Most of us have dealt with mold on a few occasions. It can be a frustrating task to clean or treat the mold or mildew spots that appear in your home, and the health concerns are enormous. Even more frustrating than that is the fact that mold is relentless. If it is not treated properly, it will surely return and cause problems all over again.
Mold can easily get into your home and grow on your walls and ceilings. To eradicate mold, mold spores, and mildew, you need to use a proper treatment regime which may include cleaning as well as painting. There are many different paints and primers you can use to treat this exact problem.
But does mold killing primer or paint actually work? Let’s take a look at what mold is, why it is considered to be dangerous for your health, how it can be treated, and whether you should spend money on special paints or primers.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that naturally grows outdoors. It takes part in the decomposition of plant life. Reproduction happens through spores – adult mold releases spores into the air and they get carried by the wind.
It is far too easy for spores to get into our homes. As soon as mold takes hold in a building, it starts reproducing. Dampness or humid temperatures contribute to its rapid growth.
Mildew, a white or black growth, is often found against walls or ceilings. It also damages clothes and fabrics. Mold and mildew can leave marks on fabric or even destroy it.
Mold also creates an unpleasant smell in your home. But the biggest downside of having mold in your home is the damage caused to your and your family’s health.
What Makes It So Dangerous?
What makes mold so dangerous is the mold spores it releases in order to reproduce. The spores become airborne, especially when disturbed by rubbing or cleaning, and they can be breathed into the lungs. When these spores are inhaled, serious lung infections may occur. Black mold spores are especially dangerous and they can cause lasting health conditions.
Furthermore, mold can cause skin and eye irritations. It can worsen or even cause the symptoms of asthma and allergies. It is therefore important that mold is eradicated from the home before it could take a hold on your health. It is also imperative that a mask is worn when working with mold.
What is Mold Killing Paint and Primer and How Does It Work?
Mold killing paint and primer is a fungicidal protective coating that is used to paint over and kill mold. These products contain an antimicrobial to prevent the growth of mold. It can be used in or outside of the home. It will also assist in covering up the smell as well as the stains created by mold.
Since this type of product comes with a built-in pesticide, it may be more expensive than normal PVA paints. So you might wonder: does mold killing primer or paint actually work and is it worth it to pay extra for it?
Unfortunately, little information exists on whether mold killing paints and primers actually work or not. It seems that with a proper pre-treatment, these paints usually do the trick of removing and covering up the mold, as well as stopping it from coming back later.
Here is how you can keep mold at bay with the use of these paints and primers.
How to Treat and Paint Mold Infected Walls or Ceilings:
It is important that you treat the area to be painted first before you start painting. If you neglect that step, the paint might peel off and the mold might return to its former glory. Treating the area also helps the primer work properly.
1. Remove Mold
Before you do anything else, you need to remove the mold or mildew from the walls. Wash the area with warm soapy water. A bleach and water mixture will also do the trick since bleach will assist in killing the mold. Remember to use a mask during this process since mold spores become airborne especially when disturbed. When this happens, you could inhale them without even noticing.
2. Take Care of Damp Areas
Ensure that the infected area is clean and dry and that any underlying structural problem has been taken care of. For example, you might need better insulation or improved plumbing. You should also make sure to scrape off any loose or peeling paint from the walls, as well and treat all the surfaces with a proper filler.
Never skip this step, as the mold is sure to come back if you don’t eradicate it.
3. Primer and Topcoat
Paint at least two coats of the primer to ensure that the mold is completely covered and contained. The first coat should dry within an hour or two, after which it is advised to follow it up with a second coat of the same primer. Follow the primer up with a top coat within 72 hours from primer application.
Some people find it difficult to choose a paint or primer they can trust. For others, the process of treating the moldy area can prove to be a challenge. But remember that you don’t have to do this job alone. There are experts you can hire who have ample experience in getting rid of mold.
Final Thought
While mold is not an unusual occurrence, it is a headache for many of us. It is imperative that mold is eradicated from the home to ensure that the mold spores do not become a health problem for you or your family members.
When mold finds a way onto your walls or ceilings, a proper treatment regime is required. At the very least, you need to clean the area properly and perhaps even cover the area with an appropriate product that treats mold.
Does mold killing primer or paint actually work? When applied properly, these products can help save your home from mold. However, you have to choose the right products, which can be pricey. If you’re not sure where to start, asking for expert help might be the best solution.
References:
http://www.ehs.ufl.edu/programs/ih/ieq/mold/
https://extension2.missouri.edu/gh5928
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