In mild cases the mold will cause discoloration and an unpleasant smell.
Can i paint over mold on drywall.
Often when people choose to paint over mold it is because of ignorance.
In extreme cases such as with black mold it can negatively affect the health of those nearby.
Removing black mold from unpainted drywall is much tougher due to the fact that the mold can penetrate much deeper due to their being no protective barrier but all is not lost and it definitely possible if you follow the steps discussed below.
Painting over mold is one of the most common methods to hide mold.
A mold inhibitor paint helps in preventing the future development of mold but it isn t the.
Even after drying it out if mold has taken root it will persist.
It is recommended however not to paint over existing mold as this will just cover the mold and allow it to continue to grow behind the paint.
Mold resistant paint prevents the future growth of mold only on the paint surface itself.
Painting over it will not remove the mold and if the area isn t properly ventilated on the outside and it probably isn t the mold will continue to grow.
Just painting over it will hide the problem for a year or two.
Many people choose this solution because it is the quickest solution to hide the ugly signs of mold on their walls.
They will in no way prevent mold growth in your drywall framing or on other surfaces in your ceilings and walls.
With a little bit of water drywall can become an ideal environment for mold.
Ignoring the issue around your home will continue to cause you mold and mildew health problems.
As other posters are noting the mold is very likely on the outside of the drywall as well.
How to remove mold on drywall unpainted.
Use an antimicrobial cleanser we like foster 40 80 and a brush to clean the surface thoroughly.
In addition you need to purchase a mold killing paint rather than the resistant variety as this is the only way to deal with already existing mold.
Instead of painting over mold remove as much mold as possible from a surface before painting it.
Zinsser mold killing primer is a water based epa registered fungicidal protective coating that can be used to paint over and kill all existing mold mildew moss fungi odor causing bacteria and any other fungal organisms.
If you paint over fresh drywall with regular wall paint you ll have a hard time getting an even finish.
It can be difficult or impossible to completely remove mold from porous surfaces like wood and in those cases professionals sometimes sand the wood.
But that is the problem you are only hiding the mold temporarily.
You may get acceptable results by using self priming wall paint.