SPO Anti-Damp Paint: The Complete Guide to Painting Damp Walls & Ceilings

Understanding Damp Problems in UK Homes

Damp walls and ceilings are one of the most common and frustrating problems facing UK homeowners. Whether it's rising damp from ground level, penetrating damp through external walls, or moisture from leaks and floods, damp causes unsightly stains, peeling paint, musty odours and potentially harmful mould growth. Left untreated, damp can damage your property's structure, ruin decorations and create an unhealthy living environment.

Traditional solutions often require expensive replastering, lengthy drying times and weeks of disruption. But there's a better way—specialist anti-damp paint that lets you treat and redecorate damp surfaces quickly and cost-effectively.

Moisture trapped behind walls creates pressure that causes traditional paint to bubble and flake. SPO Anti-Damp Paint allows moisture to escape slowly in a controlled manner, preventing pressure build-up and keeping your walls looking fresh and flake free.

The Professional Solution: SPO Anti-Damp Paint

SPO Anti-Damp Paint is a revolutionary coating that lets you paint directly onto damp walls and ceilings—something ordinary emulsions simply can't do. Its unique moisture-reactive properties seals and primes wet surfaces in one coat, locking in stains and salts whilst creating a barrier against future damp and mould. Backed by British paint innovation, it's arguably the most effective damp-blocking paint available.

Key Benefits That Save You Time and Money

• Paint While Damp – Roll straight onto wet surfaces and finish rooms weeks sooner, slashing labour time and downtime
• Ban Water Marks – Locks in stains and salts, preventing re-appearance and mould so décor stays fresh and healthy
• Low Cost Damp Fix – paint barrier avoids pricey replastering, stretching every maintenance or DIY budget
• Rapid Leak & Flood Recovery – Fast seal formula lets you redecorate almost immediately after leaks, keeping life on track
• Boost Visual Appeal – Bright, uniform walls create a fresh, clean appearance that transforms damp-affected rooms
• Easy DIY Application – Simple brush or roller application means you can do it yourself and save on professional costs

What You Need to Buy: Complete Shopping List

To successfully treat your damp walls or ceilings, here's everything you'll need:

Essential Products

• SPO Anti-Damp Paint – Available in 2.5L (£17.95) and 5L (£39.95) sizes
• Paint Roller & Tray – For efficient, even application
• Paintbrush – For edges and corners
• Dust Sheets – To protect floors and furniture

Recommended Preparation Products

• Fluxaf Mould & Mildew Stain Remover – If you have existing mould growth, clean it first
• Scraper – To remove loose, flaking paint or plaster
• Clean Cloths – For wiping down surfaces

Optional Enhancement Products

• Topcoat Emulsion – If you want a coloured finish over the white anti-damp base, use a breathable paint.

How Much Do You Need? Coverage Calculator

SPO Anti-Damp Paint covers approximately 10-12 square metres per litre depending on surface porosity. Here's a quick guide:

• Small room (single wall, 3m x 2.5m) – 2.5L tin will cover with one coat
• Medium room (two walls, 6m x 2.5m) – 5L tin will cover with one coat
• Large room (full room, 12m x 2.5m) – Two 5L tins for one coat
• Ceiling (3m x 4m) – 2.5L tin will cover with one coat

Top tip: Measure your wall height and width, multiply them together to get square metres, then divide by 10 to calculate litres needed. Always round up and consider buying an extra tin for touch-ups.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Assess the Damp

Before painting, identify the source of damp if possible. SPO Anti-Damp Paint works on damp surfaces, but if you have an active leak or severe rdamp, you should address the underlying cause first. For minor damp, penetrating moisture, or post-leak recovery, you can proceed directly to treatment.

Step 2: Prepare the Surface

Remove any loose, flaking paint or plaster using a scraper. You don't need to remove stable paint—just anything that's lifting or crumbling. If you have mould growth, clean the area first with Fluxaf Mould & Mildew Stain Remover, then allow to dry (the surface can still be damp, just not dripping wet).

