Whether you are painting an exterior surface or an interior surface, you must first remove and treat mold and mildew. The process is virtually identical for either mold or mildew. There are a few basic considerations to adequately remove and treat the mold and mildew.
Identifying Mold and Mildew
Before you paint over a surface, identify whether you are painting over mold, mildew, or both. According to Nwrennovation.com, mildew and mold are the most common cause of paint discoloration. Mildew is black, green or brown and has a furry appearance. Mold tends to look more like dark spores. You can tell if you have mold or mildew if you apply a 5 percent bleach solution to the discoloration. If it bleaches, it is mold and mildew because dirt does not bleach. If you notice either mildew or mold on the surface of a wall in or around your home, do not simply paint over it. Remove the mold and mildew first because painting over it will only cause the mold and mildew to eat away at the new paint.
Eliminating the Problem
After testing for mold and mildew, remove them. According to Nwrennovation.com, mix a disinfecting solution to remove the mold and mildew. An ideal solution is about a quart of bleach with three quarts of water. Gently apply the bleach to the affected parts of the wall or surface you intend to paint. Always wear rubber gloves and goggles when handling bleach. It is a severe eye and skin irritant. If you are working outside, protect vegetation with a plastic cover draped over them. Remove the cover shortly after cleaning and killing the mildew and mold. Keeping plastic over plants for an extended period will damage them.
Proper Paint Practices
If you are painting an exterior surface, consider using paint with a "mildewcide." Mildewcides are made with biocide barium metaborate and prevent the growth of mildew and mold. They do not remove mildew and mold, though, so do not rely on this type of paint to eliminate an existing problem. Avoid using mildewcide paint inside or near doors and windowsills because it can harm children who may inhale the vapors or eat the paint chips.
Other paints contain zinc oxide, a white pigment effective at resisting the growth of new mold and mildew. Avoid using paint with linseed oil because it is particularly ineffective at resisting new mold and mildew growth. The same is true of water-based paints.
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