Elastomeric paint vs deck paint vs wallpaper for pool room wall?

8 years ago

We're having an above-ground Endless Pool installed into a basement room with standard interior paint already on the wall (new build, recent possession). We need a decently water-resistant wall covering in the area around the pool to protect it from splashing and water dripping off us when we get out. There's a small deck being built on one side of the pool which will be covered in sheet vinyl. We had planned on having the same material put on the walls, but ran into issues with rounded wall corners (they have no trim piece that would fit on the corners) and deep window sills (the vinyl could only be wrapped over the bottom or the sides of the sill, not both).

So we're considering two other options: wallpaper and exterior paint. The main downside to wallpaper is time, since it'll likely take a while to order and install. I'm hoping to have this job done asap. And we'd have to find a thick water-resistant product which might be a bit difficult in a color/pattern that works. For paint, I have basically zero knowledge about it. I went to the local Sherwin Williams store and they said I could use either elastomeric paint or a standard deck paint. However, I'd be doing it over regular drywall that was already painted. Is he right that those are both good options?

Can anyone help me decide? Or any other options I'm missing?

Featured Answer

PRO

Christopher Nelson Wallcovering and Painting

8 years ago

Wall paper is no good in a wet environment, trust me.

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Comments (7)

paintguy22
8 years ago
You could hire a carpenter to add wood trim the areas where the vinyl won't work and then just paint that trim semi gloss.
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PRO
Paint sales at Home Depot
8 years ago
Exterior or elastomeric paints are not necessary in this interior environment. The area should be treated more as a bath or kitchen area, using a high quality interior paint.

Commercial grade wall coverings would be OK in such an environment. These are very heavy vinyl on fabric and are usually sold in 54 inch widths. I would seal the walls first with an oil based primer. these products are normally hung with heavy bodied, pre-mixed "clay" paste.
PRO
Christopher Nelson Wallcovering and Painting
8 years ago
Do you see "commercial grade" wall paper around swimming pools? NO? Well there is a reason for this, any paste used to hold the paper is water activated. Meaning all the seams will open up if in a wet environment.
PRO
Paint sales at Home Depot
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I am not talking about "wallpaper". Commercial grade wallcoverings are almost like hanging vinyl sheeting. With 54inch widths, there are a minimum of seams. It is absolutely water impermeable. They are always backed by a heavy fabric, not mere paper. That they are not seen in pool areas is more a factor or cost. Such coverings are many times the cost of paint or mere wallpaper. Often, where moisture is anticipated, the bottom seam will be sealed with a small bead of clear caulk.
Michael
Original Author
8 years ago
Looks like there will be a workaround for getting vinyl sheeting on there, including removing drywall and replacing it with G1S plywood (the vinyl installer doesn't want green board) and using a special trim for the rounded drywall corners, and adding PVC casing to the deep window sill. Won't be cheap or quick, but cheaper than tile.
PRO
Christopher Nelson Wallcovering and Painting
8 years ago
quote" It is absolutely water impermeable". This I will just have to disagree with. I have worked with all types of wall coverings in 30 years and the seams will always be water permeable .As you said sealing the top and bottom would help, but.