Paint in the cellar not drying

[Oneeyedvic]

We have just had our cellar converted into a bit of a nicer area. The floor has been dug up and a damp proof course has been put down. The walls have been mainly untouched and have rendering on them.

8 days ago I put some spare magnolia emulsion over them (just as a base coat) thinking that I could then paint over it.

Unfortunately, the bottom half off the wall (about 3 foot from floor) has not dried properly and is damp to the touch.

So do I now scrub off the existing paint (and what do I use to scrub the paint off?) and do I need to prep the surface with anything or should I just paint using an external paint?

Any advice appreciated.

[RATTER15]

assuming the floor was damp proofed due to damp problems, you say the walls are largely untouched, is the dampness at the same level as the ground level outside. treating the floor will not stop the walls from suffering from rising or penetrating damp.

[RATTER15]

Rising damp doesnt travel above 3ft so that is a good indication of your problem.

[RATTER15]

Tanking is best treatment for penetrating damp, I would recommend that this kind of treatment is carried out by professional, there is a high failure rate of DIY tanking, I used to do the work and we came across so many DIY failures!!