White Powder on interior walls
#1
04-07-19, 10:54 PM
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White Powder on interior walls
Hello!
I'm thinking of buying a 90s house which has some powder-like white stuff on the walls. There are several wall that has that kind of finish, mainly at second floor and basement.
It's not like dust, when I try to remove it with my hand, it does not "roll" and it stays on the wall.
I've heard of frosting related to calcium stuff coming out of the paint.
Anyone could help me with this?
Thanks a lot!
I'm thinking of buying a 90s house which has some powder-like white stuff on the walls. There are several wall that has that kind of finish, mainly at second floor and basement.
It's not like dust, when I try to remove it with my hand, it does not "roll" and it stays on the wall.
I've heard of frosting related to calcium stuff coming out of the paint.
Anyone could help me with this?
Thanks a lot!
Last edited by PJmax; 04-08-19 at 05:32 PM. Reason: resized pictures
#2
04-08-19, 05:03 AM
Group Moderator
My guess is that it is moisture related somehow. I would definetely look into what's causing it.
Does anything look unusual about the walls that have the white? Do those walls all have the same color or texture paint? I have seen some premium "fuzzy" and lightly sand textured paints but I have no idea how they look after years of wear.
Does anything look unusual about the walls that have the white? Do those walls all have the same color or texture paint? I have seen some premium "fuzzy" and lightly sand textured paints but I have no idea how they look after years of wear.
#3
04-08-19, 06:33 AM
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Thank you for your answer! 
As for the walls, there are other blue walls in the bathroom, no white powder on it. BUT I guess they do not have the same finish since it is in the bathroom.
It's difficult for me to say if the beige/white walls have that particule since it could be that I just can't see it.
In the basement, dark red walls have the same "problem".
As for the walls, there are other blue walls in the bathroom, no white powder on it. BUT I guess they do not have the same finish since it is in the bathroom.
It's difficult for me to say if the beige/white walls have that particule since it could be that I just can't see it.
In the basement, dark red walls have the same "problem".
#4
04-08-19, 07:17 AM
How does the house smell? I'd also suspect moisture but would also expect a musty odor.
I don't recall ever seeing painted walls look like that at least not to that extent.
almost forgot
welcome to the forums!
I don't recall ever seeing painted walls look like that at least not to that extent.
almost forgot
welcome to the forums!
#7
04-08-19, 09:24 AM
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It does, but I can't reply to this thread. I would have been curious to know how it progressed for those members. :/
#9
04-08-19, 11:20 AM
Has the house been vacant for a long time, like through a couple seasons or through winter? And what is the exposure to sunlight and shadow especially on that right blue wall?
#10
04-08-19, 11:37 AM
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Hello Thightcoat,
Thanks for your answer/questions.
I'm about to buy the house from a bankcruptcy. I've heard that the owner had the electricity cut in april 2018. This winter, the bank took over the house and heated the house (60f).
What do you think?
Thanks for your answer/questions.
I'm about to buy the house from a bankcruptcy. I've heard that the owner had the electricity cut in april 2018. This winter, the bank took over the house and heated the house (60f).
What do you think?
#11
04-08-19, 11:52 AM
Member
I'm assuming you mean a foreclosure, and the property is bank-owned now and vacant?
The reason I ask is, that top picture, the one wall almost looks like the white is in the outline of something that was there. I see an arch, like a headboard, and the rectangular sides of a painting above it maybe.
If those really are outlines of furniture, I'd say it was at least something set in motion before the property became vacant and the furniture was removed.
The reason I ask is, that top picture, the one wall almost looks like the white is in the outline of something that was there. I see an arch, like a headboard, and the rectangular sides of a painting above it maybe.
If those really are outlines of furniture, I'd say it was at least something set in motion before the property became vacant and the furniture was removed.
#14
04-08-19, 01:44 PM
Member
I would strongly recommend a home inspector, one who knows something, not just the run of the mill. Shop around and pay what it takes to get a good inspection. I'm betting you're going find many more problems. Typically a foreclosure means that the original owner could not, would not maintain the house and at some point no longer cared.
#15
04-08-19, 03:43 PM
Well, I thought maybe bad or wet insulation and the play of hot sun and shade on the other side of the wall. But I think maybe now I am liking SuperSquirrel's idea better. And Norm201 is right on. Sometimes it is better to loose a little money to prevent losing a lot. An inspection fee might seem cheap if you save buying a money pit.
#16
04-10-19, 05:19 PM
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I had an inspection made. Inspectors are not biologist, that is my conclusion. Did not strongly recommend a mold test, but I'm still curious.
#18
04-11-19, 03:54 AM
Member
I had an inspection made. Inspectors are not biologist, that is my conclusion.
My current home was empty for a year. Basement flooded several times due to owner and realtor not paying attention to the fact that sump pump failed and power was turned off for a period of time. Fortunately I found out and corrective action was made.
