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McPherson Quality Painting and Water Proofing
PROBLEM
Mildew
is a fungus (mold) that grows on many exterior painted surfaces
such as wood, stucco and concrete, as well as on interior
bathroom walls. Mildew is not caused by paint. It is a living
organism that feeds on other living things, such as wood. Mildew
discoloration, which is black or brown and resembles dirt when
seen from a distance, is actually caused by fungi feeding on oil
contained in paints, or on thickeners in latex coatings. It
thrives in warm, humid conditions, and in areas that have little
sunlight and poor circulation.
If mildew
is not removed from the existing surface and is painted over, it
will grow completely through the new coat of paint, even if the
paint contains mildewcide.
If it is not corrected, mildew will continue eating away the
existing paint, causing eventual paint failure in the affected
areas. There is no way to absolutely prevent mildew growth.
However, it may be controlled if the proper precautions and
recommendations are followed.
Possible
causes
·
Painting over a substrate or coating on which mildew has not
been removed.
· Failure to prime a bare wood surface before applying the paint.
· Use of a lower-quality alkyd, oil-based or latex paint.
SOLUTION
1.) Determine if the problem area is a mildew problem.
· Apply two drops of bleach to the problem area.
If the dark color bleaches out in a few minutes, then it is
mildew.
If the dark color persists, it is probably dirt or another type
of contamination.
2.) Protect all plants and shrubs with a thin plastic sheeting
before cleaning the surface.
3.) Clean the surface with a commercially available mildew
remover or use the following solution provided below. The
cleaning solution may be applied with a Hudson type sprayer on
large areas.
1 gallon of liquid chlorine bleach 3 gallons warm water 1/3 cup
of powdered detergent (2/3 cup Tri-Sodium Phosphate may be added
for additional cleaning. However, this will leave a residue which
requires a thorough double rinsing).
CAUTION: Chlorine bleach must never be mixed with
ammonia or with any detergent or cleaners containing ammonia.
These mixtures will form vapors which can be harmful or lethal.
Gloves, goggles and protective clothing should be worn for
protection.
4.) Rinse
surface thoroughly with clean water.
5.) Rinse all plants, shrubs and surrounding surfaces.
6.) Allow the surface to dry.
7.) Prime and paint the surface using the appropriate Dunn-Edwards
finishing system (see DunnEdwards specification
Most quality paints use mildewcides in all exterior paints to
resist new mildew growth. In addition, a fungicide or mildewcide
may be added to the primer and paint if extra protection is
desired.
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