How to Use DryLok in a Wet Basement

man applying drylock
  • 6-9 hours
  • Beginner
  • 30-120
What You'll Need
Masking tape
Wire brush
Aluminum foil
DryLok
Chisel
Hammer
Paint brush
Paint roller
What You'll Need
Masking tape
Wire brush
Aluminum foil
DryLok
Chisel
Hammer
Paint brush
Paint roller

DryLok is a useful coating which can be painted onto wet basement walls to protect them from damage. This coating fills all of the tiny holes in various porous materials; it prevents water from seeping inside. It is available in powdered form and ready mixed, which can simply be painted straight onto the wall.

DryLok is not only suitable for wet basements, but it's also commonly used in birdbaths and fish ponds. There are many different colors of DryLok available. It can be tinted to the correct shade if necessary.

Step 1 - The Cause of the Problem

Identify the cause of the problem with a very simple test which will tell you whether the problem is due to condensation or seepage. To perform the test, tape a square of foil to the inside of the wall with masking tape. Make sure that it stays untouched for several days.

Remove the foil down and examine it . If moisture has formed on the side against the wall, then water is seeping through the wall. If the other side is wet, then the problem is condensation.

Sometimes you might experience condensation and leaks at the same time. DryLok is only suitable for treating problems caused by leaking and seeping walls. If the problem is due to condensation, then you should use a dehumidifier.

Step 2 - Cleaning the Wall

Use a stiff wire brush to clean the wall. Remove loose debris and mortar. It's important to remove all of the dirt and lose debris on the wall because it can cause the DryLok fail.

Step 3 - Dealing With Holes and Cracks

Fill any holes with filler or putty. Cut a V shape into any of the cracks and fill them to make sure that the repair is strong.

Step 4 - Preparing DryLok

Prepare the DryLok by giving it a good stir. Paint the first coat onto the wall using a stiff bristled brush. Doing so makes it possible to push the DryLok into all of the tiny holes. If you have trouble finding a stiff bristled brush, then you can trim a regular paintbrush to a stiffer portion of the bristles.

Step 5 - Second Coat

Once the first coat is dry, use a roller to apply a second coat of DryLok to the wall. Make sure that the windows are open while the paint sealant is drying because it can create nasty fumes.