Damp proof paint is used for walls, floors, brickwork, stone and concrete that have become damp and suffered damage such as discolouration, peeling or blistering. The paint can also be applied as a primer, before you paint with a normal decorating paint.
For a general guide to avoiding damp problems in the first place, see here: http://www.gov.scot/resource/doc/1125/0011805.pdf.
For external damp, be aware that damp proof paint is intended for damp problems that have been remedied, where you may want to paint over the area that was damp, especially if you need to do this before it has fully dried out.
Preparation is key
If you don’t apply the paint properly, its damp proofing performance will be significantly affected. First, you will need to clean the area thoroughly, taking off any dirt or old paint with a scraper or sandpaper.
When you have finished the preparation, your surface should not have any fungi, lichen or mould. If removing these growths looks like a difficult job, buy a concentrated mould wash which you can paint onto the mouldy surface, and which will allow you to scrape off the mould more easily. In fact, a fairly dilute mixture of bleach and water may do equally well, so you may want to try this first.
Applying the paint
Good damp proof paints should be easy to apply on plaster, brick, cement or concrete. The paints are usually white, although some black ones are available. The paint is somewhat thicker than emulsion, but you should find it easy to apply with a roller, spray or brush.
However, it’s important not to thin the paint or to spread it too thinly. These paints need to be at a certain thickness, in order to keep the damp out.
Check the packaging to see how long the paint will take to dry – one to two hours is usual, but this can vary according to the weather conditions. If you want to apply another coat, you may have to wait longer.
Use a supplier who has a good range and specialises in damp problems, such as https://restorationuk.com/damp-proofing-products/damp-proof-paint-for-external-walls.
The paint you choose should be non-toxic and free from solvents and other harmful compounds. Follow these rules and your damp proof paint should perform excellently.
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