- 1). Use a shop vacuum or other heavy-duty vacuum cleaner to remove all dirt and debris from the basement floor. Sweep the basement floor clean with a broom and dustpan. The surface of the floor should be as smooth and clean as possible before applying the waterproofing materials.
- 2). Prime the basement floor according to the instructions on the basement waterproofing material. Each type of basement waterproofing system uses its own primer, so pay careful attention to the instructions provided. Allow the primer coat to dry for the recommended period of time before proceeding.
- 3). Mix the basement waterproofing material according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use the mixture to patch any holes, seams or cracks in the basement floor. Allow the material to dry completely before sealing the rest of the floor.
- 4). Apply an even coat of the basement waterproofing material to the entire surface of the floor. Use the thickness recommended by the manufacturer and apply the number of coats specified by the maker of the product. Some products require that you apply two or three coats for optimal results, while others require that you apply only a single coat.
- 5). Use a trowel to apply the waterproofing mixture to the corners of the basement floor. Concentrate on the area where the basement wall meets the floor. This is where the water pressure is greatest and the risk of leaks is highest.
- 6). Apply the waterproofing mixture to the basement floor itself with a long handled roller. You can purchase these rollers at most home improvement centers, and the waterproofing kit you purchase might already include a roller applicator.
Source...