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The Difference Between Damp Proof Paint and Anti-Condensation Paint

Although they seem very similar, damp and condensation are different issues and require different solutions. Hence, there is also a significant difference between damp proof paint and anti-condensation paint. It does boil down to the same thing: moisture is either finding a way into your property or cannot find a way out. A healthy property needs to breathe, with good air flow and ventilation. A little dampness and moisture is natural, it’s when the excess has nowhere to go that the problems start, such as hygiene issues and surface problems. To understand what type of paint you need, damp resistant or condensation resistant, you will first need to understand which of the two issues you are dealing with.

Damp or Condensation?

Damp is caused when the building structure is lacking protection from moisture coming from outdoors. This could be a crack in the wall or a damaged roof tile that has been compromised and is letting rain in instead of keeping the rain out. Thus, damp is caused from water or moisture finding its way into your property when it shouldn’t have.

Condensation-Problems

Buy anti-damp and condensation paints for window frames and sills

Condensation is caused by a lack of ventilation or little movement of air. Condensation is most common in areas with poorer air circulation, such as bathrooms or kitchens. You can tell by your windows and walls whether certain rooms have optimal ventilation. If there is an issue with the air flow, your windows will very easily fog up and you will find droplets forming on your walls and ceilings that will be difficult to get rid off again. Thus, condensation is caused from water not finding its way out of your property.

Whether you are dealing with damp or require an anti-condensation solution, the implications and resulting issues are similar. Both problems can cause mould to form. Mould thrives in humid, warm environments, and so it loves places that are damp or have condensation. The mould will not just be limited to your walls, but could also spread to your plasterwork, furniture, and clothing. On top of that, mould is detrimental to your health and could cause health issues related to your lungs and airways. If you already have a weakened immune system, mould could create even bigger issues. On top of that, the mould could also create a rather unpleasant odour. The good news is; these are issues that can be tackled!

Damp-Problems

Damp, mould and condensation damage

How To Tackle Damp Issues?

A tell-tale sign for damp is often peeling wallpaper and crumbling plaster. This is a big indicator that there is a source of wetness penetrating your walls and creating problems. Often, this is caused by an external source. For example, a broken roof tile, overflowing gutters, a badly fitted window. Dampness can also crawl its way up, causing mold to form, so if you have a badly insulated basement, it’s important to keep an eye on this. You could be dealing with dampness long before you realise, as it could take a while for a damp patch to show on your walls for example. Dampness can usually be smelled before you can see it. So, if you are dealing with a persistent stale and stuffy smell, dampness could be the cause!

If you are dealing with some type of leak that is allowing water and moisture in when it should be watertight, a paint like Zinsser Watertite is a great solution for internal usage. This damp resistant paint is designed to keep water out your property, can be applied to wet areas and helps to protect your property from fungal degradation. On top of that, Zinsser Watertite paint comes in a wide variety of colours. If you are dealing with a leaky roof that is letting water in, Rust-Oleum’s waterproofing Fillcoat Fibres paint will be a great solution. This waterproofing paint can also be applied directly to wet areas and in any weather conditions, so it’s perfect for quick repairs. It creates a protective elastic coating that keeps the water out. Both anti-damp paints will help you battle the issues that arise from damp. However, it is still important to ensure you tackle the cause for the dampness as the paint will only help to a certain point.

FAQ’s About Damp

How can I stop damp returning to wall areas around furnishings?

If you are having problems with recurring damp behind shoe storage units in cupboards, chests of drawers or wardrobes, etc, leave the section of furniture out and increase the ventilation to this area (opening windows, doors, etc.) until the patch of plaster/wall surface has completely dried out. Then apply Coo-Var Anti-Damp Paint (in accordance with the manufacturer’s application instructions) to the bare plaster and then decorate as normal.

How can I prevent damp build up in a renovated basement?

As with all treatment of damp and condensation problems, remove all visible signs of organic growth and treat the areas with Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and allow to dry.

