How to Paint on a Moist Surface

Before you paint, always thoroughly inspect and prepare the surface. In addition to making sure that the surface is dry and free of defects such as cracks and holes, inspect the surface for any signs of moisture, such as water stains. If you paint over a moist surface, expect the paint to peel or show blisters, which appear as various bubbles on the painted surface. Surfaces exposed to moisture also fall prey to mold and mildew, which you should seek to avoid.

Cloth
Broad-blade drywall taping knife
Gloves
Goggles
Respirator
Bleach
Water
One gallon bucket

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the specific cause of the moisture, and rectify it. Wipe visible moisture away with a cloth, and repair any leaking pipes, leaky roofs or other possible causes. Install a vent fan in a bathroom if there is none there, or repair one that does not work properly. Lower interior humidity with a dehumidifier.
- 2
  Scrape off any blistered or peeling old paint from the surface, using a broad-blade drywall taping knife.
- 3
  Put on gloves, goggles and a respirator, if there are signs of mold or mildew on the surface. Mix one cup of household bleach with one gallon of clean water, or mix up to 50 percent of bleach with up to 50 percent clean water, in a one gallon bucket. Dip a scrub brush into the mixture, and scrub hard, non-porous surfaces. Leave the mixture on the surface about five minutes.
- 4
  Rinse the bleach/water mixture completely from the surface, using clean water. Allow the surface to completely dry.

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