Removing mould from walls and ceilings

In this guide, we will show you how to treat and remove mould from interior walls in your home and prevent it from coming back.

What causes black mould and mildew?

Whether it’s black, green or white, mould and mildew are types of fungus, which can develop in areas of persistent high humidity, frequent temperature changes and poor air circulation. High moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements, where there isn’t much airflow, can often suffer from mould build up through condensation.

Can you paint over mould?

Yes. Once treated properly with Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover, a mould-resistant paint like Zinsser Permawhite® can be used to restore your walls and ceilings to their former glory. Here’s how…

Cleaning and treating mould on walls and ceilings

Before removing mould and redecorating, you should always check to ensure there are no major underlying causes to the mould build up. Leaks from roofs, guttering and pipes should always be tackled first to ensure a dry surface to work with.

Required Steps

1
Sand

Remove all loose debris and any failing paint from the surface with a scrubbing brush or sandpaper. This will create a sound surface for new paint to adhere to.

2
Clean

This should be followed by a thorough clean and degrease of the surface using Zinsser Universal Degreaser & Cleaner. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any residue and allow the surface to dry fully.

3
Remove mould

Once the surface is clean and dry you can then apply Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover directly to the surface and leave to dry. This will kill any mould left on the surface and stop it from returning.

4
Prime

Once the surface has been treated and dried, you will need to cover up any staining. We recommend water-based primer sealer Zinsser B-I-N® AQUA. This will leave a clean and odour free surface to apply your mould resistant paint.

How to prevent mould - Applying mould resistant paint

To resist mould growth, Zinsser Permawhite should be used. Zinsser Permawhite contains a biocide to protect the dried coating against fungal degradation* - preventing mould from regrowing on the surface. Designed to resist cracking, peeling and blistering for up to 7 years before first maintenance, it is tough, durable and dependable.

“Zinsser PermaWhite is one of the few mould-resistant paints that I have absolute faith in,” says Mike Cupit of The Decorators Forum, “it’s very durable and contains a fungicide that resists mould growth. You can have it tinted to just about any colour, and you can use it on any surface, including ceilings, walls, and woodwork.”

Zinsser Permawhite also comes in matt and satin finishes, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and any other areas prone to high humidity and poor air circulation.

Application instructions:

Apply two coats of Zinsser Permawhite to the surface, allowing at least 2 hours drying time between the coats.

Following these steps will help ensure durable, mould-free walls in your home for years to come. Be sure to check out our other products, or take a look at Mike’s full tutorial on dealing with black mould.

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