In painted areas, clean down with Zinsser Universal Degreaser & Cleaner to remove any contaminants. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all residues.

Prime all areas with 1 coat of Zinsser B-I-N in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and then, apply Anti-Condensation Paint.

For additional protection you can apply a further 1-2 coats of Zinsser Perma-White Interior in your chosen colour and finish if you wish.

How can I prevent mould and damp on bedroom walls and ceilings?

Use Zinsser B-I-N for covering and sealing the ceiling stains, and then apply an anti-mould coating such as Zinsser Perma-White Interior, an ideal product to decorate the walls.

How can I treat damp build-up on skirting boards from concrete floors?

Dampness may be coming up through the floor and into the wall, the skirting boards may be getting damp from the floor and wall.

Sealing the wall and floor with a suitable product will hide the problem for a time however the damp is likely to find its way out at some point in time.

You would need to remove the skirting boards and treat the surfaces, then re-fix the skirting. Blackfriar Interior Seal Damp is a simple sealer which can be effective in minor damp situations. 2 coats can be applied to both the floor and wall, (in the areas covered by the skirting, not the whole floor/wall). While the skirting boards have been removed these could also be painted on the reverse side with 2 coats of Zinsser Cover Stain followed by 2 coats Zinsser Perma-White Interior.

Note the skirting boards must be completely dry before painting. When re-fitting the skirting a small gap could be left between the floor and the boards, this will prevent the skirting from sitting on a damp surface.

These should all help but the long-term solution will be to sort out the damp problem.

How can I treat black mould patches on the wall behind a toilet?

This will be from warm air hitting a cold wall surface behind the toilet and condensing – leaving water droplets on the surface which is then forming mould over time.

We would recommend clean surfaces ensuring all existing paint is sound and free of dirt, dust, grease, wax, wallcovering adhesive, soap film, loose paint or other surface contamination. Remove all existing mould and mildew before painting – To do this, Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover directly on to the surface. Leave to dry fully before painting. Prime mould stained areas with Zinsser B-I-N and then apply 2 coats of Zinsser Perma-White Interior in the desired colour and finish.

How to tackle condensation?

If your exterior is watertight and so the moisture is coming from somewhere indoors, you are dealing with a condensation issue. Condensation is in big part an air circulation issue, where the moisture is unable to leave your property, resulting in droplets on your wall, windows and ceilings and it could also cause spotty mildew. Condensation is most common in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms, but condensation could also wreak havoc in chimneys or even under your laminate or wooden floors when they are tightly fitted and leave no room for air circulation.

A combination of improved heating and air circulation will help solve issues with condensation. There are also various paints designed to work against condensation. A great anti-condensation paint is Coo-Var Anti-Condensation Paint, which only comes in white, but is stocked in 1l and 2.5l tins. This paint also provides protection against condensation and is ideal for smaller projects in bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms.

FAQ’s About Condensation

What should I use on bare plaster prior to using anti-condensation paint?

Apply 1-2 coats as required of Zinsser Drywall Pro 2 in 1 to the bare plaster and follow with your preferred Anti-Condensation Paint in your chosen colour and finish.

Are anti-condensation paints the same as waterproofing paints?

Designed for use in areas of high moisture – kitchens and bathrooms – and providing moisture resistant finish, anti-condensation paint is not a waterproofing product that will prevent moisture and damp from penetrating the walls from behind. If there is an issue with moisture and damp penetrating the walls under the paint coatings, we recommend using Zinsser Watertite, Sika Damp-proofing Slurry, Sikalastic 1K, or the Sika 1 Waterproofing System.

How can I prevent black mould growing on a kitchen ceiling?

