Can I Paint Over Surface Salts?
Surface salts or efflorescence to give it is technical name is a powdery deposit often visible on the surface of masonry. The root cause involves water ingress or dampness causing the natural salts with the wall substrate to come through to the surface. It can cause unsightly discolouration.
Care needs to be taken to ensure the root cause is addressed through either proper damp management or ensuring the surface is fully allowed to dry ie on newly constructed brick or concrete walls. Failure to so do so will result in the failure of the paint layer over line as the natural salts will cause adhesion issues.
Preparation: Wash and thoroughly scrub (using a wire brush if necessary) the surface, allow to dry fully. Ensure all of the crystalline salt deposits are scraped and cleaned off before proceeding.
Primer:
Top Coat:
