- 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.
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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. |
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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. |