Wipe down the surface with a clean cloth to remove dust and debris. The surface can be damp to touch—that's the beauty of this product—but shouldn't have standing water or be actively dripping.

Step 3: Apply SPO Anti-Damp Paint

Stir the paint thoroughly before use. Apply one coat using a brush or roller, working the paint well into the surface. Don't worry if the surface is damp—the moisture-reactive resin actually works with the dampness to create a strong seal. Apply another coat if needed.

Pay particular attention to stained areas, ensuring good coverage. The paint will appear white and should cover most stains in one coat. For severe staining, you may want to apply a second coat once the first is dry.

Step 4: Drying Time

Allow the paint to dry completely. Drying time depends on the level of dampness in the substrate—typically 4-6 hours for touch-dry, but allow 24 hours before applying topcoats or assessing coverage. In very damp conditions, allow longer.

Step 5: Topcoat (Optional)

SPO Anti-Damp Paint dries to a white finish. If you're happy with white, you're done! If you want a coloured finish, you can apply breathable emulsion paint over the top once the anti-damp paint is fully dry. The anti-damp coating acts as both a damp barrier and a primer for your topcoat.

Where to Use SPO Anti-Damp Paint

This versatile coating works brilliantly on:

• Internal Walls – Ground floor rooms, basements, external walls prone to penetrating damp
• Ceilings – After leaks, in bathrooms, or anywhere moisture appears
• Kitchens & Bathrooms – High-moisture areas where damp is common
• Basements & Cellars – Below-ground spaces with rising or penetrating damp
• Post-Flood Recovery – Rapid redecoration after water damage
• Rental Properties – Quick, cost-effective damp treatment between tenancies
• Commercial Spaces – Shops, offices, warehouses needing fast turnaround

Common Questions Answered

Can I really paint on damp walls?

Yes! SPO Anti-Damp Paint is specifically formulated to adhere to damp surfaces. The moisture-reactive properties actually uses the dampness to create a strong bond and seal. The surface should be damp to touch but not dripping wet or with standing water.

Will it stop the damp coming back?

SPO Anti-Damp Paint creates a barrier that prevents moisture from showing through as stains and supports the wall in drying out. However, if you have an active water source (like a leak or severe rising damp), you should address that issue for a permanent solution. For minor damp, penetrating moisture, and post-leak situations, it provides excellent long-term protection.

How long does it last?

When applied correctly, SPO Anti-Damp Paint provides long-lasting protection for many years however it depends on how severe the damp is. The coating remains effective as long as it's intact and the underlying damp issue hasn't worsened.

Can I use it on exterior walls?

SPO Anti-Damp Paint is designed for interior use. For exterior damp problems, you'll need exterior-grade damp-proofing solutions.

Complete Your Damp Treatment System

For the most effective damp treatment, consider these complementary products:

• Fluxaf Mould & Mildew Stain Remover – Clean existing mould before painting
• SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker – For severe staining, nicotine or persistent odours
• SPO Anti-Condensation Paint – If your damp is caused by condensation rather than penetrating moisture
• Quality Brushes & Rollers – Professional application tools for the best finish

Why Choose SPO Paint?

SPO (Specialist Paints Online) is our own brand, developed by our in-house chemists and manufactured right here in the UK. Every product is backed by British paint innovation and formulated specifically for the challenges of UK homes and weather. When you choose SPO, you're getting professional-grade performance at exceptional value, backed by expert technical support and next-day UK delivery.

Order Today, Transform Tomorrow

Don't let damp ruin your home and health. With next-day UK delivery, you can order SPO Anti-Damp Paint today and start transforming your damp walls and ceilings tomorrow.

Available in two sizes:

• 2.5L – £17.95 (covers 25-30 square metres)
• 5L – £39.95 (covers 50-60 square metres)

Order before midday for next-day UK delivery. Buy today, paint tomorrow and banish damp for good.

Need expert advice? Our technical team is here to help you calculate quantities, choose the right preparation products and answer any questions about treating your specific damp problem. Get in touch today for personalised recommendations.

Related Products: Fluxaf Mould & Mildew Stain Remover | SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker | SPO Anti-Condensation Paint