Choosing the best waterproof paint for interior walls starts with matching the coating to the wall and the moisture problem. A paint made for basement concrete is not the same as a washable bathroom wall paint, and even a waterproofing coating is not a fix for an active leak. These five options range from mildew-resistant interior paint to coatings designed for masonry, so the right pick depends on your surface and how much water protection you need.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Feature | Important Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinsser PERMA-WHITE Mold & Mildew Proof Interior Paint | Interior walls that need a washable, mildew-resistant finish | Self-priming; scrubbable with soap and water | Protects the paint film, not the wall from water pressure |
| KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint | Concrete, brick, and cinder block | Designed to block water pressure up to 12 PSI | Not for floors or walls with active leaks |
| EVOLVE Ultimate White Paint & Primer in One | General interior walls and high-touch areas | Washable, moisture- and stain-resistant finish | Not described as a masonry waterproofing coating |
| LANCO Dry-Coat Waterproofing Paint | Basement, concrete, and foundation walls | Primer, textured paint, and sealant in one | Its listed use is focused on masonry and foundation walls |
| Zinsser WaterTite Mold & Mildew Waterproofing Paint | Basement wall waterproofing | Rated to resist up to 20 pounds of water pressure | Currently listed as unavailable |
Our Picks: Best Waterproof Paint For Interior Walls reviews
1. Zinsser PERMA-WHITE: Best for Washable, Mildew-Resistant Interior Walls
Zinsser PERMA-WHITE is an interior paint for walls where moisture and mildew on the painted surface are concerns. Its self-priming formula is designed to skip sanding, and the eggshell finish can be washed and scrubbed with soap and water. The product description also states that its paint film is guaranteed against mold and mildew for five years.
This is a practical choice for rooms that need a durable, easy-to-clean finish. The built-in mildewcide is intended to help prevent mold and mildew growth on the paint film only. It does not treat mold behind the wall, stop a leak, or create the kind of water-pressure barrier offered by masonry waterproofing paints.
Compared with KILZ or LANCO, PERMA-WHITE is the better fit for ordinary interior wall surfaces rather than basement concrete or block. Its main trade-off is that it addresses the painted surface, not water passing through a wall. Use it when the wall is sound and you want a washable, mildew-resistant finish; choose a dedicated masonry product if you need to coat concrete or block against water infiltration.
Pros:
- Self-priming formula requires no sanding, according to the product description.
- Washable and scrubbable with soap and water.
- Designed to resist dirt and moisture on the paint film.
- Eggshell finish suits interior walls where a washable surface is useful.
Cons:
- Not a substitute for a waterproofing coating on concrete or masonry.
- Mildew protection applies to the paint film only, not to mold elsewhere in the wall.
Verdict: Choose PERMA-WHITE for a washable interior finish with paint-film mildew protection, not for stopping water from entering a basement wall.
2. KILZ Basement and Masonry: Best for Concrete and Block Walls
KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint is made for porous masonry surfaces, including concrete, brick, cinder block, stucco, and retaining walls. Its product description says the coating uses nanotechnology to create a water barrier and can block water pressure up to 12 PSI. It is intended for interior and exterior use.
The listed application guidance matters: for below-grade use, fill holes and cracks with hydraulic cement before painting. The coating is not for floors and should not be used on walls with active water leaks. Those limits make it a more focused option than a general wall paint, but also help clarify when painting alone is not the right solution.
Compared with PERMA-WHITE and EVOLVE, KILZ is the more suitable choice when the surface is concrete or masonry and water infiltration is the concern. It is low odor, dries to the touch in one hour, and is ready for recoating in four hours, according to the supplied product information. Full curing takes seven to 14 days, so plan around that period before expecting the finish to be washable and fully durable.
Pros:
- Designed for several concrete and masonry surfaces.
- Rated to block water pressure up to 12 PSI.
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
- Low-odor formula with stated recoat and cure times.
Cons:
- Not intended for floors or walls with active leaks.
- Below-grade cracks and holes need repair before painting.
Verdict: KILZ is the strongest all-around match here for basement or interior masonry walls, provided the surface is prepared and there is no active leak.
