How to Paint Over Chuna & Damp Walls
Step-by-step guide for Pakistani homes — from removing lime wash to applying the perfect paint finish.
The Chuna Problem in Pakistani Homes
Chuna (lime wash) was the standard wall finish in Pakistani homes for decades. It's cheap, white, and easy to apply — but it creates a nightmare when you want to upgrade to modern emulsion paint. The alkaline nature of chuna reacts with paint, causing peeling, bubbling, and poor adhesion within weeks.
The same applies to damp walls — a common issue in Pakistan due to monsoon humidity, rising damp from foundations, and condensation. Painting over damp or chuna-treated walls without proper surface preparation is the #1 cause of paint failure in Pakistani homes.
This guide walks you through the exact process to prepare chuna and damp walls for a lasting, professional-quality paint finish using Superlac products.
Step-by-Step: Painting Over Chuna
Remove the Chuna
Wet the wall thoroughly with water using a spray bottle or damp cloth. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes. The softened chuna will come off easily with a putty knife or scraper. Repeat on stubborn areas. The goal is to remove all loose lime wash down to the plaster surface.
Clean and Dry the Wall
After removing chuna, wipe the wall with a damp cloth to remove dust and residue. Allow the wall to dry completely — at least 48 hours in dry weather, longer during humid conditions. The wall must be bone dry before proceeding.
Apply Bonding Primer
Apply one coat of Superlac Wall Primer (Acrylic) to seal the surface. The primer acts as a bonding agent between the alkaline plaster and the new paint. Allow 24 hours drying time. This step is critical — skipping it will cause paint failure.
Apply Wall Putty
Use Superlac Wall Putty to smooth any uneven areas, cracks, or holes left by chuna removal. Apply with a putty knife in thin layers. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next. Sand smooth when dry.
Apply Paint
Apply 2 coats of Superlac Matt Emulsion (interior) or your chosen product. Allow 4–6 hours between coats. The result is a smooth, durable finish that will last 4–5 years without peeling or bubbling.
Fixing Damp Walls Before Painting
Damp walls require a different approach. Before any painting:
1. Find the moisture source. Check for leaking pipes, roof leaks, rising damp, or condensation. Fix the source first.
2. Dry the wall completely. Allow 2–3 weeks for drying. Use a moisture meter — wall should be below 15% moisture.
3. Remove damaged paint. Scrape off all peeling or bubbled paint. Sand smooth. Remove mould with bleach solution.
4. Apply waterproof primer. Use Superlac Wall Primer (Outdoor) for exterior or Acrylic Primer for interior.
5. Apply waterproof putty. Use Superlac Waterproof Putty on affected areas to seal the surface.
6. Paint. Apply 2 coats of Superlac Matt Emulsion (interior) or Weather Defender (exterior).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I paint directly over chuna (lime wash)?
No, you cannot paint directly over chuna. Chuna is alkaline and will cause paint to peel and bubble. You must first remove the chuna with water and a scraper, apply a sealant or bonding primer, then use wall putty to smooth the surface before painting with emulsion.
How do I remove chuna from walls before painting?
Wet the wall with water using a spray bottle or damp cloth. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes, then scrape off the softened chuna with a putty knife. Repeat if needed. Once clean, allow the wall to dry completely before applying primer.
What primer should I use after removing chuna?
Use a bonding primer or sealer after removing chuna. Superlac Wall Primer (Acrylic) works well as a sealer coat. Apply one full coat and allow 24 hours drying time before applying putty and paint.
How do I fix damp walls before painting?
First identify and fix the moisture source. Allow walls to dry for 2–3 weeks. Apply waterproof primer, then waterproof putty on damaged areas. Finally, paint with moisture-resistant emulsion.
Need Help with Your Walls?
Our paint experts can diagnose your wall condition and recommend the right preparation and paint products.