Can You Paint Over Water Stains? What Homeowners Need to Know

Water stains on walls or ceilings are not just unsightly—they’re often a sign of an underlying issue. Whether caused by a roof leak, burst pipe or old plumbing, many wonder: can you paint over water stains and restore a smooth, clean surface?

The short answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as brushing on a fresh coat. In this article, our team of professional Perth painters explains how to paint over water stains the right way—and what to avoid if you want long-lasting results.

What causes water stains on ceilings and walls?

Before reaching for the paint tin, it’s important to identify and resolve the source of the water damage. Water stains on ceilings and walls usually appear as brown, yellow or rust-coloured patches and can be caused by:

• Leaking roofs or gutters
• Burst or faulty pipes
• Poor bathroom ventilation
• Overflowing air conditioning units
• Past flooding or storm damage

Painting over water stains without fixing the underlying moisture problem can lead to peeling paint, mould growth, or recurring marks.

Can you paint over water stains on ceilings?

Yes, you can paint over water stains on ceilings—but you must follow the correct preparation process. Ceilings are especially prone to water stains, and painting over them without sealing first will allow the stain to bleed back through the paint.

Here’s how we approach it:

• Dry the area completely – Make sure there’s no residual moisture. A dehumidifier or fan can help speed up drying.
• Clean the stain – Gently wipe with a mild detergent solution to remove surface contaminants.
• Apply a stain-blocking primer – This step is crucial. Use an oil-based or shellac-based primer specifically designed to block water stains.
• Paint with quality ceiling paint – Once the primer is fully dry, you can apply a ceiling paint. Use two coats for best coverage.

Can you use water based paint over water stains?

You can use water based paint over water stains only after applying a proper stain-blocking primer. Water-based (acrylic) paint alone won’t prevent the stain from bleeding through, especially if the damage is old or heavy.

At Perth Professional Painters, we recommend using an oil-based primer before switching to a water-based topcoat for interior work. This gives the stain protection of an oil primer with the smooth finish and easy cleanup of water-based paint.

How do you paint over water stains on walls?

The process for painting over water stains on walls is similar to ceilings:

• Identify and fix the water source
• Clean the stain
• Sand lightly if the surface is rough or flaking
• Apply stain-blocking primer
• Finish with your chosen topcoat (water-based or oil-based)

Tip: If the damage is extensive, or if mould is present, it’s best to call in professional painters who can treat and repaint the area safely.

Why DIY painting over water stains often fails?

We’ve seen plenty of patchy DIY attempts where the water stain keeps reappearing, or the ceiling finish turns blotchy. Common mistakes include:

• Skipping the primer
• Using water-based paint directly over the stain
• Painting over damp surfaces
• Using poor quality paint or cheap brushes

When in doubt, call the experts.

Get a lasting finish with professional painters

At Perth Professional Painters, we focus on delivering a clean, lasting paint finish once the source of the water damage has been resolved. While we are not plumbers or roof repairers, we can advise whether the stain area is dry and ready for painting.

Our team will:

• Check that the area is dry and suitable for repainting
• Apply high-quality stain-blocking primers to prevent bleed-through
• Repaint using premium interior or ceiling paints designed for long-term durability

Please note: The source of the water stain (e.g. leak, roof issue, plumbing fault) must be professionally repaired before any painting can begin.

Whether you’ve got water stains on a ceiling or wall, we’ll help restore your space with a smooth, professional finish.

Need help covering up old water stains? Contact Perth's professional house painters for a fast quote or to book your painting service today.