Brush-on Waterproofing Compounds

Brush-on Waterproofing Compounds

I have used these products for years. Many of them do a fantastic job of damp proofing a wall or providing a unique textured surface. Some of these products claim to be waterproof, however, you need to read the language carefully!

To achieve true waterproofing, you sometimes must apply the product on the positive pressure side of the wall. This means that you need to apply it on the side of the wall where the water first enters, not where it comes out. This can be tough on a basement foundation wall or a retaining wall. It may require some digging.

Also, the application process is very important. The walls must be clean. The walls must be wet down before you apply the compounds. Also, two thinner coats often work much better than one thick coat. Applying these compounds over paint is a mistake. They will simply delaminate. They will just pull the paint from the wall, or not stick well to the paint. If your wall is painted, you must remove the paint. Consider sandblasting or pressure washing to remove paint films.

My experience with these products has been very good. They do a fantastic job of stopping water when the directions are followed, even on the negative side of a wall. Often the products come in a grey color and a pure white. The texture is sandy. If you use a stiff brush with a handle, you can create very attractive decorative swirls.

There is only one drawback with these products. They do not stretch. If there is continued movement in your wall, the crack will reopen. If you have this type of problem, you need to stabilize the wall, use the epoxies, then coat the wall.

• ChemMasters
• Chemrex

• Master Builders
  Masterseal 340 FA510
• Quikrete
  Heavy Duty Masonry Coating

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