How To Remove Water Stains

If you're like anybody else, you've probably had to remove water stains on an interior wall or ceiling at one time or another. The good news is, with some good products now available, they're easy to hide.

Just do the following:

Clean the intended surface

Apply stainblocker. The best coating to use over water damage is an oil-based primer/stainblocker. I recommend using a spray can type (KILZ Original, or Zinzer oil-base). Rather than brushing it on, just spray it on.

Ventilate area well as fumes can be somewhat strong

Why use a spray can?

Because it's quick, and you don't have to worry about the hassle of any paint brush clean-up.

Simply shake the can well and lightly spray the primer until no stain is showing.

*NOTE* Keep the can of spray paint moving (like your brushing on paint), so as not to let the paint run and drip.

Let dry for fifteen minutes to a half an hour.

picture of painted shelf

Apply as many coats of finish paint over the area as needed. You'll probably need just one coat, but, if you're using dark colors, be prepared to put another one on just in case.

At this point you should not see any bleed-through, or a stain still visible after a couple of applications. That's why using oil-based primer is so effective. In most cases, it covers and hides stains the first time.

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