Problem Solving Paint

Problem solving paints tackle marks and conditions that ordinary paint cannot hide or resist: stains that bleed through, damp patches, mould, condensation and rust, plus anti-climb paint for security.

Stains, damp and mould

• Stain block: a primer, in tins or aerosols, that stops marks such as water stains, nicotine, soot, grease and pen showing through the topcoat. Clean off any mould first.
• Damp seal: covers damp stains on interior walls and ceilings, ready for paint or wallpaper. Find and fix the cause of the damp first, such as a leak, or it will come back.
• Anti-mould and anti-condensation paint: moisture resistant finishes for kitchens, bathrooms and other damp-prone rooms. Kill existing mould with a mould killer first and keep the room ventilated. Do not paint over anti-mould paint, as that stops it working.
• Mould additive: a fungicide you stir into emulsion or gloss at the dose on the pack, once existing mould has been treated.

Rust removers

Gels cling to vertical surfaces: brush them on and reapply until the rust has gone. Dips are diluted with water for soaking small items such as nuts, bolts and tools. Rinse with clean water and a wire brush, let the metal dry, then paint it to stop rust returning.

Anti-climb paint

Anti-climb paint never dries, leaving a sticky, slippery coat on walls, pipes, gutters and ledges that intruders might grip. Apply it above 1.8 metres, away from everyday use, and put up warning signs. In England and Wales, the Occupiers' Liability Act 1984 means an occupier can owe a duty of care even to trespassers, and a clear warning can help meet it.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data for all of these products. For preparation coats, see primer and undercoat; for finishing metal, see metal paint.