Best Mold-Resistant Paint – Finding the Right Mold Prevention Paint

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Mold and mildew is a problem that can exist in an old or a new home, growing outdoors or indoors, and if not checked, can grow at a rapid pace. These microorganisms can affect your wellbeing and health as well as cause destruction to your house. Mold only requires three things to grow, which are oxygen, water, and natural organic matter. This problem is something that nobody wants to live with, so in this article, we will be showing you how to eliminate mold and mildew by using mold-killing primers together with mold-prevention paints.  

 

 

 

What is Mold?

Before we continue, we must understand what mold is. Mold is a living fungus that has many textures and looks like a stain, owing to the development of the spores. These spores are microscopic structures that are responsible for mold reproduction and are also around us in the air all the time. However, they are in such low quantities that they do not present any danger of being harmful to us as human beings.

The mold spores only become a problem when they gather in large numbers anywhere in our environment. This is the case when you have a significant growth of mold spores in your home, where there is a lot of moisture present, like in your bathroom, basement, or kitchen.

 

What Causes Mold to Grow?

For mold to grow it requires three main things which are oxygen, water or moisture, and natural organic matter.  Let us have a look at these three aspects and see if there is anything, we can do about them in our homes.

 

Are Mold Spores Harmful to Our Health?

Most of the mold that is produced in our homes does not present any serious health issues, as they are present in extremely low quantities. However, when they are found in large quantities, they can become a health risk. They can result in respiratory problems, allergies, sneezing, coughing, sore throats, and watery eyes.

Some forms of mold can be very harmful and dangerous for us as human beings as they produce mycotoxins. If you are exposed to a high level of these mycotoxins for a prolonged time, they can cause cancer, neurological issues and even result in death. These types of mycotoxins are not present in all molds and you will not be able to distinguish them from other forms of mold by visual inspection. Therefore, if you have mold anywhere, you must remove it as soon as you can to avoid any health problems.

 

Where in Our Homes Does Mold Grow?

We have seen that moisture plays an important part in the reproduction of mold, so anywhere where there is a high level of moisture is the perfect place for it to develop. These areas include the bathroom, basement, kitchen, laundry, storage rooms, and cupboards under the sink, greenhouse, and many other damp areas. So, we do suggest that you keep an eye on all of these areas, and as soon as you detect any mold deal with it immediately.

 

Precautionary Measures to Stop Mold Growth

Seeing that moisture is the main culprit, this where we should start. Eliminating the moisture will ensure that the mold growth is stopped. This means that if you have a water leak, it needs to be repaired first before you consider any other action. Here are some basic and easy methods for you to use in curbing this problem:

 

 

Mold Resistant Paint vs Mold Killing Paint

Please understand that mold will not go away just by applying a coat of paint over it, it has to be properly dealt with, which may even mean removing and replacing the drywall. When mold begins to reproduce, it will feed on things like wood and even paint and if not curbed will damage the structure of your house. This is why a coat of paint will not solve the problem.

 

Mold-Resistant Paints

Mold-resistant paints contain antimicrobial ingredients and high pH levels that are used to prevent the mold from growing and sticking to the paint, making it harder for the mold to spread. It does not kill the mold and it may continue to spread underneath the paint.

 

Mold-Killing Primer

The mold-killing Primers, on the other hand, not only offers resistance to the mold but kills it. It will kill any mold it comes into contact with but may not be able to remove the entire mold on a porous surface. The mold-killing primers are not designed to seal the mold in. You need to seal the mold stain before you start painting.

 

 

Best Mold Resistant Paints and Mold Killing Primers

We cannot stress enough that you as a homeowner need to tackle the very source of the mold in your bathroom or wherever it manifests. You need to try and stop it from spreading and producing future outbreaks. Even if you apply the paint, the mold will keep coming back if the source is not eliminated first. Mold-resistant paints contain antimicrobial agents that repel harmful bacteria and will keep your home safe from health issues. The correct mildew-proof paint can also help to prevent expensive repairs, and it will also last for many years.

 

Best Mold Killing Primer: RUST-OLEUM 276049 Mold Killing Primer

If you want to paint over some odor-causing bacteria like fungi, mold, or mildew, then the  RUST-OLEUM Mold Killing Primer is the answer. This primer has an antimicrobial formulation that prevents any fungal organism from growing on the paint film and also covers fungal stains.

This product is a water-based primer and once applied eliminates the old mildew, fungi, bacteria, or mold. This primer can be dry within 30 minutes, but we do recommend that you wait for about an hour before you apply your topcoat. This best mold-killing primer is white, but it will not show through any topcoat that you apply. It also leaves you with a smooth and full cover coating and will cover around 100 to 200 square feet.

 

Best Anti Mold Paint: ZINSSER Mold & Mildew-Proof Interior Paint

The Zinsser Mold Prevention Paint, or anti mildew paint, is excellent for mold and mildew that is prone to appear in the damp areas around your house like the bathroom. It is a water-based, low odor paint that is self-priming, and it is not necessary to sand your walls first before applying it.

