How to Fix Water Stains on Ceilings
Posted on Tue, Feb 15, 2011
Like many Massachusetts residents, you may have a reminder of this winter on your ceiling, the dreaded water stain. Whether the problem is from a leaky roof or from water condensation, water stains on your ceiling can be an unsightly mess but they’re not too hard to get rid of. Before you get the water stains off your ceiling, make sure you have the moisture problem solved.
If you paint directly over a water stain, there’s a very good chance that the stain will bleed through, whether it’s in a couple weeks or in 6 months. Follow the steps below to properly treat the stain.
- Lay a drop cloth or a plastic sheet below the stained area of the ceiling to protect your carpeting or floor from drips.
- Put some rubber gloves on to protect your hands and safety glasses to protect your eyes.
- For a smaller, lighter stain, bleach should do the trick. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into undiluted bleach. Gently blot the stained spot with the bleach until it disappears. Tilex is also known to be an effective option since it contains bleach.
- If you have a large stain, tape off the work area first. This step will protect any trim and ceiling area that you do not need to fix.
- Remove any light fixtures or fans or protect them from the paint with tape and cloth.
- Apply a coat of the multipurpose sealer over the area and slightly beyond with a roller or a brush. If the paint color is different, then you may need to paint the entire area. For really dark stains use a second coat. Allow to dry according to manufacturer's directions.