Damp is one of the most common reasons paint fails in Ghana. Block walls draw moisture up from the ground, heavy rains drive water through cracks, and humid bathrooms feed black mould. Painting over the problem only hides it for a few weeks. Here is how to fix it properly.
Know the signs
- Rising damp: a tide-mark band up to about 1 m from the floor, bubbling paint and crumbling plaster.
- Efflorescence: white, powdery salt deposits pushed out as water evaporates.
- Penetrating damp: patches that appear after rain, often near cracks, windows or roofs.
- Condensation mould: black spots in bathrooms, kitchens and wardrobes.
Step 1: Remove the cause
Clear blocked gutters, repair roof leaks, seal cracks and improve drainage around the building. For condensation, add ventilation or extractor fans.
Step 2: Prepare the surface
Scrape off flaking paint and loose plaster. Brush away salts with a stiff dry brush (do not wash them back into the wall). Treat mould with a suitable fungicidal wash and let the wall dry thoroughly.
Step 3: Apply a damp-proof membrane
Rock Shield Damp Proof & Roof Guard is a single-part acrylic membrane designed to prevent rising damp and efflorescence and to resist negative hydrostatic pressure. Apply two coats crosswise for full coverage on walls, masonry, concrete or roofs.
Step 4: Finish with a mould-resistant paint
Top-coat with IBC Premium 100% Acrylic, which includes anti-fungal protection and a washable film.
Painting over damp without fixing the cause is the number-one reason for repeat repaints.
When to call a professional
If damp keeps returning after treatment, or plaster is badly damaged, consult a builder to check foundations, damp-proof courses and drainage.
Need quantities? Use our paint calculator or request a quote.
