Anti condensation paint: What it is and how it works

Some rooms in our homes are more prone to being exposed to moisture and humidity, such as our bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Without adequate protection, the walls and ceilings of these rooms can face water damage caused by condensation and black mold growth.

To deal with this, a lot of homeowners are turning to a product that claims to be anti-mold growth and anti-condensation paint. But what exactly is anti-condensation paint? How does it work? In this short read, we’ll answer these questions and more, so that you know what to expect if you decide your home needs some anti-condensation paint.

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What is anti-condensation paint?

Anti condensation paint is a paint that contains thermal insulators in it. When it is applied to a surface, this added insulation helps prevent condensation from forming. This, in turn, helps prevent mold from growing on those surfaces. 

However, while it helps reduce condensation and addresses mold growth, as a result, is not the same as anti-mold paint. 

Anti-mold paints contain fungicides in them that kill mold spores and prevent them from spreading.

Where should anti-condensation paint be applied?

Condensation forms on cold walls when the air in the room is warm. In our homes, this is most likely to happen in the rooms that are most humid, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and entry areas. Those are the areas where anti-condensation paint is meant to apply.

Condensation is also often mistaken to be the same thing as dampness. However, the two are not the same, even though the result is moisture on the walls. While condensation is caused by a lack of ventilation causing moisture from humid air to settle on interior walls, damp issues are caused when the building lacks efficient protection that prevents outside moisture from entering the home. You will not find condensation on external walls.

The best way to damp proof your home would be to check and upgrade the insulation. Damp-proof paint can help reduce dampness as well.

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How effective is anti condensation paint?

Anti condensation paint is not designed to prevent condensation completely. It is designed to reduce condensation and make dealing with mold growth and other water damage easier. So if your basement turns into flood every spring, this paint will not prevent that from happening. It is only meant for walls where some moisture forms as a result of condensation. It is not waterproof paint and should not be used for that purpose.

What textures and colors does it come in?

While you obviously get flat anti condensation paint, it is also available in some textures. These textured paints look more appealing than the flat finishes and are easier to apply a well. This is because they are thicker than flat paints, which makes them less likely to drip when brushed onto a wall.

These paints are also available in a wide range of colors for you to choose from. Our advice would be to choose a color that does not allow the water on the surface to be seen easily. For example, a white wall will streak and stain easily, making the water formed by condensation on the surface easily noticeable.

Should you buy water-based, latex-based or oil-based anti-condensation paint?

Among the three, latex-based paints are known to have the best anti-condensation properties and therefore, offer the best protection. However, people with latex allergies can opt for oil-based or water-based paints. 

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What is the process to apply anti-condensation paint?

Buying paint

The first part of the process is deciding how much paint you need to buy. On average, a gallon of anti-condensation paint can cover around 1600 square feet with two coats of paint. Considering this is more expensive than regular paint, measure the actual area that needs to be covered and buy only as much paint as is needed.

Prep work

Some amount of prep work is necessary before you start painting the walls. 

• If your walls have mold, use a mold killer to get rid of them. Any other method may spread the spores and make the infestation worse.

• Any damp spots on the walls are best dealt with in advance by covering them with a damp seal.

• Make sure you remove wallpaper and existing paint completely before you begin painting. The best way to do this is to sand it down.
• Wipe the wall clean. Make sure it is completely dry before you start painting.

The painting process

Now that the prep work is complete, here’s how to go about the painting process.

• Begin by stirring the paint thoroughly to make sure you get a smooth consistency. Then, pour it into a tray.
• Dip a paint roller or paint brush into the tray and begin applying the paint onto the surface. Make sure you apply a reasonably thick layer of paint. 
• Always start from the top and work your way down. 
• Once you’re done with one coat, you need to allow for a drying time of between two and four hours before adding a second coat.
• After the second coat is done, once again, remember to allow for enough drying time before painting over it or putting wallpaper on it. 

Always remember to double-check

Anti-condensation paint is meant to prevent condensation on the walls of humid rooms but is not really a waterproofing or mold removal solution. So if you’re not sure if what you need is this paint or a different solution altogether, it is always best to get the advice of a professional painting contractor. 

Written by Narayan Shrouthy. June 9, 2022

Narayan is a content writer for Kukun. With experience in both content writing and editing, Narayan mixes his writing and love for reading with his passion for music. As an active musician, He aims to be a key player in Kukun's content experience.

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charles_mcklinton@outlook.es(@charles_mcklintonoutlook-es)

“Anti condensation paint is not designed to prevent condensation completely”… You are not doing great about sound legit, my friend

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