The surfaces where the black mould is present must be thoroughly cleaned – sound and free of dirt, dust, grease, wax, wallcovering adhesive, soap film, loose paint or another surface contamination. To do this, clean surface thoroughly with Zinsser Universal Degreaser & Cleaner or a similar proprietary cleaner. Then spray Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover directly on to the surface. Leave to dry fully before painting. Once prepared, apply 2 coats of Zinsser Perma-White Interior in the desired colour and finish.

Which products can be used to prevent condensation build-up in a caravan or campervan?

If the surfaces are interior walls and ceilings that have been previously painted we would recommend that after cleaning and preparation, apply your chosen Anti-Condensation Paint and, for added protection, add a finishing coat with 1-2 coats of Zinsser Perma-White Interior in your chosen colour and finish.

How can I prevent condensation and mould in the back of kitchen units?

For plywood kitchen units, all surfaces must be clean, dry and free from anything that will interfere with the adhesion of the materials to be applied:

Remove all visible signs of organic growth and treat the areas with Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow to dry.

Prime all areas to be painted with one coat of Zinsser B-I-N Primer Sealer in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow a minimum drying time of 45 minutes in normal drying conditions.

Finally apply 2-3 coats as required of your preferred Anti-Condensation Paint.

What is the best paint for condensation build-up on interior windows?

After cleaning and surface preparation, if you wish to paint the window itself – for timber, prime with Zinsser B-I-N, for uPVC prime with Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3. Then finish either primer with Zinsser Perma-White Interior.

Can anti-condensation paint be painted over?

Yes, if you use Coo-Var Anti-Condensation Paint, but be sure to allow Coo-Var Anti-Condensation Paint to thoroughly dry (5 – 7 days @ 20°C) before applying the wallpaper.

Don’t Despair!

Condensation and damp, stains and watermarks are frustrating issues to deal with when they arise. However, don’t despair! There are various stain blocking solutions that you can carry out yourselves to help minimise the risk of damp and condensation. If you require any further assistance when you are dealing with a damp or condensation problem and would like additional assistance to choose the right products, give our Technical Team a call, or drop us a line, for the latest information on the products available.

21 comments

  1. Hi I think I have a condensation issue in my cold bathroom rather than a damp issue as I’ve had a new roof fitted,soffit and facia are fairly new and just had the whole house repointed.
    The ceiling has tiny black spots (used to be worse before the roof repairs) which I have cleaned and now not sure if I need thermal paint or zinsser perma white paint to sort it out before it comes a bigger problem?thanks

    • Hi Sharon,

      Thank you very much for taking the time to read our blog and for your question.

      Form your description it sounds like this is likely to be black spot/mould. On the assumption that the surface is previously painted and sound, we would recommend cleaning using Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover.

      Once the surface is clean and dry we would then recommend applying two coats of Zinsser Perma-White Interior.

      I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

  2. Hi

    We are an end terrace house and have recently had our house damp proofing done due to rising damp, as part of the damp survey the surveyor said the damp we are experiencing on the gable end in the attic is due to condensation (our bathroom is at the bottom of the attic stairs). It dried out completely in the summer but now it is winter, it has returned and my Son closes the window to keep the heat in reducing ventilation. The damp isn’t near the roof, it has a similar appearance to rising damp, coming up from the floor, so we know it’s not the roof which was fully replaced around 6 years ago. The bedroom below is also fine. There’s also no mold whatsoever.

    We wanted to try anti-condensation paint and have stripped the wall back, but the instructions for the paint say it needs to be applied to a dry surface but we’re struggling to get the surface completely dry. It appears the surface under the wall paper was painted and it feels tacky all the time. Can we apply the anticondensation paint over damp seal paint?

    • Hi Nikki,

      Thank you very much for your question and for taking the time to read our blog.

      It is hard to be sure if this is condensation or if this is damp from behind etc. If the wall is constantly damp to touch, we would assume it is a damp issue not a condensation issue.

      Damp tends to be a lot more consistent (with the wall not drying out) where as condensation tends to be more intermittent. If you are unsure please feel free to contact our Technical Department via our Contact Us page for advice where our team will be happy to help.

