Paints to Help Prevent Mildew Growth
Most homes will have to deal with the persistent annoyance that is mildew. It seemingly grows of its own accord, quickly taking over parts of your home and causing a plethora of problems. For one, it is extremely ugly and will ruin the aesthetics of your house. Secondly, it's impossible to clean and will almost always need professional assistance. As if that's not bad enough, it can actually be a health hazard due to the allergens it creates.
The only good news is that you can stop the creation and spread of mildew by choosing the right paints. Some paints are resistant to this fungi, stopping it from forming. Therefore, it's as easy as putting down a couple of coats of pain and protecting your property!
What makes paint mildew-resistant?
Not all paint is resistant to mildew, but some have special properties that prevent it from growing. Effectively, you're looking for any paint that contains antimicrobial agents designed to stop mildew growth. If you're worried about how to spot this, then don't fret. Typically, mildew-resistant paint is advertised as such on the packaging. It tends to say in big writing that the paint is anti-mildew and anti-mold - or something else along those lines.
There are lots of different brands and variants out there, so your best bet is to look at online reviews to find the top options. This will help you figure out what paint is the best for preventing mildew in and around your home.
How do you apply mildew-resistant paint?
Applying your paint is similar to how you'd apply any other type of paint. The only difference is that you should take more care when preparing the surface. Begin by ensuring no mold or mildew are present, then clean the area with an antimicrobial cleanser. This preps the surface and ensures that you apply the paint to something that is nice and clean. Two coats are always the best, just for improved efficacy. Of course, make sure you let the surface dry after you cleaned it and before you apply the paint!
Never apply mildew-resistant paint to a surface that has mildew on it. This completely defeats the purpose as the mildew will still spread under the layers of paint. So, focus on removing it before you then prevent it from coming back.
What is mildew?
Mildew is a type of fungus that often gets mixed up with mold. Both of these fungi are guilty of making themselves present in your home. In all honesty, if you spot either of them lingering, you need to take action. Both can release microorganisms that disrupt the air and cause breathing problems, and both ruin the appearance of your property.
However, the two fungi aren't the same. They belong to the same family, but there are subtle differences between the two:
Mildew tends to be more white, gray, or yellow. Mold is typically black or green
Mildew grows on top of surfaces. Mold grows underneath it
Mildew looks and feels powdery. Mold is a lot fuzzier
Hopefully, this should help you identify mildew in your property. From there, you can work on removing it and covering the new patch with your mildew-resistant paint.
Where should you look for mildew in your home?
Like mold, mildew grows under wet and humid conditions. So, think about all the areas of your home where these conditions are common:
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Basements
Exterior walls
Keep an eye on all surfaces in these places, particularly the ones that are close to moisture. Windows are usually very susceptible to mildew, so keep an eye on them for any telltale warning signs.
It's very important to spot mildew as soon as possible. In its early stages, you can probably clean it yourself. Cleaning experts say that bleach is the most effective way to remove mildew from surfaces. If this doesn't work, the mildew might be too deeply ingrained. In which case, your only solution is to call some professional cleaners to deal with it for you. As you can imagine, this can be pretty expensive, so it's best to spot the problem early and deal with it yourself!
Hopefully, this post has taught you everything you need to know about mildew and mildew-resistant paint. If you want to stop this fungus from growing in your home, you should use paint that prevents it from forming. Feel free to view my other blog posts for more painting tips, or get in touch today for professional help with your next project.