Why is it so hard to cover up water stains?

As many indoor paints are water-soluble, they easily allow watermarks to seep through, making it hard to cover up water stains. This is made worse if you are trying to use light-colored paint over an area affected by a leaky pipe that may also have rust stains. To fix this, use a dedicated stain-blocking primer to help contain the stain.

Why are yellow marks coming through white paint?

Yellow staining can be caused by leaks or a build-up of moisture in the home. These watermarks will seep into water-based indoor emulsion paint, showing yellowing stains even on paint that has been there for a long time. To rectify this, ensure any leaks are fixed, and consider ways to improve ventilation and reduce humidity in your home, either by opening windows and external doors regularly or investing in a dehumidifier.

How to paint over watermarks: Painting professionals explain

An open tin of white paint with a brush laid on top

(Image credit: Getty Images)

By Chiana Dickson

published 22 March 2023

in Advice

Chiana has been at Homes & Gardens for two years. She spends most of her time producing content for the Solved section of the website, helping readers get the most out of their homes through clever decluttering, cleaning, and tidying tips. She was named one of Fixr's top home improvement journalists in 2024.

How to paint over watermarks – 5 simple steps professionals use

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