The Best Waterproofing Paint For Basement Walls in 2023

Best Overall: Rust Bullet DuraGrade Concrete High-Performance Concrete Coating

What are you searching for in a basement paint or coating? Maybe, you're looking for a product that "sticks" to concrete and resists dampness and UV radiation. This is precisely what you will get with our best option, DuraGrade from Rust Bullet.

In addition to possessing remarkable adhesive properties, it is also essentially resistant to scratches and chipping. And you will not have to spend countless hours prepping the walls for painting.

This product does not need a base coat, topcoat, or priming; you can simply skip those stages. It is the greatest overall paint for basement walls since purchasers may select from 20 different hues, including blue, green, red, white, and black, to mention a few. But, we must warn you that it has a strong odor. Luckily, it soon dissipates as the lid is removed.

PROS

• Excellent adherence to concrete
• Extremely resistant to environmental conditions
• Comes in 20 different hues
• Little preparation necessary

CONS

• Has a pungent odor

Best Value: AQUA-X 11 Clear Penetrating Stone and Concrete Sealer

Pay attention to what AQUA-X has to offer if you have a restricted budget for the basement walls but refuse to settle for paint of mediocre quality. This item has a very affordable price and takes one to two hours to dry.

In addition, you will not need to open every window and door or wear a mask while applying this paint, since it is completely safe for people and animals. Moreover, it is essentially odorless, which is a benefit if you can't stand the scent of paint.

The canister is also worthy of your notice since it has a handle that makes it extremely simple to use. In addition, it includes a cover for storage. Regarding volume, the sealant is offered in 1- and 5-gallon bottles. Yet, although one gallon of paint may cover up to 800 square feet of stone, concrete coverage is not nearly as remarkable (100–300 square feet). Nonetheless, AQUA-X 11 is the most cost-effective paint for basement walls.

PROS

• Offered at a reasonable cost
• Very rapid drying times
• No smells and low VOCs
• Quick-start manual included

CONS

• Average concrete coverage

Armor AR500 High Gloss Solvent-Based Acrylic Concrete Sealer - The Best Available

What distinguishes a paint can as premium? Besides, why should you pay more for that? So let's examine the facts. Initially, the AR500 high gloss sealer is composed of virgin resin (US-based).

Second, it is permeable, readily penetrable, and has increased bonding properties. If your basement walls are old and faded, AR500 will make them seem brand new, which cannot be true for most paints.

Armor covers up to 2,000 square feet, despite the fact that the price tag is quite costly (it arrives in a 5-gallon container). Armor has an above-average lifetime of 5–7 years, in contrast to most comparable goods which barely last 3–4 years. This concrete/stone/masonry paint is a premium option because of the prompt, courteous, and professional customer service representatives.

PROS

• Composed of non-recycled resins
• Refreshes the appearance of worn concrete
• Increased longevity: up to 7 years
• Supported by courteous client service

CONS

• A little on the costly side

KILZ Waterproofing Basement and Masonry Paint

The compatibility of this paint is likely the first thing that will catch your eye while examining it. It may be applied on concrete, metal, brickwork, and even wood with equally satisfactory results. Nevertheless, it is not advised for basement walls with active water leaks. In addition, it will take a considerable amount of time to achieve the required uniformity.

On the plus side, cleaning this KILZ waterproofing paint requires no effort. There is no need for vinegar or cleaning products; just water and a towel are necessary. Moreover, this paint is resistant to hydrostatic pressure of 12 PSI. Keep this in mind if you are in a hot and humid environment that often floods. It is compatible for both indoor and outdoor surfaces.

PROS

• Very simple to clean
• Works on a number of surfaces
• Withstands water pressure of 12 PSI

CONS

• It takes time to combine.
• Poor resistance to active leaks

KILZ Interior/Exterior Masonry, Stucco, and Brick Self-Priming Flat Paint

Here, we have another another alternative of acceptable quality from KILZ, one of the largest "players" in the industry. The capacity is same, however the finish is flat rather than matte.

Moreover, it is more suitable for bricks and stucco. This might be a terrific purchase if you're seeking for self-priming paint that provides walls a polished, revitalized appearance. For the majority of surfaces, a single application of this paint will enough.

