Fixing ventilation and reducing moisture problems are not the only ways to prevent mold. Using a special product such as mold-resistant paint helps to prevent mold growth. Choosing the right paint is the key to stop mold even before it grows and spreads in your house.
Table of Contents
A. What is Mold-resistant Paint?
Mold prevention paint is similar to the regular one, only containing antifungal ingredients. The paint does not fully stop fungal growth, but it dramatically reduces the risks of mildew and mold. This paint is effective to resist fungal growth in dry and wet rooms.
Moisture is one of the main factors that support mold growth. This special paint not only kills most of the fungi but also protects the surface from water absorption. Spores will not get seeped into the pores, something that often causes hidden mold problems.
You can find anti-mold paint products to cover specific areas. Some products are more suitable for bathrooms and toilets, while others are perfect for ceilings and drywalls. Most products will protect your property for four to six years before repainting.
B. Steps to Apply Mold-resistant Paint
Applying mold-killing paint requires specific steps because you want the coverage to be perfect and effective. If the spot is moldy, moist, or dirty from the beginning, make sure you “prep” that part before painting.
Here are the steps for applying this paint:
1. Clean the moldy spot
Make sure that the area is clean. Scrub all the mold specks with disposable brush and bleach mixture (the ratio for bleach and water is 1:8).
2. Dry the spot
Treat the clean area by drying it properly. Open the ventilation and install a dehumidifier. You can also use the help of a fan to quicken the drying process.
3. Apply primer
Protect the areas with the highest mold risks by applying mold-resistant primer. You can apply it on the ceiling, the lower wall near the bathroom floor, and all corner and edge areas. Wait for the prime is dry before painting.
4. Apply paint
Follow the directions to apply the paint. Start from the lower parts and continue to the top. If the manufacturer asks you to apply the second coat, follow it.
Wait for at least 24 hours before using the painted area. Avoid brushing hard for about seven days.
C. Mold-resistant Paint Recommendations
Wanting to protect your house now? Use these mold-resistant paint reviews to determine your options:
1. Ronseal Anti Mould Paint
Ronseal is suitable to protect the bathroom, kitchen, and toilet. The paint boasts six years of protection against mold and mildew. The formula withstands steam and moisture, with strong “grip” ideal for dry walls and ceilings.
Ronseal is water-based, green, and nontoxic. It dries in two hours, perfect for a quick project. You can choose between matte and silk finishes.
2. Rust-Oleum Perma-White
This mildew-resistant paint is suitable for interior, with a beautiful gloss finish. It is ideal for ceiling, drywall, bathroom, and basement room. The water-based paint is not only nontoxic but also keeps your house free of mold for around five years.
Rust-Oleum Perma-White is stain and moisture-resistant, with non-odor formula suitable for kids and aroma-sensitive people.
3. KILZ Stainblocking Ceiling Paint
KILZ was made to specifically cover ceilings. You need to paint twice to perfectly cover the ceiling surface. Wait for four hours before applying the second coat.
4. Behr Premium Plus
This affordable paint lasts less than five years. However, it can stain oil and water-based stain. The paint also has good coverage even since the first coat. The gloss surface makes the room more interesting.
You can use these recommendations to start hunting for paint that prevents mold. Choose products with details suitable for your conditions.
D. Additional Product Recommendations
Curb all moisture risks before applying the first paint coat. KILLZ 2 is a latex-based prime and sealer in one can. It provides a good base and stain coverage. It also protects the painted area from moisture penetration, keeping it mold-free for many years to come. KILLZ 2 is ideal for wood, stone, and plaster surfaces.
If you use water-based paint, you can apply a protective layer to make it last longer. Paint Guard is a product that adds protection level from fungi. Paint Guard does not affect your paint’s color and finish. You can add it to paint and stir properly, before applying the paint as usual.
Finally, try Liquid Rubber Foundation Sealant for extra protection against moisture. If you are worried about unavoidable water problems, this sealant will cover all the gaps that allow moisture and mold to appear.
E. Paint Finish Options for Different Surfaces
When you see various mold-proof paint products, you may see different types of finish. You can get matte, satin, to glossy coats. While they look beautiful in unique ways, they also have specific characteristics, suitable for different surfaces.
Here are several popular paint finishes and the ideal surfaces:
1. Matte
Matte (flat) coat is suitable for dry, low-traffic areas. This paint is not recommended for bathroom and toilet, but perfect for living room, hall, dining room, and ceiling.
2. Eggshell
“Eggshell” is a term for almost-flat paint, which retains some of its gloss. It can handle areas with slightly higher moisture level.
3. Satin
This coat has a slightly higher gloss than eggshell, prominent but not sharp. It is also suitable for low-moisture environments.
4. Semi-gloss
Semi-gloss is a popular coat, suitable for rooms with high and low moisture levels. It offers beautiful shine, but not as prominent as the fully gloss one.
5. Gloss
High gloss paint is perfect for places with high and low moisture levels. However, the shine looks garish on large surfaces. You can use this to protect and embellish accents or small spots.
Pay attention to the finish types when shopping for paint. Some manufacturers put the coat info on the cans. Don’t make your house look garish just because of wrong coat type.
Choosing the right paint gives you protection against fungi for four to six years. Mold-resistant paint contains ingredients that slow down fungal growth, but not permanently killing it. You must apply the paint based on the instructions. Don’t forget to clean and dry the wall properly before applying the paint coats. Use additional products such as sealant, primer, and paint guard.
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