Are you looking for the best paint for basement walls? We tried multiple paints from different companies for testing the durability and moisture blocking efficiency.
Below is the list of our top 10 picks for helping you make the decision.
Basement paint is an affordable solution for extra moisture and leaking walls. It can provide better results in comparison to the other paints like paint for wooden fence.
A good basement paint should protect the walls while keeping the decoration intact. Besides, it must be easily usable through airless paint sprayer as these gadgets can reduce the time and enhance the efficiency of the process. You can learn how airless paint sprayers work and ways to clean the airless paint sprayer.
Table of Contents
Best Paints For Basement Walls (Top 10 Picks):
Model | Coverage | Usage | Price | |
 | AQUA-X 11 | 600 sq. ft. | Quick-drying without any patches | |
 | Drylok 00924 Fast Plug, 10-Pound, Gray | 16 cubic inches per pound | Can stop hard and active pressure water | |
 | KILZ 13511201 | 250-400 sq. ft. | Can use it on the exterior and interior surfaces | |
 | Eco Advance Concrete | 240 square feet | Protects against damage from oil, stains, and other chemicals | |
 | Rust-Oleum 261845 | - | Product gives a lasting finish to the surface | |
 | GAL Armor AR500 | 175 FT2/gallon | It protects against abrasion and rays | |
 | Rust Bullet DuraGrade | 300-400 sq ft | It prevents cracking | |
 | KILZ Basement and Waterproofing Paint | 200-300 sq. ft. | It works great with exterior surfaces | |
 | Liquid Rubber Basement Sealant | 16 cubic inches per pound | Seals the moisture and locks the cracks | |
 | AMES BWRF5 | 5 gallons per 500 sq./ft | Durable coating, especially for insulated areas |
1. AQUA-X 11
The first on our list is Aqua-X 11; this unit is an industrial-grade concrete sealer that allows you to block out all the gushing water, mold, and mildew.
Most importantly, you can achieve a long-lasting smooth surface with this product.
In addition to this, Aqua-X 11 does not require any toxic formula; you can apply a water-based coat of paint to your concrete walls.
Moreover, there is no need to add any primer or solvent to mix it with the solution.
All homeowners consider this unit a commercial solution and use it on a commercial grade.
Highlighting features:
- This unit is odorless and does not create any fumings.
- Maintenance of the area is not disturbed after the application of the formula.
- Quick-drying without any patches.
- One gallon can cover up to 600 square feet.
The fanciest part about this unit; it covers up to 600 square feet of area and protects your concrete from mold, freeze, spalling, and other damages.
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2. Drylok 00924
There is no point in buying paint for your basement walls; when it cannot support the leakage issues.
Drylok 00924 is a compelling product that produces a membrane around the walls and supports holes and spalling.
The character that we appreciate is the low-odor formula. Yes, you can apply the solution without wearing any masks, as this unit has no foul smell and does not create any fumes.
Drylok 00924 does not require any primer or any other solution; open the gallon and apply it with the help of a roller or paintbrush.
However, you may not like the sandy texture; but the surface is effective enough to protect your walls from any thaws, spalling, or leakage.
Highlighting features:
- There are two texture options available.
- The texture turns into a rigid membrane.
- This product can stop hard and active pressure water.
- It can withstand 10lbs of hydrostatic pressure.
But, as compared to Aqua-X 11, the spread rate of this unit is not that effective.
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3. KILZ 13511201
The next on our list is a product that is effective for extra build-up and moisture. KILZ 13511201 is an excellent product that keeps the water out from the walls and protects the wall from seepage.
This unit absorbs the extra moisture and creates an area for the area.
KILZ is filled with nanotechnology that helps build a barrier for water and humidity.
Moreover, compared to Drylok 00925, this unit can cover an area of 250-400 square feet. But, the only thing that we do not appreciate about this unit; application of the primer.
It would help if you used a premium primer; before applying a coat of KILZ 13511201.
Highlighting features:
- This unit is high-quality acrylic latex water paint.
- The alkali-resistant formula is easy to apply.
- One gallon can cover up to 400 square feet.
- Painters can use it on the exterior and interior surfaces.
You will achieve a neat and natural look without much effort.
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4. Eco Advance Concrete
When it comes to concealing the basement walls, the whole process can be tricky. One wrong product can mess up the area.
As the name—Eco Advance Concrete is an environmentally friendly product with low VOC.
Our most favorite part about this paint is the packaging and low odor. You can seal anything with the product; concrete, stucco, stone, pavers, etc.
This unit is breathable and safe around children and pets. You can also use this product around plants, as it does not create any fumes.
Highlighting features:
- This unit is ideal for brick and stone surfaces.
- It protects against damage from oil, stains, and other chemicals.
- It is a non-flammable formula.
- The breathable formula is perfect for masonry work.
The application process is smooth, and the drying time is relatively quick. Also, this unit can cover around 100-300 square feet, depending upon the surface of the basement.
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5. Rust-Oleum 261845
Next on our list is; Rust-Oleum 261845. This unit is different from the other products on our list. The application of this product is straightforward and will not let you down in terms of application.
However, this unit is not entirely for the basement paint; but it seals out the water and lasts for years.
If you are looking for basement paint for walls, you can layer and protect from damaging the walls; this is an instant solution.
Highlighting features:
- This unit is a 2 part epoxy formula.
- The formula provides a glossy finish.
- No odor, low VOC
- This product gives a lasting finish to the surface.
