Painting Over Mold: Is It a Good Idea?

Comments 0 | 2020 Jan 07 | Author John Ward

Have you noticed unsightly, dangerous mold growing in your home?

If so, it’s human nature to want to cover it up as soon as possible. That means you might be considering grabbing the can of extra paint from the attic and painting right over it!

While this might seem like an ideal short-term fix, the reality is that painting over mold does nothing to solve the issue, and can actually make it worse.

Today, we’re sharing why this route is never a good idea, and why it pays to let a professional, licensed mold company likes ours take the reins instead.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started!

Should You Paint Over Mold?

The short answer? No.

While no one wants to see black or green spots climbing all over their pristine surfaces, deciding to paint over mold is like putting a Band-Aid on a gaping, infected wound. You might hide the problem temporarily, but it won’t be long before you’re right back where you started.

This means it’s even longer before you truly address the core cause of the mold. Instead of spinning your wheels and wasting your time, it’s best to devote this energy and focus toward pinpointing where the mold originated and the best ways to resolve it for good.

What Happens If You Paint Over Mold?

It’s important to remember that mold isn’t dirt, nor is it a stain. It isn’t something you can wash away with a little soap or water and expect to remediate for good. Along the same lines, it’s not a problem you can tackle with a few coats of paint, either.

When you paint over mold, you might enjoy a clean, new surface for a little while. Then, signs of the growth underneath will begin to reappear. After all, mold is a living microorganism. As a fungus, it doesn’t mind the paint. It will continue to thrive and multiply right before your eyes, rendering your efforts utterly fruitless.

Think about it: The discoloration you’re already seeing from the mold is due to the chemical reaction it’s currently having with your painted surface. Why would painting over it again make any difference?

Can You Paint Over Mold to Kill It?

While it would certainly be convenient, painting over mold won’t kill it.

In fact, it won’t even phase it.

It will continue to form and spread underneath the new, fresh coat. Soon, you’ll see the telltale signs of its presence once again!

Is KILZ or Other Similar Paint Effective Against Mold?

Of course, even though it’s unwise to paint over mold, there is still an entire industry devoted to selling you on the idea of effectiveness.

For instance, you might have seen a line of paint called KILZ advertised online. Marketed as a “fungicidal protective coating”, this type of paint appears to solve all of your problems with a single coat.

The only problem? Like the similar paints in this category, KILZ is a mold-inhibiting paint. While a few coats might help slow the spread of mold, it will do nothing to help treat the issue that’s already there. Over time, the mold will continue to spread right through the layers.

If you’re determined to switch up the color of your walls for another reason, you must remove the mold entirely from their surface before you begin. Otherwise, that pricey jug of paint you just bought will go to waste as the freshly-applied layers deteriorate from within. That’s right: The mold can eat through the paint!

What is the Best Way to Remove Mold?

Unless you’re a professional in the mold removal industry, you don’t want to choose this as your next DIY project.

Instead, if you’re in the Montreal area, call our team and let us handle it for you!

We perform a variety of mold-related services, especially for our clients in Ottawa, including:

• Mold inspection
• Mold testing
• Mold remediation
• Mold removal
• Room ventilation
• Property cleaning

How Do You Treat Mold Before Painting?

Before you begin a new paint job, it’s essential to remove all mold and mildew from the surface.

While some mold can be cleaned with a simple bleach solution and scrub brush, not all types respond favorably to this treatment. In most cases, scrubbing will only remove the surface mold that you can see, without truly addressing the root of the problem underneath.

At the first sign of mold, call our team. Our mold technicians carry certifications from the following industry bodies:

• Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
• Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ)
• National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP)

Our mold removal and remediation process is intensive and thorough. We take a dedicated approach to removing the mold from the inside, so your home can look as great as possible on the outside. Whether your surface consists of drywall, carpet, wood or tile, we can get right to the heart of the issue as quickly as possible.

Once we’ve finished completely removing all signs of mold, you’ll be ready to begin your paint job, confident that the results of your effort will stick around for years to come.

Painting Over Mold is Never a Good Idea

What happens if you paint over mold?

You throw money, time, energy and effort down the drain. You also put your home at an even greater risk with every day that the root issue remains unresolved.

Instead of grabbing a paintbrush, grab the phone.

Our expert mold technicians can pinpoint the problem and take steps to fix it immediately. Instead of painting over mold on a regular basis, you can use that time to choose the perfect color for your new room.

Get in touch with us today to ask questions, or consider our virtual inspection service for a quick assessment!