Unfortunately, mold is not uncommon within households throughout the United States. Various leaks or other moisture issues in a home can lay a breeding ground for this particularly harmful substance. Mold can stain walls, putting a major damper on the aesthetics of a room. More importantly, if not properly treated, mold can present serious health risks to you and your family.
Simply painting over mold stains is not going to remedy the problem. You must take a few extra steps that you might bypass when preparing a normal wall for paint.
Here are the extra steps to consider when painting over mold stains.
Identify and Repair the Source: Unless you fix the source of the problem, mold stains are going to continue coming back. Before you get any of your painting equipment out, figure out what is causing the mold and repair it.
Use Bleach and Water: You do not have to order special chemicals to disinfect the mold on your walls — the solution might be under your kitchen sink already. While it does not disinfect all types of mold, a simple mixture of bleach and water gets the job done in most cases. Spray the mixture on the stain and wipe it away. Continue this process until you have come as close as you can to eliminating the stain.
Repair Any Damage: If the mold damaged the wall in any way, use spackle to repair it.
First Apply A Primer: It is especially important to use a stain-covering primer before you start painting over mold stains. This ensures that the discoloration left over will not show through the finished product. Apply one or two coats of the primer.
Paint: Once you have taken those measures, you can go about painting your walls per usual. You can purchase some paints that have special mold-fighting ingredients in them for added protection.
Find Local Painters
This is all old news to professional painters, who make a living finding the most effective ways to make your home’s paint job look flawless. If you would rather hire someone for the job, try seeking out a reputable painter through TalkLocal. We will connect you with the right professional directly, in just minutes.