3. EVOLVE Ultimate White: Best for General Walls and High-Touch Areas
EVOLVE Ultimate White is a water-based paint and primer in one for interior and exterior use. The supplied description lists several available sheens and identifies semi-gloss as a durable, reflective finish for trim, doors, cabinets, and other high-touch areas. It is described as moisture- and stain-resistant, washable, and fast-drying.
That combination makes it a useful general-purpose coating where cleaning and everyday wear matter. The product is also described as having high opacity and one-coat coverage, but actual coverage can depend on the wall and the color being covered. Treat that claim as a product feature, not a guarantee that every surface will need only one coat.
EVOLVE is not presented as a pressure-rated waterproofing paint for masonry. If water is coming through a basement wall, KILZ or LANCO is a closer match to that task. If you want a bright white finish for interior walls, doors, or trim that can be wiped clean, EVOLVE offers more general-purpose flexibility.
Pros:
- Combines paint and primer in one water-based formula.
- Washable finish designed for everyday wear.
- Moisture- and stain-resistant, according to the product description.
- Available in multiple sheens and sizes.
Cons:
- Not described as a barrier against water pressure through masonry.
- Semi-gloss may be more reflective than some people want on broad wall areas.
Verdict: Pick EVOLVE for washable, moisture-resistant general wall or trim paint, but choose a dedicated waterproofing product for a damp concrete or block wall.
4. LANCO Dry-Coat: Best for Basement and Foundation Masonry
LANCO Dry-Coat is a white waterproofing coating intended for basement, concrete, and foundation walls. Its listed role combines primer, textured paint, and sealant, which may appeal if you want one product to serve several coating functions. The description also states that it resists up to 12 PSI of hydrostatic pressure.
The coating is described as UV-resistant and chalk-resistant and as free of heavy metals and lead. Those details may matter if the wall has exposure to light or you want to consider the product’s stated composition. However, the supplied information is brief and does not provide drying or recoat times, so check the product label for application details before planning the work.
LANCO and KILZ are the closest matches for concrete and foundation surfaces. KILZ provides more detailed application guidance in the supplied information, including its limits around active leaks and below-grade repairs. LANCO’s combined primer, textured coating, and sealant role may be appealing, but the listed information gives fewer details for comparing application and preparation requirements.
Pros:
- Designed for basement, concrete, and foundation walls.
- Combines primer, textured paint, and sealant functions.
- Rated to resist up to 12 PSI of hydrostatic pressure.
- Described as UV-resistant and chalk-resistant.
Cons:
- Supplied product details do not specify drying or recoating times.
- Its listed use is focused on masonry and foundation walls, not general drywall.
Verdict: Consider LANCO for a basement or foundation masonry project if its combined coating role fits your needs, and confirm surface preparation and application directions on the label.
5. Zinsser WaterTite: High-Pressure Basement Protection, If Available
Zinsser WaterTite is a latex-based waterproofing paint for basement walls. The product description says it resists up to 20 pounds of water pressure and includes separate guarantees for waterproofing and mold- and mildew-proof performance on the paint film. It is also described as a smooth, bright white coating that can be applied to dry walls with a brush or roller.
On paper, its stated pressure resistance is higher than the 12 PSI listed for KILZ and LANCO. It also has a low-odor formula and soap-and-water cleanup. Still, the listing supplied for this article marks the product as unavailable, so you may not be able to buy it through the link. Availability can change; check the listing before choosing it for a project.
As with other waterproofing coatings, WaterTite should not be treated as a repair for an active leak. It is also important to follow the label’s directions for preparing the wall and applying the product. If it is unavailable, KILZ is the clearest alternative in this group for basement masonry, with more detailed use guidance in the supplied product information.
Pros:
- Rated to resist up to 20 pounds of water pressure.
- Designed for basement wall protection.
- Low-odor formula with soap-and-water cleanup.
- Described as a smooth, bright white finish.
Cons:
- Listed as unavailable in the supplied product information.
- Must be applied to dry walls and is not a solution for an active leak.
