How to Update Your Basement’s Walls

About 42% of standalone houses have basements. Basements are great rooms to store items, protect its occupants from tornadoes and twisters and for extra space. While many of us have negative assumptions about basements (thanks to horror movies), they are a wonderful addition to any home. Basement walls tend to look bland, boring and even damaged. We want to show you how to update your basement walls. 

When Should You Update Your Basement’s Walls?

If you only want to update the color, then you can change up your basement walls at any time. As long as you have the time, paint and equipment, then you are good to go. A good note to remember is that walls can take up to 24 hours to dry and can take several rounds of application. If you decide to paint, schedule out a few days to get it all done. If your walls have damage or deterioration, update them as soon as possible. 

What Does Deterioration on the Walls’ Look Like?

Deterioration on your basement walls comes in many different forms. The most common signs are mold, mildew, chipped paint and holes. If you notice mold or mildew, eradicate the issues immediately with proper cleaning supplies or with a home service company. The longer you let bacteria sit, the worse your health and walls will get. 

How to Update or Cover Damages?

For mold and mildew, clean the problem area with cleaning supplies. If that does not get rid of the problem, you may have to remove that section of the wall. Removing walls takes time and experience, so it is best to work with a professional team to get it done. For holes in the wall, spackle in the areas or use a patch kit to fill them. Fix all other issues with the paint. 

Should I Mix My Paint With Anything Else?

Most basements have masonry walls (brick). With brick, you cannot use only normal paint. Instead,  use either masonry paint or mix masonry paint into your regular paint. Masonry paint will not chip and will not look splotchy. 

Planning to Update Your Basement Walls?

While you can update your basement walls on your own, have a stress-free experience by hiring a skilled expert. Ray Arnold Masonry and General Contracting has over 50 years of experience painting basement walls and has all the right equipment and supplies. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.