One of the annoying things you may encounter when you’re about to start house painting in San Ramon is the presence of mildew, either on the interior or exterior walls. Mildew thrives in damp or humid areas, or in areas that are shaded or do not get enough sunlight. Usually, you can find mildew in bathrooms, on basement walls, or parts of the exterior walls that are shaded by trees or bushes.
Most types of mildew are not toxic to healthy people but they can be a potential health hazard to the more sensitive folks. Plus, not only does mildew make the house look ugly, it also emits a musty odor and can damage the walls over time.
So when is a mildew-proof paint needed? Obviously, you shouldn’t paint when the mildew is still present on walls or exterior surfaces. Applying paint over mildew won’t solve the problem; it only makes it worse as the mildew will only seep out of the paint and continues to grow.
That’s why it is important to make your walls dry, clean and mildew-free before applying a mildew-proof paint (and other similar paint products). If you’re living in an area where a lot of moisture occurs, keeping your home mildew-free is very important.
If you are a person with no sensitivities whatsoever and the mildew doesn’t cover more than 10 square feet, in most cases you can remove it by yourself. Since mildew spores are airborne especially when they’re disturbed, it’s best to protect yourself by wearing a respirator, a pair of rubber gloves, and safety goggles with no holes.
When removing the mildew, make a cleaning solution which consists of three parts water and one part bleach. Use a clean rag, cloth, or sponge and dip it into the solution, then wipe the affected area. You may ask why not use a brush? It’s because brushing could only disturb the mildew which reacts by releasing spores into the air.
After applying the solution, let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes. Then, rinse the walls with clean water. Allow the walls to dry thoroughly first before you begin to apply paint.
But what if the environment is still muggy, or the area (such as a bathroom) is still prone to moisture, or if you don’t have much time to allow the surface to dry completely? You may also not be sure if the walls have dried thoroughly. This is where you need a mildew-proof paint and/or primer. Pros and experienced DIY painters alike usually recommend Sherwin-Williams Bath Paint, Zinsser Perma-White Mold & Mildew-Proof exterior and interior paints, and Loxon Concrete & Masonry Primer/Sealer.
Choose paints with a glossy finish because they are less porous than flat paints. Mold and mildew will never find a way to grow and thrive on glossy paints.
Go for a high-quality latex paint. Oil-based and alkyd paints will only provide a place for the mildew to grow; it thrives even more rapidly if the paint contains linseed oil.
Bathroom walls tend to get battered by moisture every day, and even mildew-resistant paints won’t totally solve the problem. That’s why it’s also essential to keep your bathroom well-ventilated. Have ceiling fans or extractor fans installed in your bathroom. Leave the door and/or window open for about an hour every day when the bathroom is not in use to encourage proper ventilation and air flow.
By considering these tips when house painting in San Ramon, you can make sure of a clean, beautiful, healthy, and mildew-free home for you and your family.
