Is Painting Over Mold a Good Idea?

Painting over mold is an all-too-common way to cover up a problem. However, it's only a temporary fix, and it can cost thousands of dollars in repairs later. Homeowners have paid for expensive home remodeling jobs or renovations, just to tear it all out and start over again because they failed to properly address underlying mold problems. 

Depending on the type of mold, it can look brown, yellow, green, or black. 

Mold can be slimy or wet in appearance and can have an odor to it.

Can You Just Paint Over Mold?

Most paintable surfaces in the house are porous. Mold infiltrates deep below the surface and can be very difficult to remove. Drywall has a cardboard layer over a core of porous material (gypsum) that mold can easily infiltrate. Wood paneling and trim is naturally porous. 

Painting over the mold only covers it up, it does not kill it. The mold will come back if you don't remove it. So, unless you kill all the mold before painting, it will eventually re-emerge through the paint surface. The more porous the material is, the harder it is to kill all the mold inside. 

What Should You Do to a Mold-Covered Wall Before Painting It?

• Treat mold by removing the source of the problem. 
• Fix any roof or window leaks or shower leaks—any uncontrolled source of moisture in the area must be removed. 
• ALL the mold must be treated or removed, or it will eventually reappear.
• If the mold problem is severe, the wall should be removed and replaced.

Why Call BioClean CT? 

Calling BioClean CT will ensure that your mold problem is addressed correctly the first time. They use state-of-the-art cleaning processes and safe chemicals. They can guarantee that the mold won't return after their work is done. Let BioClean CT help with their free inspection service for new clients.