Why are we getting water marks on ceiling after repainting?

Hi Mary Anne,

Could be a couple of reasons...

You might have a leak above your ceiling.

The ceiling may need to be painted with a product called Kilz to block anything from bleeding though.

You might also need to put a layer of primer to block the water marks.

Best to you.

Did you seal before you painted? It's best to use a product like Kilz over any water marks before proceeding to paint. Even though many paints are sold as "paint & primer in one" but they don't have what it takes to prevent bleed through. Also, Kilz has a mildew inhibitor which is great for water issues.

What room? If bathroom or other high humidity room, then water is condensing on the ceiling. Run fans during bath/shower. Maybe you have a roof leak or high humidity in attic that isn't being exhausted.

You may have a leak or condensation but definitely use kilz it comes in oil base and water base and also both have primer and paint in one I have used them several times and have never had a bleed through issues later. I did have a new issue that was easy to determine as new because the area was WET reappearing areas are dry and ugly

Thanks guys this bathroom has been in the same place since the 20's. We have panited before but this time after a couple showers we see drop lets???

Since this is an old home, is there a ventilation fan? Many much older home don't have one unless it was added later because most had tubs and no showers. If not, this likely your problem and will continue to occur without proper ventilation. I had to do this in my 100 year old house when adding a shower.