Putting Lipstick on a Pig?

This second bath in one of my rentals has been an eyesore.  It has cement block walls that always look dingy.  It’s in an otherwise decent basement that has a nice living area and extra room next to it.

I did a little research and came up with a product that might take care of the problem permanently … swimming pool paint!  Actually, it’s not really paint.  It’s a rubberized coating that applies like paint, and totally seals the walls.

It sounded like a great idea, and the guy at the pool store thought it would work well.  It’s the consistency of paint and you apply it with a roller and a brush, just as you would paint.  Fortunately, I only needed one gallon, because the stuff is costly … about $70/gallon.

Here’s a photo of the can:  It’s called Smart Seal SR Pro 7.

Here’s the “after” picture: what a transformation, right?  I’d definitely recommend this product.  HOWEVER, this stuff is really toxic!  I had to wear a mask — which I hate doing — to be able to tolerate being in the area long enough to get the job finished.  And also, Smart Seal is an oil-base product, so I bought cheap a roller sleeve, pan and trim brush, and threw all of it away when I was finished.

Now the bath looks presentable, and I can charge appropriate (higher) rent!

I’m always looking for inexpensive updates I can do at my rentals … things that will make them more attractive to applicants without costing me an arm and a leg.

Inexpensive updates, attractive results, coupled with attentive landlording … a win/win for everyone!