Can You Paint Over Mold?

Mold can be a real problem for homeowners, leading to health issues and costly remediation if not dealt with quickly. But is it possible to simply paint over mold to save time and money? The answer is no.

In this article, we'll cover the basics of why you should not paint over mold, and what can be done instead to keep your home looking it’s best and the people living in it healthy. 

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows naturally in places with lots of moisture, like bathrooms and basements. It can grow almost anywhere indoors if there's moisture present.

Mold spores are microscopic and float through the air, so they can easily get into your home through open windows and doors, HVAC systems, and other cracks and crevices. Once inside, mold can quickly grow and spread and may cause health issues, such as allergic reactions and infections in people who come into contact with it.

The specific health risks associated with mold depend on the type of mold present, the size of the mold colony, the amount of contact with the mold, and the person's immune system and health.

The most common health issues associated with mold are allergies, asthma, infections, and toxic reactions. Some molds can produce toxins, referred to as mycotoxins, that are dangerous for people.

Is it Safe to Paint Over Mold?

The best way to deal with mold is to get rid of it by cleaning and removing it. 

Painting over mold will only cover up the mold aesthetically temportarily, but the mold will still be there. Over time, it will lead to more mold growth, and create health problems for those around the mold. There are many risks associated with this practice.

Not to mention, if you do paint over mold, this can cause the paint to bubble and crack anyway. 

Painting over wet mold can create more mold growth, which can be even more dangerous.

Mold spores can cause allergic reactions and infections in people who come in contact with them, so it's important to minimize contact with mold.

Inspecting The Mold

• Size of the Mold Colony: This can affect both the likelihood of mold growth and the amount of spores in the air. If the colony is large, there is an even greater chance of growing a new colony in the area.
• Amount of Mold Growth: The amount of growth also determines how much will need to be removed to prevent more growth. 
• Amount of Contact with the Mold: The more contact you have with the mold, the more likely you are to develop health issues.
• Health of the People in the Area: People with weakened immune systems are at greater risk.

Alternatives to Painting Over Mold

Instead of painting, there are other ways to deal with mold. 

If you're dealing with large mold colonies or you're unsure how to remove the mold, you should hire professionals to assess the situation and provide a permanent solution.

Mold remediation experts have the training and equipment needed to properly remove the mold and sanitize the area. They can also help prevent the mold from coming back by making any necessary changes to reduce moisture levels.

Hire ZeroMold for Mold Remediation

If the mold in your home is more than a surface issue, the only way to get rid of it for good is to hire a mold removal service like ZeroMold. We are a professional mold removal company with the experience and equipment necessary to safely and thoroughly detect and remove mold.

Family-owned and operated, ZeroMold provides a one-stop service for all of your mold removal and water damage cleanup needs. We have over 30 years of experience in the mold and water damage cleanup industry and use only the latest eco-friendly technology and techniques. 

Being fully IICRC-certified with a 100% success rate, we take pride in providing our services in a friendly, reliable, and professional manner. 

Contact ZeroMold today for any mold disaster. Call us anytime at (888) 928-6653 for a free evaluation and inspection, or email us at [email protected] for your questions.

Summary

Mold is a type of fungus that grows naturally in places with lots of moisture, like bathrooms and basements. When mold grows inside your home, it can become a real problem if not dealt with quickly, leading to health issues and costly remediation. But is it possible to simply paint over mold to save time and money? 

The answer is no— the mold will still be there causing potential health issues. In fact, it will most likely continue to grow, and only get worse. 

The better option is to hire a mold removal company like ZeroMold to get rid of the mold for good.