DESCRIPTION

Black, gray, green, or brown spots on any surface. Paint does not cause mildew.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

• Mildew forms interior and exterior surfaces that tend to be damp or receive little or no direct sunlight.
   

• Painting over a substrate (e.g. the surface that was painted) containing mildew.

SOLUTION

See Lead Information.
 

• Test for mildew by applying a few drops of household bleach to the area, if it is bleached away, the discoloration is probably mildew; if it does not disappear, it is probably dirt.
   

• Before painting, remove mildew by washing the surface with a solution of 1 part liquid bleach and 3 parts water. Apply the solution and scrub the mildewed area. Allow the solution to remain on the surface for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow the surface to dry before painting. Wear protective eyewear, protective clothing, and waterproof gloves. Quickly wash off any of the mixture that comes in contact with your skin. Do not add detergents or ammonia to the bleach/water solution.
   

• To protect against mildew, use a top-quality paint, and clean when necessary. Install an exhaust fan in high-moisture areas.
   

• Use a product that contains agents that inhibit the growth of mildew on the surface of paint film.
   

• If mildew is the only problem, painting may not be necessary after cleaning the surface.

INTERIOR

PRIMER
(if needed)
Harmony^® Interior Latex Primer
Premium Wall & Wood Interior Latex
Multi-Purpose Interior Oil-Based
Loxon^® Concrete & Masonry Primer/Sealer

SUGGESTED FINISH
Harmony^®
Bath Paint
or reapply the same coating

See Interior Paints

EXTERIOR

PRIMER
(if needed)
Exterior Primer
Loxon^® Concrete & Masonry Primer/Sealer
All Surface Enamel Primer

SUGGESTED FINISH
Duration^®
SuperPaint^®
A-100^®
WoodScapes^®
or reapply the same coating

See Exterior Paints