The Right Method for Removing Ceiling Water Stains

There are a few important steps to take to make sure you get the look you want and stop any more damage.

1. Figure out what made the stain.

The water stain on your ceiling could have been caused by a damaged roof or another big problem. Most likely, you’ll need help from a professional to fix major causes of ceiling stains, such as:

• Plumbing leaks. Check out where plumbing leaks might come from so you know where to start when you call a professional.
• Ice dams. If you live in a place where it gets cold in the winter, you’ve probably heard that ice dams can be dangerous. Check your roof to see if this could be why your ceiling is stained with water.
• Clogged gutters. If your gutters are clogged, water may go where it shouldn’t, which could stain your basement ceiling or cause other problems.

In any of these situations, once you’ve turned off the water source, it’s a good idea to talk to a water damage specialist and get any cleanup services you need to stop more damage.

2. Clean the stain with bleach or another cleaner.

Water stains are not only unsightly, but they can also lead to mold. Make sure you don’t put something over the stain before it’s completely gone. Mix one part bleach with three parts warm water, or use a cleaner that has already been mixed, and wipe the stain clean. Then, wipe off the solution with a wet rag and dry the area with a towel. Let the ceiling dry completely for a few hours.

3. Put primer on the ceiling

You’ll need to use a primer, just like when you paint a wall. Sherwin-Williams has options like an oil-based ProBlock alkyd primer or a water-based Quick Dry Stain Blocking acrylic primer for covering ceiling stains like this. You probably usually use an all-purpose primer indoors, but this could make the stain stand out even after you’ve cleaned and painted it.

4. Paint Your Walls

Once your primer is dry, you can paint over the water stains on the ceiling. Since you used an oil-based primer as the first layer, you can now use any latex paint for the main coat (s). Even though it may seem like a lot of work, painting the whole ceiling of a room is the best way to get a consistent color. After all, you wouldn’t want a freshly painted spot to make the room look uneven the way your stain did.