Verdict: WaterTite is worth considering if you need a basement waterproofing coating and can find it available, but KILZ is the more practical pick if you need a currently listed alternative.
How to Choose Waterproof Paint for Interior Walls
Match the paint to the wall surface
Start by identifying what your wall is made of. PERMA-WHITE and EVOLVE are interior paints for general wall and trim use, while KILZ and LANCO are designed for concrete or masonry surfaces. A product made for one type of wall may not be the right coating for another, so check the label for the surface types it names.
Decide whether you need a washable finish or a water barrier
Moisture-resistant paint and waterproofing paint solve different problems. PERMA-WHITE is designed to resist moisture on the paint film and provide a washable finish. KILZ, LANCO, and WaterTite are described as waterproofing coatings with stated water-pressure resistance. If water is penetrating masonry, a standard washable wall paint is not an equivalent substitute.
Find the source of moisture before painting
Paint is not a repair for an active leak. KILZ specifically says not to use it on walls with active water leaks, and its directions call for filling holes and cracks with hydraulic cement before below-grade application. If moisture keeps returning, address the source and follow the product’s surface-preparation requirements before coating the wall.
Consider mildew protection carefully
A mildew-resistant paint film can help protect the coated surface, but it does not remove mold elsewhere or solve the cause of dampness. PERMA-WHITE’s listed mildewcide is for the paint film only. Read product claims closely so you do not mistake paint-film protection for whole-wall mold treatment.
Check finish, cleanup, and application details
Finish affects the look and cleaning needs of a room. EVOLVE semi-gloss is described as reflective and suitable for high-touch areas, while PERMA-WHITE offers an eggshell finish. Also compare stated cleanup, drying, and recoat information. Where those details are not provided, check the product label before starting.
Plan for coverage and availability
Coverage can depend on the wall and the surface being coated, so do not assume a one-coat claim will apply to every project. Estimate how much paint you need using the package directions and confirm that the product is available before scheduling the work. The listed Zinsser WaterTite option is marked unavailable in the supplied product information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can waterproof paint stop an active basement leak?
No. Paint should not be treated as a repair for an active leak. KILZ specifically says it is not for walls with active water leaks. Find and address the source of water before applying a coating.
Is mildew-resistant paint the same as waterproof paint?
No. A mildew-resistant paint may help protect the paint film, while a waterproofing coating is intended to resist water passing through a surface such as concrete or masonry. Check the product description and use the coating designed for your wall and problem.
Which product in this list is best for concrete basement walls?
KILZ is the clearest all-around choice for concrete and masonry in this group. It is made for basement and masonry walls, is rated to block up to 12 PSI, and includes specific guidance for below-grade application. LANCO is another option for basement and foundation masonry.
Can I use masonry waterproofing paint on drywall?
Do not assume so. KILZ and LANCO are described for masonry, concrete, and foundation surfaces. For general interior walls, look at products such as PERMA-WHITE or EVOLVE and confirm the surfaces permitted on the label.
Does PERMA-WHITE prevent mold throughout a wall?
No. Its listed mildewcide is intended to prevent mold and mildew on the paint film only. It does not treat mold behind the wall or resolve a moisture source.
Do I need to repair cracks before painting a below-grade wall?
For KILZ, the supplied directions say to fill all holes and cracks with hydraulic cement before below-grade application. Follow the selected product’s own preparation instructions, since requirements can differ.
What is the best choice if I want a washable interior wall finish?
PERMA-WHITE is a strong option if you want an eggshell interior paint that can be scrubbed with soap and water and is designed to resist mildew on the paint film. EVOLVE is another option for a washable, moisture- and stain-resistant finish, especially for high-touch areas.
Final Recommendation
For concrete or block basement walls, KILZ is the most balanced choice in this group because it is designed for masonry, states a water-pressure rating, and provides useful preparation guidance. Choose Zinsser PERMA-WHITE when your priority is a washable interior finish with mildew resistance on the paint film, not a water barrier. EVOLVE suits general-purpose walls and high-touch areas, while LANCO is a focused option for foundation and basement masonry. Zinsser WaterTite has the highest stated pressure resistance here, but its supplied listing is marked unavailable.
