In the Philippines, where typhoons and floods are unfortunately a regular part of life, homes often bear the brunt of nature’s fury. One of the most common post-typhoon tasks is addressing interior wall damage caused by water seepage or flooding. Properly repainting these walls not only restores their appearance; but also prevent long-term issues like mold and structural damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare and get you started.
Assess the Damage
After the typhoon has passed, start by inspecting your walls. Look for water stains, peeling paint, cracks, or signs of mold. Identifying problems areas early allows you to plan repairs effectively. In the humid climate of the Philippines, untreated water damage can quickly lead to mold growth, so don’t delay this step!
Clean and Treat the Walls
Typhoons often bring in dirty floodwater from sewage overflows which can leave harmful residues behind. Start by wiping down the walls with clean water to remove surface dirt and debris. Follow this with a solution of water and mild detergent to tackle any deep-seated grease and grime. For mold and mildew, treat with a bleach solution (1:3, laundry bleach to water, respectively). This mixture will kill spores and prevent growth.
If possible, scrub gently with a soft, non-abrasive brush, paying special attention to areas that came into direct contact with floodwater. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the walls to dry. Proper cleaning ensures a smooth and safe surface for repainting.
Ensure Proper Drying
It might be tempting to start repainting right away, but making sure the walls are completely dry is crucial. Open windows to let fresh air in, use electric fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. In some cases, walls may take several days or weeks to dry completely. Ensuring the walls are fully dry is key to preventing further issues down the line.
Repair Any Damages
Scrape off flaking or peeling paint. Fill in cracks and holes with putty to smoothen the surface. Using a primer is always a must, especially on water-damaged walls. Use the appropriate primer depending on the type of surface to be painted. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving to the next step.
Paint the Walls
Choose a high-quality interior paint that’s formulated for tropical climates. Apply two coats to ensure even coverage and even better protection. Always allow each coat to fully dry before applying paint.
Our top recommendations? Try Permacoat Semi-Gloss, Virtuoso Silk Touch, or Boysen Healthy Home for interior walls. While all three options are great considerations for interior painting, the latter two in particular are formulated with antibacterial protection properties. Something to consider especially for a just-flooded home.
Some Final Notes
Repainting after a typhoon may seem overwhelming—especially if you have a million other things to do and fix after a particularly bad storm! But, by following these key steps, you can restore your home’s interiors and add a layer of protection to your walls against future surges. With proper care and preparation, your walls will look as good as new, ready to face whatever the weather brings.
Do you have any other questions on paints or colors? Send us an email at ask@myboysen.com. We’re always happy to help. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for weekly, short and sweet paint and DIY inspirations sent straight to your email.
