3 November 2017
 Categories: , Blog

Paint can make the exterior of your home look fresh and new. Unfortunately, an old problem can rear its ugly head and ruin your paint job. Specifically, mildew can form on the new paint shortly after you (or the professionals) finish the job. Here are three tips to prevent this from happening so you can enjoy your home's new look longer.

Address the Underlying Problem

Before you call a painter or go shopping for paint colors, the first thing you should do is address any mildew problems you currently have. This goes beyond simply treating mildew you can see; you must also figure out what caused the mildew to form and fix the problem to reduce the risk that it will come back.

For instance, rain gutters are a common source of mildew and mold growth because they get clogged (or develop holes) and cause water to overflow and run down the side of the home. Fixing the gutters to ensure they drain water away from the home will be crucial to preventing mildew from returning.

Take the time to thoroughly address both the underlying cause and the visible appearance of the mildew before starting your painting project.

Choose the Right Paint

The second thing you should do is choose a mold- and mildew-resistant paint. These paints either have properties that prevent mildew growth naturally or contain additives that make the paint unappealing to mold spores. For instance, mildew actually feeds on oil-based paint. Therefore, it's better to choose a latex paint, which typically contains high amounts of mildewcide.

Dark paints with satin or semi-gloss finishes typically make the best mildew-resistant paints for a couple of reasons. First, dark paints dry faster after getting wet, which minimizes the amount of time the paint remains hospitable to mildew. Second, satin and semi-gloss paints are less porous, so mildew will have a hard time penetrating it to get to the organic matter underneath it.

Discuss the issue with a professional painter or paint mixer to get suggestions on the best ones to use for your home.

Paint Multiple Coats

Lastly, be sure to paint multiple coats. Not only does this look better, but the more coats you put on the home, the bigger the physical barrier between mildew spores and the organic parts of your home that it likes to inhabit. In general, you'll want to put on a minimum of two coats of paint on your home to protect it from mold and mildew.

For more tips on preventing mildew from destroying your home's paint job or for help with painting the exterior part of your house, contact a professional painting company such as Braendel Painting.