Compared to Eco Advance Concrete and KILZ 13511201, the spread rate of this product is 500 square feet. Not to mention, you can start using your basement right after 24 hours of application.
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6. GAL Armor AR500
Gal Armor AR500 is a commercial-grade product used to seal basement walls and protect them from leakage and seepage issues.
This unit is breathable and comes with unmatched bonding characteristics. It is an acrylic masonry paint that you can reapply to the same place even after 2-5 years.
Most importantly, with GAL Armor AR500, you can get a finished and natural look. In addition to this, we loved the application process, as it is elementary to apply this product even in a large area.
Also, this unit is safe around pets, children, and plants. You can use the space right after 24 hours of application.
Not to mention, even if your surface is unsealed, you can use this product without any hassle.
Highlighting features:
- This unit resists salt damage.
- The material stands up to abrasion and rays.
- Self-priming and low maintenance.
- This product gives a natural appearance.
However, the only thing we did not like about this product was the foul smell.
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7. Rust Bullet DuraGrade
Next on our list is a premium-grade basement paint wall. This unit is one exceptional unit if you are looking for a one-stop solution to all your leakage, seepage, spalling, and freezing issues.
All you need to do is prep this product before applying it to your surface and wait for excellent results. We loved the overall texture and outcome as it gives a natural look to the surface.
No need to use any primer, basecoat or topcoat. Surprisingly, you can also cover the pickups from the hot tire through this product.
Duragrade is a UV-resistant product with low VOC formula and no odor.
Highlighting features:
- No need to prep the surface beforehand.
- This unit prevents cracking.
- The material prevents UV rays.
- This product is anti-slip.
Also, as compared to Aqua-X, this product can cover up to 1500 square feet of area.
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8. KILZ Basement and Waterproofing Paint
Another option from KILZ is an excellent solution for sealing the cracks and other holes in the basement.
Moreover, the drying time and application are pretty straightforward. However, you need to prepare the surface by using a primer.
Not to mention, using a nap paint roller cover or an airless paint sprayer is more effective with this product than a paintbrush.
Compared to KILZ 11201, this product is a bit less effective, as you need to prime the surface before applying the solution correctly.
Moreover, this product resists up to 12 PSI of pressure and keeps the water out of your basement.
Highlighting features:
- The drying time is speedy.
- The formula is waterproof and sealed porous.
- This unit works great with exterior surfaces.
- The coat creates a barrier to water infiltration.
The spread rate of this unit is 75-125 feet of area, but it requires two coats of solution on the surface.
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9. Liquid Rubber Basement Sealant
The next on our list is an exceptional product that secured the top as the paint brand. Basement paint and waterproofing are extremely challenging at times.
The liquid rubber basement sealant is a highly flexible product that creates a tough membrane that can elongate up to 900%.
With this unit, you will not find any adhesion issues; and it also fixes hairline cracks.
The formula is a water-based solution; hence no application issues.
Highlighting features:
- This unit is not explosive at all.
- The water-based solution requires no thinning.
- Seals the moisture and locks the cracks.
- No adhesion or seepage issues.
After applying this formula, you will find any drop from your walls or floors, as it acts as a bulletproof system on bridge joints, vents, seams, and gaps.
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10. AMES BWRF5
The last on our list is AMES BWRF5; this unit mirrors back up to 98% of the light. Hence, the color of your basement can stay fit for years.
However, this unit is less effective in elongation than the Liquid Rubber Basement Sealant.
The elongation rate is up to 700%, but it is easy to mix, spread and coat. With this solution, you can resist up to 2500 PSI.
The permeability rate is ten mils per minute, and the coat is super flexible. However, you need to prepare the surface before applying the formula.
Highlighting features:
- No need to mix the solution before applying.
- Durable coating, especially for insulated areas.
- This unit is inflammable.
Also, if you want to protect your basement from rain damage, 2-3 coats are recommended.
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Things to Consider Before Buying Best Basement Paint for Walls:
Well, we have covered the top ten best basement paints for walls. We hope you have gained enough information about the basement paint for the walls.
However, there are other factors that you need to consider before buying the best basement paint for walls.
Formula:
It would be best if you decided on the formula of the paint. There are three basic types: water, oil, and latex-based paint.
Water-based paints are easy to apply and provide a high range of coverage, and they are thin in texture. On the other hand, the oil and latex paints deliver a high shield, but it is tricky to handle the consistency.
Flexibility:
For basement walls, a flexible product is recommended. A highly elastic paint can expand or shrink as per your repairing needs—no need to add extra tooling efforts once you get your hands on a flexible basement paint.
Application:
Whether your basement has an even or uneven surface, the basement paint comes with an easy-to-handle thickness. Get basement paint that goes well with an airless paint sprayer if you are an expert.
Coverage:
Coverage is the most crucial factor of all. The task of painting becomes a pain when you need a lot of paint to cover an area.
If your basement is enormous, choose a product that can cover 200-300 square feet per gallon.
The leaking and cracked basement turned into a quick eyesore. If you are looking for an instant and durable solution to paint your basement, go through the products and pick a product that goes well with your problem. You might also like to know about the best paint remover,
I grew up on a small farm in New Jersey. We had a big family because my parents, my uncles and aunties all were living together on this farm so, you can imagine, it was always over crowded with people. But living in farm was really great because we had to do everything on our own and I learned so many things from my parents and uncles and aunties and that is where I found my passion for fixing things, whether it is renovating or designing, I was always there. Read more