Can you just paint over mold?

Author: Geovany Herman  |  Last update: Sunday, June 8, 2025

Expert Tip: If you have mold on your walls , do not paint over it. This will only cause it to grow more underneath the paint. Instead, get rid of the mold before priming and painting. Painting Repaired Drywall Using a primer on repaired drywall is crucial for achieving a smooth, seamless finish.

What happens if you just paint over mold?

In short: If you paint over active mold, you not only just spread mold around your house, but also make it impossible for you to see how much mold is growing in the original spot! So if you have active mold, painting over it is not a good idea.

How do you treat mold before painting?

To remove mold before painting a wall, start by cleaning the affected area with a solution of water and bleach (1:1 ratio). Scrub the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. Afterward, use a mold-resistant primer to prevent further growth before applying paint.

Does mold killing primer really work?

While mold killing primers can be effective at preventing the growth of mold in a moist area, your best bet is to get rid of the mold by cutting out affected areas in a completely contained location.

What paint can you put over mold?

After priming, use a mold-resistant paint for the topcoat. Zinsser Perma-White Interior Paint is a good option because it's specifically designed to resist mold and mildew in high-humidity areas like bathrooms. It's also available in a semi-gloss or satin finish, which can make cleaning easier.

Can you paint over mold?

How to get rid of mold on walls permanently?

How to Clean Mould on Walls in Three Steps
  1. Mix one part bleach to four parts water.
  2. Wipe and gently scrub the mould until it is gone.
  3. Finish by wiping away the bleach mixture and dry the area well with a soft cloth.

What are the symptoms of mold exposure?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

What happens if you paint over mold with Kilz?

If the moldy surface is not properly cleaned before priming with KILZ® Mold & Mildew, it will likely continue to grow underneath the paint and eventually come back out through paint that cracks or peels or through the back of the wall or surface, especially if it remains damp or wet.

Which is better, Kilz or Zinsser?

Original Kilz Primer allowed more seep through when put in two coats to two different walls in the same area, whereas Zinsser provided superior coverage.

What is the best solution to clean mold?

Chemical or Natural Mold Cleaners
  • Use undiluted white vinegar on hard surfaces in kitchens and baths. Apply it directly to the mold.
  • Make a bleach solution to kill mold. Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water. ...
  • Mix a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water. Spray on the surface.

Can mold grow under paint?

It's feasible that mold can grow underneath paint coatings and put your family's health at risk, especially if the mold is inside your home.

What spray gets rid of mold?

Clorox Plus Tilex Pro Results Mold and Mildew Stain Remover eliminates the stains you can't stand. This stain remover is a ready to use foam action spray that strips tough mold and mildew stains from indoor and outdoor surfaces. It is designed to remove tough mold and mildew stains without damaging most surfaces.

What is the best mould treatment before painting?

Remove all visible mould before painting using a suitable cleaning solution such as Zinsser Mould Killer.

How to remove mold before painting?

Mix 2 spoons of dishwashing detergent, one cup of warm water, 20 drops of Oregano Oil and 20 drops of Thyme Oil. Dip one corner of your cloth into the solution and squeeze out excess. Wipe the mould off the surface. For stubborn stains you may choose to use a heavy duty scrubber or toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas.

Can you just cover up black mold?

Don't Paint Over Mold

You have to get rid of black mold properly because it can start to grow again, even if you think you got all of it. Mold will always thrive in spaces where there's moisture and humidity, so tackling those issues is your first defense in DIY mold removal.

What laundry detergent kills mold?

Remedy by CitriSafe Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent fights mold in clothing and bedding! CitriSafe is especially helpful for washing clothes worn during a mold clean-up job, but can be used for all your laundry needs.

Why do people use kilz before painting?

Kilz works to trap and seal odors, block stains, or even fill in porous surfaces. By doing so, it leaves a smooth base for fresh paint to go on smoothly and look its best.

Which kilz is best for mold?

KILZ® MOLD & MILDEW Primer is a water based primer-sealer-stainblocker that is specially designed for residential surfaces in high humidity, moisture and temperature environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, powder rooms and laundry rooms.

Does Zinsser primer prevent mold?

Zinsser Mold Killing Primer is used to paint over and kill all existing mold, mildew, moss, fungi, odor causing bacteria and any other fungal organisms, it does not prevent mold from growing on the top coat.

Is it okay to just paint over mold?

Conclusions. This wraps up our professional answer to the question, “Can I paint over mold?” You should not paint over a moldy area without having it professionally removed and cleaned first. Paint will not suffocate and kill the mold.

Is there a primer that kills mold?

Water-based Mold Killing primers serve as an alternative to solvent-based Mold Killing primers. If you're looking for a quick-drying Mold Killing primer, this is a great option. Since it's water-based, this Mold Killing primer can be easily removed from paint brushes.

How to remove mold from inside walls?

All affected areas should be cleaned first with an all-purpose cleaner and a bristle brush. You can then spray the area with a liquid biocide, or white vinegar. This is a chemical solution that kills the mold spores. A bleach solution is not recommended for cleaning, as it does not effectively kill all the mold.

Can mold behind walls make you sick?

It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.

What does a mold cough sound like?

The cough is typically dry and non-productive, meaning it doesn't bring up mucus. It is sometimes described as having a "barking" or "hacking" sound.

How to find hidden mold in your house?

Most often, a mold problem will be readily identified by a musty smell that becomes obvious in damp environments. Mold also likes to play hide and seek, so if you suspect there is a problem, then check under carpets, behind drywall, inside ductwork, in between bathroom tiles and in other moisture-prone areas.

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