5 Tips for Using Mildew Resistant Paint

Mildew grows mainly in damp, humid or moist areas of your home and the best form of attack is mildew resistant paint. Keeping mold away once it becomes prevalent in your home is harder than actually preventing it in the first place. It can mean having to replace entire walls or ceilings so preventing, rather than curing, is a better way to keep mold at bay.

Tip 1 – The Affected Area

If you have an area in your home which is becoming infected by the growth of mold, the best thing to do first of all is to address growth before it gets too out of hand. Mold and mildew have potentially dangerous spores that can cause health issues so clean the area thoroughly with a mold or mildew fighting cleaner. Use soft cloths or soft bristle brushes instead of hard brooms or abrasives. The main purpose of this is reduce the spores can become airborne and create mold or a health hazard. Remember to wipe rather than brush.

Tip 2 – Treatment

Once you have cleaned the area thoroughly, allow it dry with good ventilation and fresh air. If you can use a dehumidifier to dry out the air and moisture in the atmosphere, you will offer yourself an advantage in the fight against mold and mildew and you will have a fresh base to start from.

Tip 3 – Primer

Use soft bristle paint brushes or foam brushes to prime the area. Lower parts of the walls in bathrooms, basements or mudrooms tend to be breeding areas for mold and mildew and also the tops of corners and edges near the ceiling. Brush a coat of mildew resistant primer as your primary source of protection. Let that coat dry before applying the first coat of paint.

Tip 4 – Painting

Use mildew resistant paint on the lower parts of walls and floors in basement areas. This will also help if you live in a flood prone area, as even an inch of floor water can be difficult to remove and the damp that seeps into the walls and floor will cause mold and mildew. Paint the area with a foam or soft bristled brush and lay on at least two coats. The chemicals in the paint will not only kill and disguise any old mildew stains but it will also prevent any potentially new growths from occurring.

Tip 5 – Bathrooms

Bathrooms come in for a huge bashing when it comes to mildew. If your bathroom does not have an extractor fan or window then you are without doubt going to be in for a battle with mildew and mold. The high humidity area has no way to breath and ventilate the bathroom so, if possible, use mildew and mold resistant paint on the walls and ceiling of your bathroom. Shower areas are not so easy to keep under control but if your shower area has painted walls or a plastic shower all-in-one fitting, you may get away with painting the ceiling. However, the mold and mildew will still need to be kept away from the unit itself by using appropriate cleaners.