Water stain on ceiling - what to do

daisyboyd24

I'm hoping someone may be able to help me.
I noticed a water stain on my kitchen ceiling yesterday. Long story short the bathroom toilet has sprung a leak. I have had this fixed however I have been left with a water stain on the ceiling.

I placed a fan heater pointing up to the patch and it seems to have dried out really well - thankfully the water didn't actually come through the plasterboard.

Can anyone tell me the best way to paint over this?
I've been reading that Polycell Stain Stop is very good but thought I'd come and ask the experts!

I'm 100% hopeless at DIY so looking for a simple solution :rotfl:

Many thanks in advance!

Annie1960

Stain stop is the way to go. Then a coat or two of paint as usual over the whole ceiling.

Grenage

I'd normally use Zinsser BIN for stain blocking.

daisyboyd24

Thank you both. Do you know how long I need to leave it before trying to cover? It feels dry but I really can't tell!

Thanks!

Grenage

If it feels dry, it's probably ok. No harm leaving it another day or two if you're not in a rush.

Annie1960

Grenage wrote: »

If it feels dry, it's probably ok. No harm leaving it another day or two if you're not in a rush.

I agree.

I used this in my last house when some of the lead flashing leaked. The ceiling and wall still looked damp, but was dry to the touch, and I used stain stop successfully.

It's very simple to use, as straightforward DIY job.

brandydog

just use oil based undercoat and touch up with emulsion

i am a painter

LandyAndy

brandydog wrote: »

just use oil based undercoat and touch up with emulsion

i am a painter

I've done this but TBH I found Stain Stop a better solution.

Mr.Generous

Grenage wrote: »

I'd normally use Zinsser BIN for stain blocking.

Another vote for Zinsser from me, we renovate property and deal with stained ceilings regularly. The Polycell stuff is ok, the Ronseal DOES NOT do what it says on the tin, but the Zinsser works every time.

Then overcoat with emulsion after its dry.

Daniel_Taylor

You can also try a spray can of stain blocking primer. I am suggesting spray can because it works better than a brush on ceiling. Cover the stain with a light coat of primer and then paint it to match with your ceiling color.