DIY Waterproofing Basement Walls

To Tutorial

Do you have spots on your basement walls that need to be waterproofed? We had this issue in the corner closet and decided to try out how to do our DIY waterproofing. Learn how to help waterproof cinderblock in your basement using MasterSeal 581.

before closet that needs waterproofing with arrow showing after craft closet.

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My husband regularly works with concrete and cinderblock construction. He knew the exact product we would need to use to do this ourselves. Just note that if you have a lot of water damage, you may need to call in a professional for the best waterproof protection.

In this post, we will talk about how to use MasterSeal 581 and MasterEmaco A660 in order to improve your basement walls.

Why did we need to waterproof?

We had concrete masonry units (CMU/Cinderblocks) in our basement that needed a new coating of waterproofing. Therefore, we chose to use these products to help create a waterproof barrier. You can see how we were able to use a waterproofer on our walls as one of the projects in our DIY basement remodel.

Who should use MasterSeal 581 and MasterEmaco A660?

This product is best for people who aren’t afraid of a little DIY. We definitely felt that this product was worth purchasing. You will need a few tools in order to use this product successfully.

Masterseal 581 and MasterSeal Emaco A 660

If you don’t want to try to pay a huge waterproofing company, then this product may help you. One thing to note, if you are having major water damage issues, then you need to find out why this happening. Don’t just use Masterseal 581 to put a bandaid on the problem.

Recommended Supplies

5-gallon bucket
Masonry Brush
Wire Brush
Drop cloth
9 Amp Corded Spade Handle Mixer
Masterseal 581
MasterEmaco A660

Note: You can always rent the spade handle mixer from Home Depot, Lowe’s or your local hardware or rental supply store.

DIY Waterproofing Step-By-Step Tutorial

There are detailed instructions from the MasterSeal 581 datasheet on how to use mix this product. You can see how we followed those steps.

Step 1: Clean Cinderblock

Use a wire brush to remove extra loose pieces on your cinderblock wall.

Use a wire brush to clean cinderblock in basement

Step 2: Pour Liquid Into Powder

Follow mixing instructions to get the proper measurements or powder (Masterseal 581) with diluted liquid (water + Masterseal Emaco A 660).

Slowly add the liquid to the powder and mix in a 5-gallon bucket.

Step 3: Use Spade Mixer

Here is the consistency you are striving for.

Mixing Masterseal products to waterproof basement

Step 4: Get Even Consistency

You are going for a thick pancake batter pictured below. Make sure to fully mix both parts together.

Mixed Masterseal 581 and Masterseal Emaco A 660

Step 5: Apply To Walls

Let it sit, then use a masonry brush to apply to the walls.

Masonry Brush Applying Waterproofing on CInderblock in Basement

Pros

This product is pretty easy to apply. Once the product is mixed, you are able to apply it rather quickly.
The white color may not even need to be painted, depending on where you are putting the waterproof material.
Great for fixing some areas in your basement. This is way less expensive than having a company come and do this for you.

Cons

This product requires a few extra tools for mixing.
MasterSeal 581 mixed with MasterEmaco A660 is slightly messy to apply. For our basement closets, this wasn’t that big of a deal as we weren’t so attached to keeping the floor clean.
You have to work quickly when applying the mixture before it will dry.

Alternative Waterproofing Materials

When selecting a product, consider factors such as the extent of water intrusion, the condition of the walls, and the specific needs of your project. It may be helpful to consult with a local hardware store or a professional in waterproofing to determine the best product for your specific situation.

Finished closet after using Masterseal products

How-To FAQs

What is MasterSeal 581?

MasterSeal 581 (Formerly Thoroseal)is a non-fibrate, water-based bitumen emulsion powder product that mixes with MasterEmaco A660 in order to help waterproof a basement. The finished film makes a vapor-proof barrier.

Can I waterproof cinderblock walls myself, or do I need to hire a professional?

Waterproofing cinderblock walls can be done by yourself, but it also depends on your skill level and comfort with DIY projects. If you have experience working with construction materials and following instructions, you can likely tackle the task yourself. If you have large amounts of water or unsure where the leaks are coming from then hiring a professional is probably best.

What are some signs that my basement walls may require waterproofing?

Your basement walls may need waterproofing if you notice water stains, mold, mildew or marks on the walls. A musty smell is also a sign of too much moisture in the basement. Sometimes, you might also see a white powdery substance on the walls, which means water is coming through. Cracks, peeling, or bubbling paint on the walls can also indicate you need to waterproof your walls. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to get your basement walls waterproofed to prevent further damage and keep your basement dry and safe.

How much footage will be covered with the 50 lb. bag of MasterSeal 581?

For our closet touch-ups, we used one 50 lb bag with the proper diluted Master Emaco A660 mixture. According to the website, one 50 lb. bag mixed will cover 225 ft squared-450 ft squared depending on how thick you apply the base or topcoat.

What does this Masterseal do?

Masterseal 581 when mixed with MasterEmaco A660 makes a vapor barrier. We used this product to help fixed cinderblocks in our basement. I am sure it would work to coat new cinderblocks, but we used it to repair cinderblocks in our basement wall.