Tips for Dealing with Water Stains & Mildew

by Susan White

It’s bound to happen a leaky roof, a burst pipe, melting snow, excessive bathroom moisture all leading to one of the most common household problems water stains on walls or ceilings.

You might be tempted to cover a water stain by applying a fresh coat of paint. But, chances are, it won’t work. Most water stains will bleed right through ordinary paints. They also can create an ideal environment for the growth of mold and mildew. Here’s some advice from the experts at Zinsser to help you deal with water stains and mildew on painted surfaces: First, make sure the surface is sound. Identify and fix the source of the moisture or leak or you’ll soon have another unsightly water stain. Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt and the unsightly deposits that can result from the leak. Use a bleach and water solution to remove mildew. Rinse the surface thoroughly.

Note: To avoid creating high moisture conditions beneath the surface, avoid flooding the area with water, bleach or cleaning solutions.

Dry the surface thoroughly. Use a hair dryer to dry small areas. Larger areas may require the use of a dehumidifier, heater or fan to ensure the surface is completely dry before priming.

Prime the surface with a shellac-base primer-sealer like Zinsser’s B-I-N( Primer-Sealer. Available in pints, quarts or gallons, B-I-N seals the stain and prevents it from bleeding through the topcoat. For small or hard to reach stains, use B-I-N( in a convenient aerosol spray.

In high humidity areas, like bathrooms, repaint with a product that prevents future mildew growth on the paint film. Zinsser’s Perma-White Mildew Proof* Bathroom Paint is guaranteed to protect itself against unsightly mildew for five years. It’s low odor and water-base for easy application. Its fast-dry, stain resistant finish is available in bright white, which also can be tinted to pastel colors.

* PERMA-WHITE contains a mildewcide to prevent the growth of mildew on the paint film only.