This product can cover the whole basement with only a few litres due to its wall-specific design and formulation (it also works on floors and ceilings). Yet, it has a low viscosity and is rather difficult to spread in comparison to the normal product on the market. It will be necessary to continually dip the roller into the bucket, which may be tedious at times.

PROS

• Displays a clean, revived appearance
• Excellent appearance with a single coat
• Particularly blended for walls

CONS

• Thin (low viscosity) (low viscosity)
• Hard to propagate

L R Liquid Rubber Foundation and Basement Sealer for Concrete

The issue with many all-purpose paints is that they do not always adhere adequately. But, this will not be a problem with the Liquid Rubber sealant.

According to the manufacturer, the finished membrane has an elongation of more than 900%, which reduces the likelihood of fractures destroying the walls. This non-flammable, water-based product may be used freely around family and pets.

It is also ecologically friendly, containing no solvents or foul odors. In the event that you receive a few drips on your garments, you will have to expend some work cleaning it.

Hence, be careful to use protective gloves and an old clothes. Another disadvantage relates to quality control. A minority of purchasers claim poor packing, damaged containers, and even leaks.

PROS

• Water-based and noncombustible
• Guarded against adhesion failure
• A sustainable product

CONS

• Slight QC problems
• Uneasy to clean

INSL-X SU092209A-01 Sure Step Anti-Slip Coating Acrylic Paint

If you don't have a stick for stirring paint or a tool for opening cans, INSL-X might be a good choice since it comes in a large box. It also has above-average color retention and abrasion resistance.

This anti-slip paint is suitable for both walls and floors and has a matte texture that looks well in most basements. Its curing time leaves much to be desired, though. This product takes up to a day to cure, although other paints on the list are touch-dry within 2–5 hours.

This is a huge disadvantage for folks in a rush to complete their work. One gallon can barely cover 80–120 square feet (versus the market average of 100–400 square feet). As a result, INSL-X is available in seven distinct hues. Nonetheless, they are all poisonous to vegetation.

PROS

• Good color retention
• Including stir stick and can opener.

CONS

• Covers just 80–120 square feet.
• Takes one day to cure
• Toxic to vegetation

Drylok 27512 Waterproofing for Latex

This is one of the tiniest paint cans available. If you want to treat all four walls of an average-sized basement, you will need a large quantity of Drylok canisters.

And for that, you will have to spend a hefty sum, since this latex paint is rather expensive. In addition, depending on your location, shipping versus delivery may not always be quick, causing you to wait an additional day or two.

But, there won't be much time spent waiting for the substance to dry, since a fresh coat just requires three hours to dry. Unfortunately, the texture is too coarse for basement walls.

Returning to the experts, Drylock offers a significant 10-year guarantee on its paint. If necessary, do not hesitate to take use of it.

PROS

• Dries in 2–3 hours
• 10-year assurance

CONS

• Granular texture
• Delivery takes time
• Costly relative to can size

What is the typical size and capacity of wall paint containers?

Typical basements in the United States are between 500 and 1,500 square feet in size and eight feet tall. Nonetheless, it is fairly uncommon for houses to have basements of up to 3,000 square feet.

Importantly, while calculating the amount of paint required for this job, you should measure the walls and not the whole basement (unless you want to paint the ceiling and the floor as well). Multiply the length and breadth of each wall to get its square footage.

Yet, how many square feet can a can of paint cover? One gallon may effectively cover 400 ft. Hence, two to three cans will enough to paint the whole basement.

Why Is Resistant to the Elements So Important?

When we speak about protection against natural elements, we mostly refer to resistance to humidity. Excessive moisture levels may cause even the most durable concrete to break.

Furthermore, when there are fractures and it rains, the basement might get flooded. It is essential to weatherproof the whole perimeter since it is the most effective defense against possible flooding.

Surface Compatibility: Selecting the Appropriate Paint

Even though there are numerous "universal" options on the market, it would be ideal to pick a paint can that was designed with the material of your walls in mind. Currently, the majority of basements are made of concrete, so it shouldn't be difficult to locate paint for them.

The same applies to stone. Nevertheless, if the surface is metal or wood, you may need to spend a little more time, since products labeled "for basement walls" do not usually adhere well to these materials.

Don't hesitate to contact customer service if you're unsure if a certain manufacturer provides the correct kind of deal for you. Please check the official website's description, which should have all the relevant information.

