidifier in the room, and keep the room warm - once its thoroughly dried only then paint the wall.

 

[Richard C]

You can't re-paint until the plaster has thoroughly dried out. If you try it will only delay drying time even more, the paint will eventually blister & fall off & will have all sorts of crud growing behind it.

 

[RealPolitik]

I've had a big heater against it for most of the day, it is drying but is very patchy. I'll keep on trying to dry it out before I do anything.

 

[AbnerWright]

Dry the plaster previous to apply paints otherwise patch will be formed. Heaters could not have a healthier result. It could only dry on the outside surface but not in the interior. Moisture will remain in walls resulting terrible impressions.

 

[onin]

You may want to try Watertight from Promain.co.uk we used it on our basement walls that were constantly wet. I just cleaned the surface, wiped off the excess moisture and applied the paint. Apparently it works because its cement based unlike other paints. been on the walls for a few years now with no more damp.