The paint comes in pastel, off-white, and other light colors and does not require a top coat, which can be cost-saving. It will not peel or flake over time and only requires washing with some soap and water from time to time. The product also carries a lifetime guarantee. This paint is very fast drying and you will be able to use your shower within 24 hours, it is also an excellent option for high traffic areas.

 

Best Affordable Option: RUST-OLEUM 5001 Mold and Mildew-Proof Paint

The Rust-Oleum Mold and Mildew Proof Paint is specially designed to repel water, mildew, and mold. It is an oil-based paint with an extremely low odor and has proven to block 34PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) of water pressure. This mildew proof paint carries a lifetime guarantee for its antimicrobial properties and a five-year guarantee for its water-resistant claims.

It comes in a bright white color and leaves you with a smooth finish. The paint can be applied to dry as well as wet walls and masonry but is not recommended for floors. The paint will dry within the hour and does not require a primer. The white will not show through any topcoats applied. When applied one gallon of the paint will cover 100 square feet of the surface.

 

What to Look for When Purchasing Your Mold Resistant Paints

Purchasing paint is always a daunting task, as there are so many types and purposes for each kind. We would like to help you make the job a little easier. It is important to make the correct choice, as the paint is not cheap, and you do not want to buy something and find that it does not suit your particular situation. Here are some of the things you need to consider.

 

Type of Finish

The mold or mildew resistant paint also referred to as anti mildew paint, is supplied in various kinds of finishes. They each have different characteristics that would suit different types of surfaces. Here are some of the options and what surfaces they are most effective on.

 

Matt (Flat) Finish

With zero to ten percent gloss, it offers no reflection to light and is not suitable in places where there is little natural light. This finish is best suited for covering over patches or cracks. It is not as durable as other finishes and is also not easy to keep clean, so it needs to be applied in areas that are dry and where there is low people traffic. The finish works well on ceilings where nobody touches it as well as in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, and is not recommended for use in bathrooms and toilets due to its low water resistance.

 

Eggshell Finish

The eggshell finish also has a low reflection to light, from 10 to 25 percent gloss, and is suitable for wooden furniture or rustic-style walls. It is slightly more durable than the matte finish and also offers more low water resistance but is easier to keep clean.

 

Satin Finish

This finish has a reflection rate of 20 to 25 percent gloss and is also more durable than the other finishes. It is slightly more durable and also easier to keep clean with a slight gloss finish it offers the same uses as the above two finishes. It is a paint that works well in high traffic areas and is also effective outdoors. However, it fails to hide any imperfections as the matte and eggshell finishes do.

 

Semi or Low Gloss Finish

This is a more popular mold paint, as it has a reflection rate to the light of 35 to 75 percent gloss and is, therefore, suitable for areas with high or low moisture levels. However, it does not hide the imperfections as the above finishes do. It is a lot more durable and, therefore, suitable for high traffic areas and can be used indoors or outdoors. It is also easy to keep clean and is suitable for use in the bathroom, kitchen, toilet, or any area where there is a high moisture level.

 

High Gloss Finish

This type of finish has a reflection rate to the light of 70 to 100 percent gloss, is easy to keep clean, and is suitable to be applied anywhere in your home. It is perfect for use on woodwork, trims, cabinets, kitchens, bathrooms, and even in areas outside. Unfortunately, it has zero imperfection hiding qualities and is therefore recommended to be applied by a professional for the best results.

 

Color

You may not consider this an important aspect, but to paint your bathroom with the correct matching color makes all the difference. When choosing a color for your mold prevention paint, it is important to see how much light enters the room. So, a room that has a lot of light entering it would look great with a cool or warm color, but in a darker room the colors will show up darker. Remember, paint cards never give you the correct shade of how the paint will look on your walls. Rather get a small sample of the paint first and try it out on your wall to see what it looks like.

 

Types of Mold Resistant Paint

So, you want to paint your bathroom and you know the surfaces have to deal with a lot of moisture. Choosing the correct mold paint is important to a successful outcome when it comes to mold. As you can see so far, there are quite a few aspects you have to consider when purchasing paint, and the type of paint is just as important. You do not want to select paint, pay the price, and do all the work applying, only to find out it does not work. There are two main choices when it comes to paint, but there is only one that is suitable for areas that have to deal with moisture every day.

 

Enamel Paint

There are two options when buying enamel paint and they are water or oil-based enamel paint. When you are considering buying enamel paint for your bathroom or basement, it is preferable to buy water-based enamel paint. Water-based enamel paints dry quickly when compared to oil-based paints and there are also a lot fewer fumes. It is also easier to clean-up afterward by using water, whereas oil-based enamel paints need to be cleaned using paint thinners.

 

Acrylic Paint

Some people struggle choosing between acrylic or enamel paint for applying to bathroom walls. Acrylic paint has many advantages, such as it is water-based and easy to clean up, it is also non-toxic, dries quickly, and is exceptionally durable, but it is not a good paint for mold on your bathroom walls.

