Cement walls can get cold and waterlogged, and Dry-Loc paint is one way to deal with the problem. A thick coating of Dry-Loc will provide your basement some much-needed insulation from the heat in summer and the cold in winter, in addition to keeping moisture out.
Clean and Condition the Space
Empty the basement so that there is nothing but bare floor and walls. Clean the basement space thoroughly with a wire brush, a shop-vac, regular scrub brushes and a durable floor mop. Get all cracks and corners with the wire brush, keeping the shop vac close at hand to remove the excess debris. Scrub the walls with the regular brushes. Use a wet rag soaked with some cleaning solution to remove any dirt streaks. Mop the floor from wall to wall, changing the water frequently. Use a fan to ventilate the space and help the drying process.
Be sure to clean the outside exposed wall as well. You'll need to paint that for added protection from the elements.
Prepare For Painting
Fill any deep cracks with cement patch material. Use a putty knife to make each patch smooth. Look at the product instructions on the patch material to gauge the drying time. Once dry, clean the patched areas again and get your paint ready.
Use a power drill with a mixer attachment and fill about half a 5-gallon bucket with Dry-Loc. Make sure the paint is fully blended. It will be very thick and grainy, but it should have an even texture before you start painting with it.
Apply Your Dry Loc
Use 4-inch throwaway brushes for everything but the tightest areas. Chinese bristle brushes can be found at dollar stores in multi-packs, and these are perfect for Dry-Loc.
Paint all the corner areas of the walls and cut in the top and bottom of each wall with the brushes first. Use a textured roller with a screen in the bucket to finish the wall areas. The roller cover should be a thick nap. Once the walls are coated, go around with the brush and get any areas than are thin or have drips.
Paint the floor last, cutting in again first. Lay the floor paint on thick for best results. Roll each square foot or so with a completely soaked roller cover and feather it in smoothly. The paint will take a long time to dry, so keep any pets or people away from the area until it is fully cured: 24-48 hours should be sufficient drying time, depending on the thickness of the coat and the humidity level.
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