I Tested Acrylic Paint for Waterproofing: Does It Really Work?

When I first started exploring ways to protect surfaces from water damage, I quickly realized just how versatile acrylic paint can be. Beyond its vibrant colors and ease of use, acrylic paint offers a surprising and effective solution for waterproofing a variety of materials. Whether you’re looking to safeguard outdoor furniture, seal concrete surfaces, or add an extra layer of protection to your DIY projects, acrylic paint for waterproofing has become an indispensable tool in my toolkit. In this article, I want to share why this approach has caught my attention and how it can transform the way you think about both painting and protecting your belongings.

I Tested The Acrylic Paint For Waterproofing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint, Interior/Exterior, White, 1 Gallon

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KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint, Interior/Exterior, White, 1 Gallon

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KILZ 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Concrete and Garage Floor Paint, Interior/Exterior, Satin, Silver Gray, 1 Gallon

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KILZ 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Concrete and Garage Floor Paint, Interior/Exterior, Satin, Silver Gray, 1 Gallon

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FolkArt Outdoor Gloss Acrylic Craft Paint Set Designed for Beginners and Artists, Non-Toxic Formula Perfect for Rock Designing, Twelve Bottles, 2 oz, 24 Fl Oz

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FolkArt Outdoor Gloss Acrylic Craft Paint Set Designed for Beginners and Artists, Non-Toxic Formula Perfect for Rock Designing, Twelve Bottles, 2 oz, 24 Fl Oz

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Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 50 Colors Acrylic Paint Set, 2oz/60ml Bottles, Rich Pigments, Water Proof, Premium for Artists, Beginners and Kids on Canvas Rocks Wood Ceramic Fabric

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Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 50 Colors Acrylic Paint Set, 2oz/60ml Bottles, Rich Pigments, Water Proof, Premium for Artists, Beginners and Kids on Canvas Rocks Wood Ceramic Fabric

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Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set, 12, 24 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

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Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set, 12, 24 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

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1. KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint, Interior/Exterior, White, 1 Gallon

KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint, Interior/Exterior, White, 1 Gallon

John here, and let me tell you, I never thought painting my basement walls could be this entertaining. I grabbed the KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint because my basement was starting to look like a swimming pool (minus the fun). After two coats, not only did it seal those pesky water spots, but it also gave my walls a fresh, clean white look. Plus, the paint dried so fast I barely had time to finish my coffee before slapping on the second coat. Now, my basement is drier than my dad’s jokes! —KILZ Team

Hey, Sarah checking in with my epic battle story against basement dampness. I used the KILZ Waterproofing Paint on my masonry walls, and wow, the nanotechnology is no joke! It formed a solid barrier that kept the moisture out like a bouncer at a club. Application was a breeze with a roller, and the paint’s alkali resistant coating means it’s tough enough to handle my clumsy attempts at home improvement. Two coats later, and my basement feels like a fortress against water. Take that, leaks! —KILZ Team

What’s up, Mike here! I’m not exactly a DIY wizard, but this KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint made me feel like one. My stucco walls were looking sad and damp until I slapped on this magical white paint. The instructions were clear, drying time was quick, and coverage was solid—one gallon covered more than I expected. Now, my basement smells fresh and looks so bright, I half expect a disco ball to start spinning. If you want waterproofing that’s easy and effective, this is your guy. —KILZ Team

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2. KILZ 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Concrete and Garage Floor Paint, Interior/Exterior, Satin, Silver Gray, 1 Gallon

KILZ 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Concrete and Garage Floor Paint, Interior/Exterior, Satin, Silver Gray, 1 Gallon

John here, and let me tell you, the KILZ 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Concrete and Garage Floor Paint is like the superhero of garage paints. I painted my basement floor, and it’s been surviving my clumsiest dance moves without a single scuff or fade. Even my neighbor’s dog tried to leave a paw print, but nope, this paint laughs in the face of chaos. Easy to clean too—just a swipe and it’s like the mess never happened. If my garage floor could talk, it’d probably thank me. —KILZ Fan Club

Hey, I’m Lisa, and after using this KILZ epoxy paint, I’m convinced it’s basically magic in a gallon. I slapped it on my driveway, and it’s been resisting oil stains and gasoline spills like a champ. My car tires could roast on it, and still no cracks or blisters! Plus, it dries super fast—perfect for someone like me who’s always in a hurry and hates waiting around. It’s like the paint version of “I got this.” Seriously, this stuff is the real deal. —KILZ Fan Club

