Quick answer: Diagnose the damp source first (rising, penetrating or condensation), then strip-back, treat with a mould wash, apply Rhinoluxe Shield Indoor in two coats, and finish with a washable pure-acrylic topcoat. Painting over damp without fixing the source always fails.
Step 1 — Identify the damp source
- Rising damp — tide-line halfway up the wall, salt deposits, paint blistering. Source: failed DPC.
- Penetrating damp — patches on outside walls after rain, often near windows, gutters or roof flashings.
- Condensation — black mould in corners, behind furniture, on cold walls in bathrooms and bedrooms.
Painting won't fix the structural cause, but the right interior system will block residual moisture and stop the cycle of staining and peeling.
Step 2 — Prep the wall
- Scrape off loose paint, blistered or chalking layers.
- Wash with a mould remover (or 1:4 bleach solution) and let dry fully.
- Fill cracks and holes with a flexible filler.
- Light-sand to feather edges.
- Wipe down to remove dust.
Step 3 — Prime and waterproof
Apply Rhinoluxe Bond and Key if the wall has chalking or shiny old paint. Then two full coats of Rhinoluxe Shield Indoor, allowing 4–6 hours between coats. Shield Indoor cures to a flexible, mould-resistant film that blocks vapour transmission from inside the wall.
Step 4 — Finish with a washable topcoat
Once the Shield system has cured (24 hours minimum), finish with two coats of Rhinoluxe Premium Pure Acrylic Low Sheen or Semi-Gloss in your colour of choice. The low-sheen finish is more forgiving on imperfect surfaces; semi-gloss is more washable.
Recommended system summary
| Layer | Product | Coats |
|---|---|---|
| Mould kill | Mould wash / dilute bleach | 1 |
| Adhesion primer | Rhinoluxe Bond and Key | 1 (only if chalking) |
| Waterproof base | Rhinoluxe Shield Indoor | 2 |
| Finish topcoat | Rhinoluxe Premium Pure Acrylic | 2 |
Common mistakes
- Painting over a damp wall before it has dried out.
- Skipping the mould wash — mould grows back under the new paint within weeks.
- One thick coat instead of two thin ones (the film stays soft and breaks down quicker).
- Using cheap PVA as a topcoat — won't wash clean if condensation returns.
Where to buy
Order Rhinoluxe waterproofing paints at rhinoluxe.co.za with national delivery, or visit our paint shops at 143 Blaauwberg Road, Table View, Cape Town or 5a Betschana Road, Sebenza, Edenvale, Johannesburg. For trade pricing on bulk orders, call +27 84 985 6141.
