How Do I Prevent Mildew & Mold Buildup On My Paint surface?

Mildew is probably one of the most common problems that come with the maintenance of any painted surface. It appears as black, gray, or brown spots/areas on the surface of paint or caulk.

Some possible causes of mildew are:

•           Areas that tend to be damp or receive little or no direct sunlight such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

•           Use of an alkyd or oil-based paint, or lower quality latex paint.

•           Failure to prime a bare wood surface before applying the paint.

•          Painting over a substrate or coating on which mildew has not been removed.

If you are faced with mildew troubles:

•          Test for mildew by applying a few drops of household bleach to the area, followed by rinsing. If it is bleached away, the discoloring is most likely mildew.

•          Remove all mildew from the surface by cleaning with a diluted household bleach solution. (One-part bleach, three parts water.) **Do not use an abrasive pad when cleaning. Use a cloth rag.

•         Rinse thoroughly.

Mildewcide & Prevention

All of our house paints are developed with a mildewcide additive to help battle mildew and mold growth on your painted surfaces.

However, if you have an area that you know receives a lot of moisture we can add additional mildewcide to your paint for your peace of mind. Still, it is important to remember to do you part in controlling moisture in higher risk areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. This can be done by providing good ventilation in these areas when necessary. Something as simple as cracking a window can do a world of good!

Zinsser Mold Killing Primer

At Forrest we carry Zinsser Mold Killing Primer. It works wonders here in the Pacific Northwest. This product is effective at sealing in mold and mildew; as well as preventing it from growing back.

**As always we do recommend cleaning the surface to the best of your ability before painting.