Mold is one of the most feared household problems. Not only does it damage the structure of your home, but it also brings on some dreadful health risks, especially for those who might be vulnerable to respiratory problems or weak immune systems. When you see mold, the first instinct is to look for a quick fix, and a common question homeowners ask is: “Can I just paint over it?” Painting over mold seems like an easy fix that will cost very little; however, such an approach may give rise to much greater problems. Let’s now dive deeper into why painting over mold is never a good idea and what you should do instead.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that grows in damp, humid environments. It can grow on various surfaces, including walls, ceilings, wood, and fabrics. Mold spores that land on moist surfaces begin to grow and spread, making unsightly stains and musty odors and, in extreme cases, causing structural damage.
There are thousands of mold species, ranging from the relatively innocuous Aspergillus and Cladosporium, which you’re more likely to see sprouting in your home, to Stachybotrys, also known as black mold, a much more toxic species. However, whatever type of mold you are dealing with, one common denominator applies-they all require moisture to live. That is why parts of your residence, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or any other water-ruined, poorly ventilated rooms, become ideal sites for mold growth.
What Happens If You Paint Over the Mold?
The stains will continue to be underneath the paint’s surface, and mold will almost certainly come back again if you do not remove all mold before painting over it. Mold is a fungus that roots deep into whatever organic material it grows upon, so cleaning it off the surface or simply painting over it won’t kill the mold rooting inside the drywall, wood, or carpet it’s on.
Why Painting Over Mold Is A Bad Idea
Painting over the mold may seem like an easy remedy, but it causes bigger problems in the long run. Mold has far more implications than just being aesthetic. It can destroy your home and pose serious health issues. Below are some crucial reasons why painting over mold is never a good idea and will do more harm than good.
It Does Not Solve the Problem
While painting over the mold might sound like a cool fix to hide those awful black, green, or brown spots on your walls, it still does not address the core problem. Mold can quickly proliferate wherever there is moisture; therefore, overcoating it with another layer of paint will not solve the moisture problem or remove the mold. In reality, paint can also temporarily seal it, but the mold growing underneath will continue to spread and worsen over time.
It Can Worsen the Situation in the Long Run
When you paint over mold without rectifying the moisture or removing the mold, it will keep growing. Growth will not stop just because it has been covered with some paint. It can scour away at the surface beneath the paint, causing peeling paint, bubbling walls, and structural breakdowns. When the mold grows beyond and accumulates behind or beneath surfaces, eradicating it is more difficult and costly. Moisture problems also migrate from one place to another, creating a more significant and dangerous infestation.
Increase Health Issues
Mold leads to serious health problems, especially for people who suffer from asthma, allergies, or immunosuppression. Though the layer of paint may cover the mold, mold spores easily become airborne and result in increased respiratory conditions, allergic reactions, and other unhealthy issues that might arise. Painting over mold does not eliminate these health risks, as it only covers them for a period.
Sometimes, painting over mold locks in the spores, allowing them to spread more viciously and increase throughout the house. The longer that passes before the mold is treated, the more likely it is to create health issues.
Paint Won’t Stick Well
Mold is why painting over mold never works. Mold creates a Layer That Paint Can’t Stick Properly To. Mold attacks the surface it is growing on, so paint struggles to adhere very well. Even when mold seems dry, it will cause paint to peel, flake, or bubble over time. This means that the effort you make a painting is for nothing and results in a much worse infestation when mold eventually resurfaces.
What You Should Do Instead of Painting Over Mold
Rather than covering it with paint, it is best to eliminate the problem and correct the situations sustaining its growth.
Correct the Moisture Source
Mold grows in damp places, so first, find the source of moisture and fix it. A water leaky pipe, bad ventilation, high humidity, or water damage are common culprits. This will eliminate the possibility of the returning mold being cleaned and removed perfectly. Ventilate better, use a dehumidifier, or seal up any leaks.
Clean and Remove Mold
Once the source of the moisture is corrected, remove the mold. Infestations as small as this can be scrubbed with water and detergent or effective cleaning products like bleach, vinegar, and mold-resistant primers like KILZ. Still, larger or more hazardous types, such as black mold, are best removed by experts specializing in mold remediation.
Professional mold removal involves using a special cleaning agent, HEPA vacuuming, and other techniques to eradicate mold from the contaminated area.
Use Mold-Resistant Paint
You can paint this area once you have cleaned off the mold and solved your moisture problem. But of course, you must first ensure the mold has been eradicated. For maximum protection, you might use a mold-resistant or antimicrobial paint. After cleaning, apply mold-resistant paint and a quality primer coat to create a strong barrier. These paints contain chemicals that repel the growth of mold and mildew on the walls. Mold-resistant paint doesn’t solve moisture problems but is a preventive measure in moisture-prone areas.
When To Hire A Professional
Most mold infestations are suitable for DIY projects, especially if the infestation is minor and superficial. However, if the infestation is widespread, has penetrated hidden areas, or the species is poisonous, call a professional. Remediation professionals are equipped with the right tools, steps, knowledge, and experience to undertake and remove mold without spreading it or worsening damage and make your space a mold-free home.
Always hire a professional if:
- The area of mold is greater than 10 square feet.
- The mold is located in your heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning system.
- You or a member of your household is experiencing some health effects that you suspect are caused by mold.
- The area of mold growth is not visible and accessible for testing, such as behind a wall and ceiling or under a floor.
Conclusion
Try painting it over with paint. It’s one of the easiest and fastest solutions, but it only serves as a temporary fix that could end up causing one more big problem. Mold is more than just aesthetic injury- it does real structural damage to your house and might even pose a health risk for your family. So, if you have a mold-related problem, you have to address the cause of the problem, clean up the dirt properly, and prevent it so it won’t happen again. If you still need to figure out how to handle a mold infestation, it is best to hire a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we paint over the mold with mold-resistant paint?
Mold-resistant paint can prevent new mold from growing, but it should only be applied over dead mold once it has been thoroughly eliminated. Painting over existing mold with mold-resistant paint will not solve the problem.
What health risks can a moldy house present?
Mold can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other health conditions, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Prolonged exposure usually manifests as health-compromising issues.
How do I prevent mold from coming back after cleaning?
Moisture control is the best prevention solution to prevent it from returning. Look for all the leaks, increase ventilation, utilize dehumidifiers in moist areas, and clean up regularly to discourage its growth.
What are the best cleaner products for mold in laundry rooms?
Some of the most effective mold-killing products include bleach, vinegar, and disinfectants. For tougher jobs, look into specialized options like KILZ or mold-resistant primers.
What safety gear should I use when cleaning mold?
When handling mold, always wear protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and eye protection. Use a brush, roller, and bucket, and ensure good ventilation with exhaust fans or open windows.