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Painting over Mould & Damp
Damp and mould can affect any property, especially as cold weather sets in. Apart from being unsightly, they can cause health issues if left untreated. Luckily, you can tackle damp and mould effectively with anti-mould products, including paints, primers, mould remover treatments and specialist cleaners.
Learn how to combat rising or penetrating damp, condensation and mould in our guide, with frequently asked questions, tips and advice such as:
How to treat damp walls before painting
Before you start painting, remove any damp or mould and clean the area to prevent it from reappearing. We recommend wearing PPE, like masks, goggles and gloves when treating damp and mould, as they can cause irritation. Follow these steps to learn how to treat damp walls before painting.
1. Clean the area
The first step is to create a clean and dry surface, ensuring any primers or paints you apply will adhere to the surface. Take a wire brush and remove as much organic matter as possible, including peeling paint. Exterior walls and wood can be treated with Dulux Trade Weathershield Multi-Surface Wash, suitable for painted and untreated wood or masonry.
2. Apply a specialist mould treatment
We recommend treating the affected area with specialist mould removers as an additional preventative step to stop mould or damp from returning. The Zinsser Mould Killer and Remover contains a fungicide and acts fast to tackle all kinds of mould. It can be used in bathrooms, kitchens and areas with high humidity and is safe for internal surfaces such as tiles, wood, plaster and wallpaper. After applying the treatment, leave the walls to dry overnight before sanding and priming.
3. Fill, sand and prime
If the mould has rotted the plaster, causing cracks or holes, fill them in before you paint. Browse our full range of fillers to find the right products for the job. Once the filler has dried, use a fine abrasive paper to smooth the surface ready for priming. Primer will ensure the area is sealed, making it easier to cover up discolouration and helping the paint adhere better.
How to remove mould from walls without damaging paint
Unfortunately, you can’t just paint over damp or mould in the hope it will disappear. Even if you use waterproof paint, it can still seep through over time. Depending on how bad the problem is, you may be able to remove the mould by cleaning the area without repainting.
Cleaning shouldn’t damage the existing paintwork if the correct products are used. We recommend using dish soap, warm water and a sponge to clean surface mould. Use kitchen roll to remove excess moisture, which could cause further mould or dampness. Diluted bleach can be used on white walls for stubborn mould, but it will remove other paint colours.
If cleaning alone hasn’t worked and the mould has stained, follow the steps above to eliminate damp and mould before repainting.
Does anti-mould paint work?
Anti-mould paint is a great short-term solution for fighting mould. It contains fungicidal chemicals which repel mould, creating an environment where it can’t grow. However, this chemical loses its potency over time, so mould may reappear if the underlying cause hasn’t been addressed or the area wasn’t cleaned sufficiently before painting.
The best mould paints
Discover the best mould paints available at Dulux Decorator Centre to find the right solution for your home. We have mould paints for indoor and outdoor areas in various shades, finishes and formulas.
Dulux Trade Mouldshield Fungicidal Matt
Dulux Trade Mouldshield Fungicidal Matt is designed for indoor walls and ceilings affected by mould or damp. This durable, water-based paint contains antifungal chemicals to keep mould at bay, providing high-quality, long-lasting results.
Zinsser Perma-White Interior Satin
If you prefer a satin finish, the Zinsser Perma-White Interior Satin paint is ideal for interior woodwork, including skirting boards, doors and cabinets. The long-lasting formula protects against cracking, blistering and peeling and contains a biocide that prevents the dried coating from mould damage. It’s also washable, making it easy to remove marks caused by wear and tear.
Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior High Gloss
For outdoor applications, use Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior High Gloss. Offering up to eight years of weather protection, this paint is formulated with a fungicide to inhibit mould growth on outdoor trim like gutters, pipes and primed metal. Explore the full Weathershield range to find anti-mould masonry paint, exterior woodcare products and more.
Tips for painting over mould
Once you’ve cleaned, treated and primed the affected area, you’re ready to start painting. Discover our top tips for painting over mould to ensure a premium finish.
1. Apply a mould-resistant paint
Mould-resistant paint is an excellent base coat, providing extra protection when used alongside a primer. Apply a thin layer with a brush, then leave to dry.
2. Add a layer of oil-based paint
Next, apply an oil-based paint or undercoat, like Dulux Trade Undercoat, to improve retention and increase opacity. This step is crucial if the area is stained or discoloured, as it will help to hide these marks.
3. Paint a final coat in your chosen shade and finish
Finally, apply your chosen paint colour to all the walls for an even appearance. We recommend Dulux interior emulsion paints for a durable, professional look in various shades and finishes.
Looking for more painting and decorating tips? Visit the Dulux Decorator Centre blog for step-by-step guides and design inspiration.
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