Hey everyone! I'm situated on a high hill and my basement has never experienced any water issues—no leaks or puddles at all. I run a dehumidifier just to be safe. I'm based in Pennsylvania if that helps. I'd like to paint my cinder block basement walls, which are currently unpainted and in great shape. I've come across conflicting info about whether it's wise to paint, with some saying it can trap moisture. I've been looking into elastomeric paint for this project. Is this a good idea or should I steer clear? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
You might want to check out Drylok paint! I've used it a few times, and while the color choices are a bit limited, it brightens up the space and helps with moisture resistance.
Painting your CMU (concrete masonry unit) walls with Drylok is generally okay. The idea that they need to 'breathe' is actually outdated. Since CMU blocks are porous, they naturally allow moisture through, which is what we want to avoid. Just make sure to follow the installation instructions to the letter, as you'll need two coats. The first coat can be a bit challenging to apply, so be prepared for that. If you have any moisture concerns, it's best to address those first before painting. Overall, Drylok is a solid product if applied correctly.