      If it is the case that it is a damp issue, we would recommend using Coo-Var Anti-Damp Paint to prime the damp wall, followed by Coo-Var Anti-Condensation Paint paint to insulate it.

      Both have a biocide to combat discolouration.

      I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch with any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

  3. Our house is 200 years built of stone some of the walls get very damp in winter fine in summer we have heat on a lot we are getting inside of house painted is there anything we can paint on first to help the dampness coming through.
    Many thanks
    Fran.

    • Hi Fran,

      Thank you very much for taking the time to read our blog and for getting in touch. For your project we would recommend using Coo-Var Anti-Damp Paint. This should help prevent the damp coming through, and it can be overpainted with standard emulsions.

      I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

  4. We have moved into a very old property (Circa 1750) with thick stone walls, infilled with rubble. We have two issues damp coming through the walls downstairs and mould around windows upstairs. What would be the best solution and paint to use to try and resolve these problems?

    • Hi Sean,

      Thank you very much for taking the time to read our blog and for your question. Providing the walls downstairs are bare masonry and not plaster you could consider Zinsser Watertite for this application.

      If the walls are bare plaster then we would recommend using Coo-Var Anti-Damp Paint. This can be overcoated with a standard emulsion but something with mould preventative properties would be preferable.

      Once the mould has been cleaned upstairs using a product such as Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover, apply two coats of the Zinsser Perma-White Interior to the sound clean substrate without the need to prime.

      I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

  5. I am in a mid-terrace property built circa 1905 of sold brick construction. The downstairs bay window has black mould to the area of wall underneath the cill. Just to the right of the bay above the skirting board , some plaster has come off . It is dry to touch and have been told this is more likely a result of the age of the plaster. With regard to the bay I suspect this is likely due to condensation. What paint would you recommend so that once wiped down etc I can cover any existing stains and stop mould forming? Also have some bubbling and flaking of paint to internal party wall above skirting and higher up. The room is open plan and the areas in question unobstructed. Is this also likely to be due to condensation? We have a dehumidifier but seems to do little to help the matter. Your advice would be most appreciated. Thanks Ben

    • Hi Ben,

      Many thanks for taking the time to read our blog and for your question. It appears as though this may be a mixture of damp and condensation. Providing it is just damp and there is no leak, we could recommend Coo-Var Anti-Damp Paint followed by Coo-Var Anti-Condensation Paint for your project.

      The wall will need to be thoroughly cleaned and all salts removed prior to painting.

      I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

  6. I have a problem of damp or condensation coming through an unused chimney breast. The chimney only goes into the loft not through the roof. This dark patch shape does not change and even has a dry area in the middle. I have taken moisture readings of 30+% in areas, while the dry area has a reading of 13%. Can you recommend actions to take.

    • Hi James,

      Thanks so much for taking the time to read our blog and for you question. This sounds like it may be a mixture of damp and condensation. Providing this is the case and there is no leak we could recommend using Coo-Var Anti-Damp Paint followed by Coo-Var Anti-Condensation Paint.

      The wall will need to be thoroughly cleaned and all salts removed prior to painting.

      I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

  7. Hi there I have read the article a few times so would like to ask a question as I am confused what paint to use. Our bedroom wall faces another house with a chimney inbetween, we have looked in the loft and just can’t see where the damp is coming from.

    The wall on the inside that joins the next house there is damp coming from the top of the wall down in a few patches it’s not too bad but I want to nip it int he bud.I need something to help whilst we take our time to investigate more. So I need to take the wall paper down paint the wall with one of your paints and then wall paper and then paint? What paints would I use for me to slow down what’s happening? Thank you

    • Hi Jon,

      Thank you very much for taking the time to read our blog and for your question. To hold back damp on painted or plastered surfaces we would recommend Coo-Var Anti-Damp Paint which can then be overcoated with topcoats and wall coverings.

      I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

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