Easy Ways to Cover Leak Stains on Ceilings and Walls

When pipes leak inside of walls or behind ceiling panels, they leave behind ugly stains. Water that comes in contact with drywall along baseboards and damaged roofing material can also create unsightly marks. In any case, leaks need to be repaired. Moisture problems cause far more than just stains on walls and ceilings. Unattended leaks can result in the growth of mold, and they can be a problem with serious and often dangerous repercussions. It is not necessary to immediately repaint walls and ceilings after the problem is remedied. Use these easy ways to cover leak stains on ceilings and walls, and hide the ugly marks within minutes.

Last summer, a close relative had a leaky roof. Before the shingles were replaced, two distinct leak stains formed on the kitchen ceiling. The homeowner did not want to repaint the entire surface. It would be a huge undertaking, and I came up with a couple of options to temporarily cover the leak stains. Both options worked exceptionally well, and unless someone pointed out where the marks were, no one would ever notice.

Precautionary Statement

Do not attempt to cover leak stains on ceilings and walls if the moisture problems have not been resolved. Mold must be properly cleaned away. Consult a professional, or carefully follow directions on a product that is formulated to kill mold and prevent it from spreading. These options are temporary solutions that will make ceilings and walls look better until they can be repainted.

Try Spot Cleaning it with Bleach

Before applying anything to cover leak stains on ceilings or walls, try spot cleaning the marks with bleach. Provide plenty of ventilation, and dilute the bleach by fifty percent with clear water. Dab the solution on the leak stains while avoiding other areas. If the leak stains are not too bad, and if the surface is not significantly damaged, the bleach solution should cause the marks to fade. They might even disappear altogether.

Use White Liquid Shoe Polish to Cover Leak Stains on Ceilings and Walls

Liquid shoe polish is good for more than just covering scuff marks on leather shoes. It can be used to effectively cover leak stains on white ceilings and walls. It is especially useful on drop ceiling panels. They easily absorb the polish, and the leak stains seem to magically disappear. Shoe polish is to ceiling panels as liquid paper is to typed or handwritten errors. It might take a few coats to completely cover the marks on ceilings and walls, but the small container with a sponge applicator is much cheaper and easier to use than paint.

Source: Personal and Professional Home Design and Cosmetic Repair Experience