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Q: I just discovered mold on the walls of my bedroom. What’s the best way to get rid of it? Can I paint over mold?
A: Painting over mold can cover up dark spots where mold is growing, but it won’t eliminate the problem. Mold is a fungus that thrives where there is enough moisture to support its growth. Using mildew resistant paint prevents the growth of mildew, but it won’t kill it once it begins to grow. You can paint over mold, but it will always reappear if you don’t stop it in its tracks. Mold can cause serious respiratory problems for your family and pets. Before taking steps to clean up and kill mold, identify where the excess moisture is coming from and take steps to deal with it. Contact a professional to remedy the mold problem if it is growing in a continuously damp area or if the mold covers a large area.
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Painting over mold will not destroy mold or prevent it from growing.
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If you’re just painting over mold, you’re not solving the problem. It’s a quick fix for covering up ugly stains, but it won’t fix the problem at the source. If you paint over mold, the paint will peel, flake and bubble, a sign that mold is still growing underneath. Painting over it will only prolong the problem and hide it for a short time.
Mold can be a health risk to family members (and pets).
Mold is a moisture-loving fungus. Mold growth usually appears as gray, brown, or black spots, but it can also be white, green, orange, or pink. Mold spreads quickly with airborne spores. When humans or animals inhale these spores, they can cause serious respiratory problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold can cause many different health problems. Some symptoms of mold exposure are stuffy nose, sore throat, rash, wheezing, coughing, and burning eyes. People who are immunocompromised or have allergies or chronic lung disease are at even greater risk when exposed to mold. That’s why it’s essential to understand why mold grows and get rid of it as quickly as possible.
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Mildew resistant paint and primers only work proactively.
Some paints and primers advertise that they kill mold if you paint over any growth that appears in your home. These paints and primers only prevent mold growth after the mold has been successfully cleaned and destroyed to prevent regrowth. A moisture or mildew resistant primer is important when painting high humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms. These paints are primers that can also be useful if you live in a humid climate.
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Remove the mold before painting and make sure the surface is clean and dry.
When it’s time to deal with mold, be sure to wear protective gear such as a respirator, gloves, and eye protection. Some people prefer to use a mixture of bleach and water to spray on mold to kill it. It works on the surface, but it doesn’t kill mold growing deep in drywall or wood. Vinegar penetrates deeper than bleach, so it’s a more effective mold killer. Spraying the mold with vinegar and saturating the area will treat the root of the problem. Remember never to mix bleach and vinegar as it creates poisonous gas. There are also fungicide products that you can purchase and apply to the areas. If the mold is extensive or recurring, contact a mold remediation professional.
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Once the mold is removed, use a moisture-resistant primer or paint, especially in areas like the bathroom.
Once the mold is removed, it’s time to choose a high-quality moisture- or mildew-resistant primer. These primers are not mold killers, but they will prevent future mold growth and prevent any stains from showing through. After applying the primer, paint the area with two coats of water-repellent semi-gloss or satin paint. If you feel overwhelmed by mold in your home or have a pre-existing respiratory or immune problem, call a professional with the experience and knowledge to remove and clean up mold.
Some jobs are best left to the pros
Get free, no-obligation estimates from mold remediation experts near you.
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