Once it has dried, it leaves you with a matte finish which can easily attract dirt and dust and is only good for your bathroom ceiling. Acrylic paints are influenced by moisture and that makes them unsuitable for your bathroom walls. We, therefore, conclude that acrylic or water-based paints are not suitable for bathrooms and you should only use enamel paints.

 

Price

When buying paint, do not always buy the most expensive paint or the paint that looks fancy. There are paints out there that are not too expensive and yet they will give you the best results. Expensive does not always mean the best quality.

 

Quality

A good quality product is the only criteria to consider when purchasing paint. You can always obtain a small sample of the paint to try out before buying. Remember, painting is like a good investment, as it will give you great pleasure for many years if it is the right quality.

 

VOC Levels

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are gases or fumes that the paint emits, it can have a strong odor and can be harmful to your health. So, we recommend, if possible, that you rather choose a paint that has a low or zero VOC level. This is where it is vitally important to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before buying your paint.

The high VOC level paints do not only have a strong odor or harmful fumes, but they may also contain other dangerous substances. Check the instructions on the tin and if it states ‘non-toxic’ or ‘natural’ on the package, it is safe to buy. Make sure the paint does not have any more solvents or additives that can be dangerous.

 

 

How to Fix Your Mold on Walls or Ceilings

If you have discovered signs of mold on your ceilings or walls, it is more than surface mold and probably goes into or even behind the walls. In cases like these, applying paint will not guarantee the mold will be removed, it will be better if you cut out the affected area and replace it. However, if the mold is only on the surface, it is easy to remove completely. We will now be giving you a step-by-step tutorial on the process you should follow.

 

Protect Yourself and Your Family

With this process remember that safety comes first. Take necessary safeguards like using protective gear like a respirator to prevent breathing in any mycotoxins or spores. You can also wear rubber gloves and protective clothing. Then make sure you use a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in your Air Conditioner to protect your home from the spores which tend to escape into your home when disturbed.

 

Wash the Wall or Ceiling

Take a wet cloth and wipe the surface of the wall or ceiling removing any debris or dirt, as well as most of the mold stain that you can clean off. Make sure the surface is clean so the paint will be able to stick to the surface properly.  Next, allow the area to dry out completely as the paint will not be effective if applied to a wet wall or ceiling.

Please do not try using bleach to remove the mold, as it is a deadly substance and can even make the problem worse. Bleach does not kill the entire mold stain, as it cannot penetrate all of the pores of the walls or ceilings and the mold will return in these areas.

 

Prime the Wall or Ceiling

Apply the mold killing primer, making sure you get right into all the corners where the wall meets the ceiling and the floor. This will destroy the mold and stop any future growth. If you notice that the primer has not sealed the mold completely, give it another coat as the mold must be completely sealed. Then let the antimicrobial properties do their job. Allow the primer chance to dry for about 24 hours before proceeding any further.

 

Apply the Paint

After you are sure the primer is properly dry, you can apply the mold resistant paint to your walls or ceilings. Do not use regular paint as it will give any new mold a good surface to adhere to and the mold growth will come back. The mold resistant paint works the same as the best mold killing primer, as antimicrobial properties have been added, giving it the ability to prevent any further mold growth. The paint should dry for about a day before you carry on.

When working in the bathroom or basement where there is a lot of moisture, do not use the room for at least a day or two, even if the paint appears to be dry. If you do and you raise the moisture or humidity levels in the room by taking a shower, it could soften the paint and your whole process could be in jeopardy.

 

 

Benefits of Using Mold Paint in the Bathroom

Read through these benefits of mold paint, also referred to as anti mold paint. You can then decide if it is the way you want to go in tackling your mold problem. You will soon discover that applying mildew resistant paint is the best way to go.

Antifungal Benefits

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can You Paint Over Mold?

The answer to this question is complicated, as it all depends on how bad the mold is, and what type of paint you want to use. It is no good painting over the mold with mold resistant paint, as this will not get rid of the problem. If you are going to use a mold killing primer, then the answer is yes, as it will kill the mold.

 

Can Mold Killing Primer Kill Black Mold?

There are various kinds of mold and this is the most dangerous of them all. Because of this, you need to be careful when buying paint for black mold. Make sure you buy the brand that is the strongest and is specially designed to remove black mold.

 

Is it Necessary to Prevent Mold?

Yes, because mold is dangerous and toxic and can be harmful to your health. Furthermore, if you do not take any precautionary measures to prevent the mold, it could cost you a lot of money for repairs.

 

Where Does Mold Grow?

Mold needs oxygen, moisture, and natural organic matter to grow, so it can grow anywhere where these properties exist like bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and many other areas.

 

Is There a Paint for Mildew in the Bathroom?

The best paint to use in your bathroom is water-based enamel paint that has a semi-gloss or satin finish.

 

Mold is a dangerous substance that can affect your health but can also cause damage to your home that could be quite expensive to repair. This is why we try and encourage people to tackle the problem as soon as it is detected. Also, try to follow certain precautionary measures to prevent it from happening. Whatever paint brand you choose, we wish you happy painting and many years of mold-free living.