How do I get rid of a water stain on the ceiling?

[Por_sha911]

Had a leak. Got it fixed. No mold so just a brown water stain.

Waited for it to dry and then I tried using Kilz primer but the majority of the stain just bled through. I tried laying the Kilz on heavier but after several attempts still no joy.

Calling all painters: what do you suggest? I read bleach but I'm thinking it is too late for that since it has several layers of Kilz.

[MRM]

Have you painted a layer of paint over the Kilz?

[sc_rufctr]

How big is the stain? Have you looked at it from inside the roof?

I'd leave it alone for a while and see if the stain get's any lighter. I suspect the "sheetrock" may not be fully dry from the leak.

[Por_sha911]

Just put a coat of ceiling paint on it. It is better but still showing through - just lighter than before.

[Roswell]

There are several variations of Kilz on the market. I bet you are using the newer water based low voc version. Try the oil based original. It is available in a spray can.

[legion]

1. Let it dry for a month before painting. You may even want to mark the edges of the stain with a marker to see if it is growing or staying the same.

2. Start with Kilz latex. If that doesn't work, try Kilz oil-based. If that doesn't work, try a shellac primer.

3. Apply ceiling paint.

[sammyg2]

Have you tried bleach?
I've used that on acoustic ceiling tiles ...

[dad911]

Interesting. I've never had Kilz not work. Still wet?

[LWJ]

Agree with Legion. Oil based is the ticket.

[cabmandone]

I did one coat of kilz and then just regular ceiling paint. Worked like a charm. The kilz is thing and doesn't cover well. Not sure it's really designed to cover. I think it just seals the spot and then you paint. I could be wrong.

[Ayles]

I would think if it got really wet I would cut out and patch it with a new piece of drywall and finish/paint.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Ayles

I would think if it got really wet I would cut out and patch it with a new piece of drywall and finish/paint.

I'd drink a 6 pack, cuss at it and then call someone to do the job.

[stevej37]

[Bill Douglas]

Oil based Zinsser Stain Block. NOT the water based stuff.

then a coat of ceiling paint.

[Bugsinrugs]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Oil based Zinsser Stain Block. NOT the water based stuff.

then a coat of ceiling paint.

Plus 1👌

[john70t]

Suggest using a big hole saw and spraying the inside a few times with 10 percent+ bleach solution over a couple weeks or months.
Take your time. No need to soak it and pop the drywall.
(The brown stains I assume is um from a toilet base wax ring gasket.)

Small hole patches can be fixed with one or two short 1x6 with at least a few inches overhang on both sides.
Attach plug to that. Lever it into place. A couple drywall screws on the sides no closer than 1.5" maybe.
Spackle.
Be warned the vinyl stuff doesn't sand and can leave a wavy mess when gooped on thick.
Don't be hasty, whatever you use. Also leave the primer a few days to cure.
A small bag of Easy Sand 45 or 60 needs to stirred well and rest first, and be applied with 10" or 12" trowel in a 14" square bucket. Done in thin layers it with the last very wet will need very little sanding.

[brainz01]

Agree with others: Oil based Kilz should cover it.

Also, Kilz makes a ceiling stain primer and paint in a can. My MIL bought some for an old water stain in one of her bedrooms. I had low expectations, but the stuff worked amazingly well for about 3 minutes of work on my part.

Was it as good as a fresh painted ceiling? No.
But it covered the stain and blended so well you really had to look for it.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Piling on now, water based Kilz sucks but oil based is the bomb. Many years ago I worked at a restoration company we used to spray entire house interiors with oil based Kilz wearing hazmat suits after fires.

[pavulon]

paint the rest of the ceiling brown.

[peppy]

Originally Posted by stevej37

I had to clean my computer after that!!