To effectively cover mold, you must use a specialized Mold Killing Primer followed by a high-quality Mildew-Resistant Topcoat. Never paint over active, untreated mold or water stains, as it will simply grow back through the new layers of paint.
You should never paint over active mold or mildew. Clean and treat the problem first, then repaint with high-quality, mildew-resistant products for long-lasting results.
Zinsser® Mold Killing Primer is a water-based EPA registered fungicidal protective coating that can be used to paint over and kill all existing mold, mildew, moss, fungi, odor causing bacteria and any other fungal organisms*.
Never paint directly over mold. Paint will not kill the mold, and the trapped fungus will eventually eat through, causing peeling and odors. Always kill and remove the mold first, apply a dedicated mold-killing primer, and finish with a high-quality, moisture-resistant paint.
Biocidal paints
The most common type of anti-mould paints, biocidal and fungicidal, prevent mould from returning by adding an anti-mould coating to a surface. Examples of these paints include Zinsser Perma-White Matt Mould Paint, Ronseal 6 Year Matt White Anti-Mould Paint and Wickes Mould Protect Emulsion Paint.
To kill mould permanently, you must combine chemical treatment with moisture control. Simply spraying or wiping mould with a biocide (like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or commercial sprays) kills the active fungi, but you must also fix the underlying moisture issue and use a Mold Inhibitor to prevent it from coming back.
Painting over mold does not seal it, nor does it kill the living mold spores. Paint merely conceals the discoloration temporarily. The mold will continue to grow beneath the paint—eventually causing bubbling, peeling, and ongoing health risks.
To permanently kill black mold, you must completely eliminate the underlying moisture source; otherwise, it will return. For total eradication, use targeted treatments like Concrobium Mold Control or distilled white vinegar to penetrate porous surfaces and destroy mold at the root.
Painting over mold does not kill it or solve the problem; it only temporarily conceals the aesthetic stain. Because mold is a living organism, it will continue to grow beneath the paint. Eventually, the mold will push through the paint, causing it to bubble and peel, while allowing hazardous spores to keep circulating.
Summer: Peak Mold Growth Season
Summer is by far the worst time of year for mold growth. Warm air holds more moisture, and when combined with poor ventilation, it creates an ideal environment for mold colonies to thrive indoors.
Paint is porous, allowing mold spores and fungal growth to continue thriving. Mold growth often returns in a few months, appearing through the paint as stains, bubbles, or peeling. Ignoring proper mold removal increases the risk of health issues and deeper damage to your walls, ceiling, or home's exterior.
The key to mould prevention is keeping air moisture to a minimum. Dry any condensation that may be gathering on your walls, ceiling and windowsills. Dehumidifiers can also help to remove moisture from the air. Try to keep your bathroom and kitchen door shut tightly and open your windows while cooking.
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. As a primer, Mold Killing Primer must be top coated.
Clean and sanitize surfaces prior to painting whether mildew is visible or not. For interiors, wash walls thoroughly using the 3:1 household bleach solution. Home exteriors can be power washed using the same solution. Thoroughly rinse surfaces after and allow to dry.
Black mold is a greenish-black fungus that can grow beneath surfaces and can pose health risks over time. Mildew is a surface-level fungus that looks flat and powdery and is generally easier to clean and less harmful.
When mold has been painted over, it can start to show through the paint. It often looks like stains on the wall that take on a yellow or brown color. You'll likely notice these stains through light-colored paint or on the ceiling.
No, you should never paint directly over black mold. Paint is not a cleaner or a permanent sealer; the mold will continue to grow underneath, eventually bubbling, peeling, and resurfacing through the new coat of paint.
The timeline for getting sick from mold exposure varies significantly. It depends entirely on your sensitivity, any pre-existing conditions you may have, and the amount of mold present.
Treated surfaces and drywall have been found to resist growth, even when wet. While it may seem like a good idea to have such surfaces everywhere, they are not 100% effective. If there is too much wetness, like a leaking pipe, there are chances that it will eventually grow around it.
Mix one teaspoon of baking soda along with two cups of water and shake in a spray bottle. When thoroughly dissolved spray the solution onto the mold and scrub with a brush. Repeat if necessary.
Mold toxicity (or exposure) occurs when inhaling or touching mold spores or airborne mycotoxins. The most common warning signs include persistent, allergy-like symptoms, chronic fatigue, and respiratory issues. If symptoms worsen indoors and you notice a musty odor, your home or workspace may be the culprit.
Yes, black mold can be completely eliminated through proper professional remediation techniques. The key is identifying all contaminated materials, using appropriate removal methods, and addressing moisture sources to prevent recurrence.
Equipment Used in Mold Remediation
Air scrubbers play a crucial role and filter out mold spores from the air, ensuring a cleaner environment. HEPA vacuums are also vital, adeptly removing mold particles from surfaces. To detect hidden mold, we use moisture meters, pinpointing damp areas prone to mold growth.
In A Nutshell: Misconceptions About Mold
Your home can be 100% mold-free: No, there are always mold spores in the air. Anyone can effectively remove mold: No, you need professional services for that.
No, you should never paint directly over active mold with Kilz. Kilz is a stain-blocking primer, but it does not kill or remove mold. Painting over it traps the mold, allowing it to grow underneath the paint, spread, and release harmful spores.