Can I paint over mold?

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Though it's tempting to simply paint over mold like this, the better way is to remediate it properly.

Everyone looks for the quick, easy solution.  So, after you discovered you had a water damage due to a leaky pipe, you fixed the pipe.  Unfortunately, mold started to colonize and grow where the leak was.  Now you’re wondering if you can simply paint over the mold.

If you are seeing mold on drywall, all you’re seeing is the exterior of the wall.  What about the interior wall cavity?  The framing?

Painting over the mold hides the mold, but does not eradicate nor remediate the mold.  It can trap moisture behind/under the paint, giving the existing mold more moisture to work with. 

If you just bought or rented a house, signs that someone has painted over mold in the past are:

• Bubbled, cracked, or chipped paint.
• Water staining has returned.
• Signs of mold coming through the paint. Active mold can actually eat through the paint.
• Musty smell has returned, especially on humid days.

Steps to properly remediate mold are to:

1. Correct the water issue.
2. Remove all moldy materials (affected drywall, for instance) where mold cannot be removed cost effectively.
3. Dry all remaining structure thoroughly.
4. Spray an anti-microbial to help prevent mold growth.
5. Repair all damaged areas.

Or you can:

1. Call SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600. We are the mold experts!