Painting Over a Mold Stain
- 1). Repair any source of water infiltration on your walls, such as overflowing gutters, leaking pipes or leaky roofs. If your indoor humidity is excessive, begin using a dehumidifier. Mold thrives on wet surfaces, so it's important eliminate the sources of excessive moisture that can enable the growth of mold.
- 2). Spray the stain with white vinegar using a common spray bottle. Wait five minutes before wiping off any excess moisture with a disposable paper towel. Allow the wall to dry off, then repeat this process. All or most of your surface discoloration should disappear from the wall. Independent laboratory testing has confirmed that vinegar is at least 80 percent effective at killing household mold.
- 3). Apply two coats of a mildewcide paint or anti-microbial paint by brush or roller. For best results, select a paint that has been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency to eliminate the growth of mold and mildew. Some of these paints offer a multi-year mold-preventative performance guarantee.
