Can You Paint Over Mold With KILZ® Mold & Mildew Primer?

Does KILZ Mold & Mildew Primer prevent mold and mildew?

KILZ Mold & Mildew Primer prevents mold and mildew growth on the primer film/primer surface. It is important to ensure that the surface is mold and mildew free before the primer and topcoat paint is applied. It is however, not supposed to be applied directly to mold (especially the black or yellowish, wet, slimy type). In those situations, proper health protective measures should be immediately taken and the mold removed properly with quality mold removing products or with a professional before attempting to apply primer and paint over the surface. To learn how to remove mold from your home, please visit: EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home | US EPA.

What are the dangers of painting over mold and mildew?

Painting directly over mold and mildew goes against best paint practices and is not recommended. Mold is a living organism that thrives in a moisture environment so painting (or priming) over it, does not kill it. If the moldy surface is not properly cleaned before priming with KILZ^® Mold & Mildew, it will likely continue to grow underneath the paint and eventually come back out through paint that cracks or peels or through the back of the wall or surface, especially if it remains damp or wet.

How to use KILZ Mold and Mildew Primer?

KILZ Mold & Mildew Primer is ideal for interior and exterior spaces prone to high moisture and humidity. Think bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, powder rooms, patio kitchens, pool decks, greenhouses, etc. It contains an EPA certified mildewcide which prevents mold and mildew growth on the primer film. It will help ensure the primer coat and primed surface is mildew or mold free prior to applying the topcoat so there are no active organisms trapped inside. Aside from this, KILZ Mold & Mildew Primer also has a high hiding white finish which hides previous colors, stains, graffiti and other marks and blemishes. It is also a medium level stain blocker which prevents stains like pen, marker, lipstick, grease, nicotine, water and light tannin bleed from leaching through the paint finish.

Prior to applying the primer, remove any mold or mildew with a proper remover or have it removed by a professional. In severe cases, the moldy substrates may need to be replaced. Once the surface is mold and mildew free, ensure it is clean and dry before applying primer. KILZ Mold & Mildew Primer also has very low VOC making it safer to use and better for the environment and can be applied easily using a brush, roller or sprayer. It also comes in a handy 13 oz spray version for convenient spot priming, touch-ups or small spray projects.