Can You Paint Over Mold?
Suppose you notice a suspicious green or black spot slowly spreading on a wall inside your home. You might assume that mold or mildew is growing on its surface. You might also think that painting over the spot will resolve the issue, but can you paint over mold?
Technically, you can paint over any surface regardless of its condition. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll address the actual problem. Continue reading to learn why our experienced painters in Colorado Springs don’t recommend painting over mold-stained walls.
Recognizing Signs of Mold
Multiple types of mold can grow inside a home. Some are more dangerous than others. However, all mold thrives in dark, damp conditions, so colonies can quickly spread and damage multiple surfaces.
What are the most common kinds of mold that affect drywall, tiles, and other surfaces inside a house? They include:
- Black mold: This variety produces dark green or black stains with a slimy texture. Unfortunately, it produces mycotoxins, which can cause serious health complications.
- Alternaria mold: You’re likely to find traces of this fungus in damp environments like kitchens, basements, and showers. They create dark brown or green splotches.
- Aspergillus mold: Like black mold, this variety also produces dangerous mycotoxins. Its appearance varies between black, yellow, green, and white.
Can Paint Treat a Mold Problem?
Can you paint over mold? Although you can, you shouldn’t do it.
Painting over a mold-infested wall doesn’t treat the problem. It simply provides a cosmetic fix for unsightly stains.
The mold will continue growing under the new coat of paint. Eventually, the stains will penetrate the new layer, which repeats the problem you tried to resolve. The paint will develop spots and may crack or peel, ultimately damaging the appearance of your walls.
The Problem With Painting Over Mold
Mold growth isn’t just an unattractive stain. This living organism seeks out water. Paint contains water, so applying it over underlying mold growth will simply feed the fungus.
You may notice a temporary change in how the growth affects your health and your home’s appearance. However, the symptoms and cosmetic damage will return without proper remediation.
Mold-Resistant Paints for Fungal Growths
Can you paint over mold using a mold-resistant paint or primer? Mold-resistant paints and primers can help slow the spread of fungal colonies. However, they won’t kill the organisms or address the underlying cause of their formation.
These products contain antimicrobial additives. They help prevent mildew and mold at a surface level, but the residual growth remains. Spores will continue to spread through the pores of the drywall, potentially weakening the building material.
Mold remediation is the most effective way to eliminate mold, not paint. Moisture control is also essential. You must locate and address the source of the moisture that’s feeding the growth and sanitize affected surfaces.
The Correct Way To Paint Over Mold
If you have an infested wall and want to refresh it with interior paint, there is a right way to do it. First, you must kill the mold by scrubbing affected surfaces with a mixture of water and bleach or water and vinegar. That way, you can minimize the risk of a recurring issue.
In some cases, professional mold remediation may be necessary. You may also need to add a dehumidifier to humid rooms or repair leaky pipes. These steps will prevent excessive moisture from accumulating inside your home.
Once you take those steps, do the following:
- Prepare the walls: Ensure you clean and dry all surfaces before applying anything to your walls.
- Apply a moisture-resistant primer: Although they won’t treat mold, mold-resistant primers can lower the risk. The primer also ensures the paint will stick to the wall and prevent bold colors from seeping through the new layer.
- Apply the right paint: When painting a mold-prone surface, it’s best to avoid the oil-based varieties. They contain ingredients that promote mold growth. Stick to water-based and latex paints, which prove more resistant to fungal growth.
Refresh Your Home Interior With a Fresh Paint Job
Can you paint over mold? Painting over mold isn’t advisable without first addressing the source of the problem and removing the growth from surfaces. Proper surface preparation and stain-blocking primers can minimize the risk of recurring issues on mold-prone walls.
Look no further than RD Construction, LLC, for the best interior and exterior painting services in Colorado Springs. Our experienced technicians will take great care in preparing your house for a fresh coat of paint. Rest assured that our professionals won’t simply paint over mold.
Ready to get started? Contact us today at (719) 233-7344 to schedule an appointment.