As a homeowner, the war against mold is never really over. The moment you forget about mold prevention and remediation, or stop paying attention to the indoor conditions that foster mold growth, your chances of attracting mold will begin to increase. That’s why ongoing prevention is so much better than remediation and cleanup—even if there are professionals who can tackle mold effectively.
What are some of the most important mold prevention measures?
- Keeping your home properly ventilated
- Monitoring your humidity levels closely (humidity encourages mold growth)
- Addressing water damage issues immediately
- Keeping your gutters and drainage systems clear and operational
These things do go a long way, but some homeowners truly want all the protection they can get. We’re talking sheetrock, drywall, even insulation materials that are specifically design to prevent mold. Paint is another product that has recently been offered in mold-resistant varieties. But does it really do the trick? Is it worth considering anti-mold paint for your bathrooms, kitchen, or any other area of your home?
What makes anti-mold paint different?
So what is it about this paint that actually keeps mold from growing? Basically, the paint contains anti-microbial properties that prevent mold spores from being able to spread and reproduce on its surface after the paint has dried. Keep in mind that this paint does not kill existing mold spores or solve mold problems that were already there—it merely makes it more difficult for new mold spores to multiply and thrive.
How do homeowners use it?
When you apply anti-mold paint, you want to focus on areas where moisture is constantly present. This means that basements, kitchens, and bathrooms are all in the mix. For the best protection, manufacturers often recommend painting the floors and ceilings in addition to the walls—especially if a mold problem has recently been dealt with.
It’s important to note that anti-mold paint is not applied like ordinary paint. There are a few important things that need to be done first. The exact directions may differ depending on the manufacturer, but in general you’ll need to:
- Completely eradicate any existing mold spores that exist on the surface, preferably with the help of a qualified mold removal pro
- Carefully use a bleach solution on the surface
- Use a power washer and/or scrubber after bleach has been applied
- Make sure the surface is completely dry before applying paint
Again, these instructions may vary depending on your exact situation. Consult the manufacturers instructions and/or your trusted mold professional for detailed instructions.
So…is it worth the time and money?
Anti-mold paint is widely available at home retail stores and web sites, and the price point is only slightly higher (in some cases the same) as ordinary paint. Cost really isn’t much of an issue here—but you may not need this type of paint throughout your home. Anti-mold paint can certainly be a useful mold prevention measure, especially in moist areas of the home. However, in order to really make it work your while, and take advantage of its anti-microbial properties, it’s important to strategize carefully and complete the proper steps before applying any paint.
We hope this blog post is useful in your mold prevention efforts. Your questions or comments are welcomed below.