Damp vs Condensation: What’s the Difference and Which Paint Do You Actually Need?

By Siramico Coatings | Helping homeowners protect their homes for over 40 years

If you’ve ever noticed wet patches, peeling paint, musty smells or black mould, it can be hard to know what you're dealing with damp or condensation? Both are moisture problems, but they require different treatments, and choosing the wrong solution can waste time and money.

Here’s a clear, simple guide to understanding the difference and which Siramic product will actually fix the issue.

1. What Is Condensation?

Condensation happens when warm, moist air hits cold surfaces like external walls, windows, or unheated rooms.

Common symptoms:

• Water droplets on walls or windows
  

• Black mould around window frames or corners
  

• Damp patches that appear in winter and fade in summer
  

• Musty smell in bedrooms or bathrooms
  
  

Often found in:
Kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, behind wardrobes.

✔️ Best Paint Solution: Siramico’s Anti-Mould Paint

Prevents mould caused by condensation and regulates moisture on the wall surface.

2. What Is Penetrating Damp?

Penetrating damp is caused by water leaking through the building structure — from damaged brickwork, leaks, cracks, or poor external waterproofing.

Common symptoms:

• Localised damp patches

• Peeling or bubbling paint

• Brown stains

• Patches that grow after rainfall
  
  

Often found in:
Exterior-facing walls, ceilings beneath roof leaks, near gutters.

✔️ Best Paint Solution:

• Siramico Damp Seal (to block stains and stop moisture penetrating through paint)
  

• Siramico Liquid Rubber (to waterproof roofs, gutters or external structures)
  
  

3. What Is Rising Damp?

Moisture rises from the ground up through brickwork due to a damaged or missing damp-proof course (DPC).

Common symptoms:

• Tide marks on walls

• White salt deposits

• Skirting boards crumbling or rotting

• Damp patches up to 1 metre high
  
  

Often found in:
Older homes or extensions.

✔️ Best Paint Solution:

Siramico Damp Seal — once the underlying structural issue has been treated.

Quick Guide: Which Paint Should You Use?

Why Getting the Diagnosis Right Matters

Treating condensation with the wrong paint won’t stop mould. Treating rising damp with only an anti-mould paint won’t solve the structural moisture.
Choosing the right product ensures:

• Long-term protection

• Less repainting

• A healthier home

• Lower repair costs
  
  

Protect Your Home the Right Way

Siramico Coatings has spent decades creating functional, problem-solving paints and coatings designed for real British homes.