You might be tempted to cover water stains by applying a fresh coat of paint. But, chances are, it won't work. Most water stains will bleed right through ordinary paint -- no matter how many coats you apply. Fortunately, there are ways to permanently block water stains and prevent them from ruining your new paint job.

"Some homeowners don't know that paint alone won't seal in water stains," says Tim O'Reilly, business manager for Zinsser primers. "But by following a few simple steps and using the right products, they can make it look like the water stain never happened." 

First, make sure the surface is sound and eliminate the source of the water leak or you'll soon have another unsightly water stain. Patch any holes, and repair any unstable surfaces.

Clean the stained area with a solution of one cup bleach per gallon of water, and then rinse thoroughly with water to remove mildew, dirt and other deposits. Next, dry the surface completely, using a hair dryer to dry small areas. Larger areas may require the use of a dehumidifier, heater or fan to ensure the surface is completely dry before painting.

Prime the surface with a primer like Bulls Eye 1-2-3 PLUS, a water-based primer which completely blocks water stains and will prevent the stain from bleeding through the topcoat. Allow the primer to dry for one hour before painting with your desired topcoat.

For the most severe water damage, use shellac-based B-I-N Primer. Great for interior and spot exterior use, the natural shellac resins in B-I-N permanently block all kinds of stains - even severe water stains and stains from fire and smoke. It's the ultimate stain blocking primer.

After the primer has dried, finish up with your desired topcoat. For ceilings, consider using Zinsser Ceiling Paint, a water-based ceiling paint that offers superior stain blocking coverage in just one coat. It goes on pink to show coverage and dries to a bright white flat sheen in under an hour. The mold- and mildew-resistant finish is ideal for ceilings in kitchens, bathrooms, basements and more. For more information on Zinsser's complete line of primers -- or for more helpful home improvement "tips" -- visit www.zinsser.com .

Courtesy of ARAcontent