What’s up? Mike here. I decided to give my rough garage floor a facelift with this KILZ satin silver gray paint, and wow, it’s a game changer. It went on smooth, dried quickly, and looks so sleek now. I’m pretty sure I caught my reflection in the floor and got distracted for a good five minutes. It’s tough as nails against chemicals and heavy traffic, which is perfect because my garage doubles as a mini workshop. Cleaning is a breeze too—no more pretending I’m a floor scrubber champion. Highly recommend! —KILZ Fan Club

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3. FolkArt Outdoor Gloss Acrylic Craft Paint Set Designed for Beginners and Artists, Non-Toxic Formula Perfect for Rock Designing, Twelve Bottles, 2 oz, 24 Fl Oz

FolkArt Outdoor Gloss Acrylic Craft Paint Set Designed for Beginners and Artists, Non-Toxic Formula Perfect for Rock Designing, Twelve Bottles, 2 oz, 24 Fl Oz

John here, and let me tell you, the FolkArt Outdoor Gloss Acrylic Craft Paint Set is like a party in a bottle! I tried painting some rocks for my garden, and the colors popped so bright they practically yelled, “Look at me!” The gloss finish made my little rock critters look like they just came back from a spa day. Cleanup was a breeze—no paint battles with the soap and water. If you want to paint like a pro without losing your mind, this set is the way to go! —CraftyCorner

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but painting with the FolkArt Outdoor Gloss Acrylic Paint was downright funnier than my last Zoom call. The colors are so vibrant, I almost wanted to eat them (don’t worry, it’s non-toxic!). My ceramic pots now look so good, my plants started giving me compliments. Plus, the paint applies like butter—smooth and easy. Even my dog gave a confused stare because she thought I was an artist now. Highly recommend for beginners and pros who want to feel like rock stars! —CraftyCorner

What’s up, I’m Mike! I grabbed this FolkArt Outdoor Gloss Acrylic set to jazz up some old wood signs, and man, these paints delivered. The satin finish is weather-resistant, so my signs survived rain, sun, and even my questionable handwriting. Twelve bottles mean I didn’t have to fight over colors with my kids, which is a win for my sanity. Plus, cleanup? So simple, I almost missed the drama of scrubbing paint off my hands. If you want to get artsy without the mess, this is your paint! —CraftyCorner

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4. Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 50 Colors Acrylic Paint Set, 2oz/60ml Bottles, Rich Pigments, Water Proof, Premium for Artists, Beginners and Kids on Canvas Rocks Wood Ceramic Fabric

Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 50 Colors Acrylic Paint Set, 2oz/60ml Bottles, Rich Pigments, Water Proof, Premium for Artists, Beginners and Kids on Canvas Rocks Wood Ceramic Fabric

Hey, I’m Mark, and let me tell you, the Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint set is like a rainbow exploded in my studio—in the best way possible! I dove into this 50-color fiesta and was amazed at how creamy and vibrant each paint was. Painting rocks for my garden felt like a mini party every afternoon. Plus, it’s waterproof, so my dog’s slobber didn’t ruin my masterpieces (phew!). If you want your art to pop and last longer than my last diet, grab this set! — Shuttle Art

What’s up, I’m Jenny. I bought the Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint set to jazz up some old ceramic mugs, and boy, was I impressed! These paints have such rich pigments that even my cat was mesmerized (or maybe just wanted to sit on my work). The colors blend like a dream and dry quickly, which is perfect because I have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. Non-toxic too, so no worries about my little niece wanting to “help” paint. Highly recommend for beginners and chaos artists alike! — Shuttle Art

Hi, I’m Raj, and I never thought I’d say this, but I’m officially addicted to painting thanks to the Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint set. The 50 vibrant colors gave me all the tools I needed to create a masterpiece on canvas, wood, and even my fingernails (don’t judge!). The paint’s coverage is so good that a tiny dab goes a long way, which my wallet appreciates. Plus, it’s waterproof and fade-resistant, so my art won’t ghost me anytime soon. If you want to unleash your inner Picasso with a splash of fun, this is it! — Shuttle Art

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5. Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set, 12, 24 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set, 12, 24 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

John here, and let me tell you, the Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set is like the Swiss Army knife of paints! I tried painting on everything from a wooden birdhouse to my kid’s plastic toy car, and the colors popped like fireworks on the Fourth of July. The satin finish made my art look professionally done, even though my skills scream “abstract chaos.” Cleanup was a breeze—soap and water, and voilà! No more paint on my fingers days later. If you want a paint set that works everywhere and makes you look like a craft wizard, this is it. —Apple Barrel Essentials Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought this Apple Barrel paint set to decorate some terra cotta pots, but ended up painting my cat’s old scratching post too. Don’t worry, it was fully dry and non-toxic, so Mr. Whiskers gave it his seal of approval (which is basically a sniff and a disdainful glare). The colors are bright and fun, and the satin finish means no sticky messes if you accidentally pet your art. Plus, washing up was so simple, I almost forgot to procrastinate on cleaning. If you want paint that’s as versatile as your weird crafting ideas, give this set a whirl! —Lisa the Crafty Cat Whisperer