How Much Does Decent-Quality Paint for Basement Walls Cost?

Don't worry; you won't have to spend a bunch on basement paint. One gallon of wall paint is available for $20 to $80 in the United States. Certainly, the price range is extremely broad, but this is due to a variety of variables.

Firstly, the larger the container, the greater the price. Also, the brand has a significant influence on the price: a well-known corporation will charge more.

Furthermore, longevity, durability, and chemical composition influence the price. Oh, and if it's manufactured in the United States, the price will be significantly more. Premium-quality paint might cost anywhere from $100 and $150 per gallon.

This is a tad pricey, but definitely worth it if you need optimum basement protection and aesthetics. The good news is that most 5-gallon paint cans come with substantial savings.

How Long Does Drying Take?

The solution is not that lengthy. Like with any other sealing/waterproofing product, the drying time for basement wall paint is between 2 and 8 hours. After 4–5 hours, you will be able to touch the walls if it is really hot outdoors.

In contrast, a climate that is chilly and humid makes it more difficult for paint to dry. Regardless of the weather or the cost of the goods, it will dry in less than 24 hours. And if the paint is latex, it will be ready for a second coat within one to two hours, if not sooner.

What is the Typical Lifespan?

It relies largely on two factors: where you reside and the quality of the paint. If your home is situated in the South, in a city/town prone to floods, this will have a significant negative impact on the durability of your sealant.

Earthquakes provide a greater hazard than tornadoes, which are very insignificant. Extreme humidity and seismic activity are what cause a weatherproofing compound to break and lose its effectiveness.

How long, therefore, can you anticipate excellent basement wall paint to last? In an ideal situation, it will serve you for eight to ten years.

Nevertheless, field experts suggest resealing basement walls and flooring every 2–4 years, or at least inspecting them annually to ensure they do not chip or fade. To increase the paint's durability, apply two to three coats to each surface.

What About the Ground and the Sky?

Indeed, both the "top" and "bottom" will benefit tremendously from repainting/resealing. This is true particularly for the floor.

Thus, if you are willing to spend a little more to have the basement properly sealed and ready for a flood, you should also paint the floor and ceiling.

Keep in mind, however, that certain surfaces are rather more difficult to hide. About the floor, you must always avoid stepping on previously painted regions.

Regarding the ceiling, it is more difficult to use a paintbrush while standing on a chair/table/ladder and continuously watching for paint drips.

Start with the walls, determine how much you spent and how much labor you used, and then decide whether you want to continue working.

Moreover, the paint on the ceiling is the most durable. In contrast, the floor is constantly "abused" and needs more frequent repainting/sealing.

1. Can Latex paint be used on basement walls?

Yes. But, prior to applying latex paint to a concrete surface, it must be sealed and primed. Before painting, you must ensure that the surface is clean and dry. This is one of the most critical considerations.

2. Is basement waterproofing necessary?

Yes. Even if you have never had basement flooding, it is essential to prevent the area from leaking. Keep in mind that a leaky basement invites mildew and moisture issues.

3. Is it OK to paint over basement foundation repairs or crack injections?

Indeed, it is possible to paint over foundation repairs, old paint, and crack injections. When the material has hardened, it may be painted and sanded. Always use a paint scraper while applying fresh paint. This paint can be purchased online at any home improvement store.

4. How long is the lifespan of waterproof paint?

From six months to two years, waterproof paint may endure. Yet, most specialists do not see waterproofing as a solution to basement water leaks. They see it as a temporary solution. Waterproof paint is an excellent option since it can withstand harsh weather conditions.

5. How can I avoid mold growth on my basement's concrete walls?

To prevent mold from forming on the concrete walls of your basement, you must deeply seal them against moisture. Sealing your concrete to reduce water vapor absorption can also prevent mold and mildew growth.

This finishes BestForHomes' (bestforhomes.org) comprehensive reviews! If you want the best waterproofing paint for basement walls, Rust Bullet is our recommendation.

It is resistant to the elements, adheres readily, and requires no preparation. Not certain that your budget can afford this paint?

Instead of worrying, use the Aqua-X product. It is inexpensive, quickly dries, odorless, and seals interior and exterior surfaces adequately.

Armor AR500, our most expensive choice, has a long life, strong support, and a nice look on basement walls. Choose your poison!