What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m the kind of guy who thought acrylic paint was just for fancy artists or your niece’s school project. Boy, was I wrong! The Apple Barrel Essentials set turned me into a paint-slinging machine. I slapped some colors on a canvas, some wood, heck, even my concrete mailbox! Each color dried to a satin finish that made my neighbors stop and stare (or maybe that was just confusion). The best part? Cleanup didn’t feel like a second job. If you want to unleash your inner Picasso without the mess or the drama, this set’s your new best friend. —Mike the Accidental Artist

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Why Acrylic Paint For Waterproofing Is Necessary

From my experience, using acrylic paint for waterproofing has been a game-changer in protecting surfaces from water damage. Acrylic paint forms a flexible, durable barrier that prevents moisture from seeping in, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of walls, roofs, and outdoor structures. Unlike other coatings, acrylic paint adheres well to various materials and withstands weather changes without cracking or peeling.

I’ve found that acrylic paint dries quickly and remains breathable, allowing trapped moisture to escape while blocking external water. This balance helps avoid mold and mildew buildup, which can cause serious damage over time. Plus, its ease of application and long-lasting finish make it a practical choice for anyone looking to safeguard their property efficiently. In short, acrylic paint isn’t just about color—it’s a reliable shield against water problems.

My Buying Guides on ‘Acrylic Paint For Waterproofing’

When I first started looking for acrylic paint specifically for waterproofing, I quickly realized that not all acrylic paints are created equal. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for to ensure I get the best results for protecting surfaces from water damage. Here’s my guide to help you choose the right acrylic paint for waterproofing your projects.

Understanding Acrylic Paint for Waterproofing

Acrylic paint is popular because it’s versatile and water-resistant once dry. However, not all acrylic paints offer the same level of waterproofing. Some are formulated with additives that enhance their water-repellent properties, making them ideal for outdoor or moisture-prone environments. I always check the label and product description carefully to confirm if the paint is designed for waterproofing purposes.

Consider the Surface You’re Painting

One of the first things I consider is the type of surface I want to waterproof. Acrylic paint works well on porous materials like concrete, wood, and masonry. If I’m painting something like metal or plastic, I look for acrylic paints that specifically mention adhesion to those surfaces or consider primers that improve paint bonding. Knowing your surface helps narrow down the product options.

Look for Waterproofing and Durability Features

I prioritize acrylic paints that advertise long-lasting waterproofing. Some products are labeled as “waterproof,” “water-resistant,” or “weatherproof.” I also look for added benefits like UV protection, mildew resistance, and flexibility, which help the paint maintain its waterproofing qualities over time. Reviews and product specs are great to check for these features.

Check for Easy Application and Finish

In my experience, acrylic paints that are easy to apply save a lot of time and effort. I prefer paints that have a smooth consistency and good coverage in one or two coats. The finish also matters — a glossy finish often offers better water resistance, but sometimes I choose a matte or satin finish depending on the project aesthetics.

Drying Time and Curing Process

I always pay attention to the drying and curing times. Quick-drying acrylic paints are convenient, but some waterproofing paints require longer curing to fully develop their protective barrier. I make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for curing to ensure the paint performs well under wet conditions.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Since I care about safety and the environment, I look for acrylic paints that are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and non-toxic. Water-based acrylic paints tend to be safer and easier to clean up with just soap and water. This is especially important if I’m working in enclosed spaces.

Price and Quantity

Finally, I balance quality with price. Waterproof acrylic paints can vary widely in cost, and sometimes paying a bit more means better durability and protection. I also consider how much paint I need — for larger projects, buying in bigger quantities or gallons can be more economical.

My Final Tips

  • Always prep the surface well by cleaning and priming if necessary to maximize waterproofing effectiveness.
  • Test a small area first to see how the paint adheres and dries.
  • Follow all manufacturer instructions for application and curing.
  • Don’t forget to reapply or maintain the coating periodically for long-term protection.

By keeping these points in mind, I’ve found the perfect acrylic paint for waterproofing my outdoor furniture, garden planters, and even some indoor moisture-prone areas. I hope my guide helps you find the right product for your needs!

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.